“I don’t sell okrika, but import brand-new clothes from US” – Sylvester Madu
Sylvester Madu has shut down rumours suggesting he hawks second-hand clothes, following a viral video that sparked wild online speculation.
The Nollywood actor, popularly known for his gritty action roles and often referred to as “Shina Rambo” by fans, clarified that he is a businessman who deals in brand-new clothing imported from the United States—not okrika.
The controversy resurfaced after a 2023 video, still trending on social media, captured Madu arranging clothes on the bare floor of a local market in Enugu.
While many interpreted the footage as proof he had fallen on hard times and resorted to selling used clothes, Madu has now given full context behind the footage.
During an interview with FCNN on April 6, 2025, Madu explained that the positioning of clothes on the ground doesn’t define their origin or value.
According to him, floor display is a common market practice and has no bearing on whether the clothes are new or second-hand.
“I don’t do okrika,” he said. “I import my goods from America. I’ve been in this business for over three decades.”
The 48-year-old actor emphasized that he owns multiple shops and has staff managing them across various locations.
His involvement in day-to-day operations, he said, is not out of desperation but driven by his dislike for idleness. “I’m not one of those big men that just sit back. I monitor my business myself,” he added.
Known for his roles in movies such as The Shepherd, Son of Python, and The Executioner, Madu pointed out that hustling is not beneath him, regardless of his status in the entertainment industry. “I’ve always believed there’s dignity in labour.
Whether it’s acting or trading, I give it my best,” he said, reinforcing his stance against the stigma surrounding celebrities running side businesses.
Public reaction to the video in 2023 was mixed while some praised Madu’s humility, others viewed it as evidence of the harsh economic realities faced by entertainers in Nigeria.
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His recent comments have sparked fresh conversations about the need to normalize celebrities pursuing multiple income streams without shame or judgment.
The Enugu-born actor also urged fans and the media to look beyond appearances and embrace the culture of hardworking Nigerians who are determined to remain relevant across industries. “This is not a comeback story,” he concluded. “This is who I’ve always been.”
