In an industry often associated with glitz, grit, and relentless hustle, acclaimed Nigerian cinematographer and director TG Omori (born ThankGod Omori Jesam) has revealed an unexpected cornerstone of his success: the church.
The visionary behind some of Nollywood’s and Afrobeats’ most striking visuals recently took to social media to share how his spiritual upbringing became the unlikely incubator for his artistic genius. Far from the conventional paths of film schools or industry connections, Omori’s origin story reads more like a divine intervention.
Long before lensing music videos for top artists, Omori’s creative awakening happened in the most unassuming of places—church drama nights.
“The church didn’t just give me a microphone or a stage; it handed me a vision,” he reflected. What began as skits and performances for congregants evolved into an informal film school, where he honed his eye for storytelling, blocking, and visual composition.
Unlike many creatives who credit formal training or sheer hustle, Omori’s narrative emphasises the role of community investment in talent development. “They saw something in me before I did,” he admitted. “They funded my early steps, advised me, and pushed me when the world outside had no idea who I was.”
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“Not every offering plate builds a pastor’s mansion—some build futures,” he wrote, referencing his family’s modest contributions over the years. “If you tally what my father gave versus what he spent on beer, you’d laugh. But that church? It returned dividends no bank could match.”
The director also challenged dismissive attitudes toward spirituality, invoking global examples of faith-driven fulfilment. “China has monks who’ve traded wealth for peace. Who are we to mock what heals others?
“Jesus Christ is my Lord. I’ll never ‘outgrow’ proclaiming that,” he declared, defying the notion that success demands secular detachment.
His testimony resonates in an industry where many downplay humble beginnings. Where peers might cite YouTube tutorials or hustle culture, Omori unapologetically credits divine alignment: “The trenches had social clubs, but the church had a spotlight with my name on it.”
