Under the Influence star Bobby Ekpe on social media drama
Bobby Ekpe, known for his role in The Smart Money Woman and Smokescreen has opened up about his character as Ayo and his journey in the Showmax Original series Under the Influence, which tackles the complex themes of ambition, family expectations, and the pervasive influence of social media.
In a recent conversation, Ekpe shed light on Ayo’s complex relationship with his brother Dami (Iremide Adeoye), his bond with Ivie (Eva Ibiam), and his views on social media validation.
Ayo’s frustration with Dami in Under the Influence is a major point of conflict in the series, and Ekpe believes it is entirely justified. As an older brother who invested in his sibling’s education, Ayo expects Dami to follow a more conventional career path. Instead, Dami returns with a third-class degree and suddenly declares his desire to become a social media influencer.
“I sent you to school to study and find a reasonable job, and what do you do? You come back with a third-class degree and suddenly want to be a social media influencer?” Ekpe remarked, reflecting on how economic struggles often make such decisions hard to accept.
He also added that if he were in Ayo’s position in real life, he would send Dami back to their mother’s house.
Despite Ayo’s frustration in the series, his relationship with Ivie plays a crucial role in keeping him grounded. Ekpe believes that everyone needs a person in their life who serves as a voice of reason, and for Ayo, that person is Ivie.
“We all need that one person in our lives - especially as guys - to talk sense into us when we’re not seeing things clearly. Like it or not, Ivie is Ayo’s mumu button. He listens to her a lot, and she helps him see things differently,” he explained.
Social media validation is a major theme in Under the Influence, and while Ekpe isn’t someone who actively seeks online attention, he admitted to having a moment of vulnerability.
“I’m not really big on social media - which is really weird - but I think the most extreme thing I’ve done is post pictures I wasn’t comfortable with. In 2020, I danced on TikTok! But don’t bother looking for that video!”
His lighthearted response validates the pressure many people face in the digital age, where social media often dictates self-worth and public perception.
As Under the Influence continues to gain momentum, episodes 1-3 are now available to stream on Showmax, with new episodes released every Friday.
Watch the full interview below
More like this
Watson S1
A year after the death of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson resumes his medical career - until his old life starts pulling him back.
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
From Thembekile Komani as Mkhondwana to Tina Jaxa as Pele-Pele, see the cast of Mpondoland in some of their acclaimed roles on Showmax.
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Angel talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her friendship with Jojo and more. New episodes every Friday on Showmax.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
How To Manifest a Man S1-2
Duduzile refuses to accept that her husband wants to leave her. She takes drastic steps to ensure she gets a second chance.
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Rising star Thandolwethu Zondi talks about joining the cast of Outlaws S2. Catch new episodes every Monday on Showmax and on Mzansi Magic on Saturdays
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
Watch the trailer for Volspoed, Showmax's upcoming reality series about racer Antonie Marx, his family and his racing team. From 6 January 2026.
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
The ladies from The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa share their first impressions of Housewives from other franchises. Catch new episodes every Friday on Showmax.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT - Africa
More West African hits to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja franchise is back! She opens up on what it feels to be part of an epic girls trip
Dr. Catherine speaks on flying the Kenyan flag and reuniting with Zena on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa
Dr C opens up about representing Kenya in RHUGT–Africa, reuniting with Zena in Brazil, healing through therapy, and revealing a fun new side.
Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in December 2025
Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
.png&w=3840&q=100)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock
Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax
Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling
Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2
Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
What to watch on Showmax in November 2025
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival
Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
