At the premiere of Willis Ikedum’s ‘Sweet 16’, Nollywire asked several young stars what they are excited to do when they turn 16.

For Darasimi Nadi and Khaira Bashir, greater independence was high on the list.

Bashir said she is looking forward to being able to spend time with her friends without having her mother accompany her, while Nadi joked that turning 16 would finally allow her to wear wigs.

“I can do whatever I want. Not whatever I want,” Nadi clarified, before explaining that she was most excited about being able to go out without necessarily having her mother accompany her.

Pamilerin Ayodeji and Prince Buchi Kings, however, offered a different perspective on growing up.

Ayodeji described 16 as “the bridge between being and still being a kid”, pointing out that teenagers can enjoy some freedom without yet having to shoulder the full responsibilities of adulthood.

Kings agreed, arguing that young people often rush towards adulthood without appreciating the stage of life they are currently experiencing.

“A whole lot of teenagers always feel like they want to be adults fast,” he said. “But when they actually… they have to calm down and just enjoy their teenage years.”

For Heavenly Dera Osadebe, growing older represents an opportunity for new experiences and what she described simply as the “sweet life”.

Fiyinfoluwa Asenuga already has more specific plans. While intending to continue acting, Asenuga said he would also like to explore other career opportunities, including trading.

“I’ll be an actor definitely, but I’ll take a break on it to figure out other career opportunities,” Asenuga said. “I’m thinking trading. Forex.”

The young actors’ answers reflect some of the same ideas at the centre of ‘Sweet 16’, a coming-of-age musical drama that follows young people navigating the transition between childhood and adulthood.

Beyond the film’s cast, writer-director Willis Ikedum also revealed some of the international influences behind the project.

Ikedum said he studied La La Land while developing the film, while also tracing its inspiration to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Jacques Demy’s 1964 French musical.

He stressed that the films served as inspiration rather than direct templates for ‘Sweet 16’, with the story ultimately being adapted to a Nigerian setting.

The director also discussed how Yemi Alade joined the project. According to Ikedum, the singer was initially sent the film’s song before reading the script.

“She was like, ‘No way I’m going to do this,’” Ikedum recalled. “She read the script. She was blown away,” he said, adding that she subsequently agreed to join the production and travelled to Port Harcourt with her team.

‘Sweet 16’ stars Alexx Ekubo, Yemi Alade, Mercy Aigbe, Samuel ‘Broda Shaggi’ Perry, Denrele Edun, Emeka Nwagbaraocha, Daisy Eugene, Kalu Ikeagwu, Uche Jombo, Julius Agwu, Angel Unigwe, Eronini Osinachi, Adebolu Ola-Ezikpe, Daniel ‘Dan D’Hmuoros’ Nnwoka, Theresa Eriobuna and Ikechukwu Onunaku.

Written and directed by Ikedum, the film is produced by Wheels Pictures and distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.

‘Sweet 16’ opened in Nigerian cinemas on August 14, 2026.

The post ‘Sweet 16’: Nollywood’s Young Actors Reveal What They Want to Do at 16 appeared first on Nollywire.