When ‘Grind’ first hit screens, it was an immediate conversation starter. A show that dared to tell the stories of women in the stripping industry while weaving in themes of survival, ambition, and personal struggles, Grind resonated with many for its authenticity. Now, as Season 2 arrives on Prime Video, the cast and crew reveal what’s in store and the driving force behind this new chapter.
Keeping it Real
For creator Roberta Orioma, staying true to the essence of ‘Grind’ was non-negotiable. “How do you tell an authentic story if it’s not authentic?” she muses. From the beginning, her goal was to create characters and narratives that felt real, and Season 2 carries that mission forward. ‘Grind’s’ lead character, Tarela, played by Orioma, faces new obstacles, but does she finally get a moment to breathe? “You’ll have to watch and see,” she teases.
Director and producer Orire Nwani shares a similar vision, emphasising the importance of relatability. “We didn’t want a sophomore slump where people say, ‘They should’ve stopped at Season 1.’ So we pushed ourselves to make Season 2 just as fresh, emotional, and gripping,” he explains.
New Faces, New Dynamics
While Eso Dike and Rosanne Chikwendu retain their roles, this season welcomes fresh characters, including Dr. Beecee Ugboh, who plays the club’s formidable madame. “I was brought in to control many of the ladies, and it was quite the role to embody,” she says. Beyond the performance, the role left her with a key takeaway: “People’s decisions are shaped by their circumstances. It reminded me to lead with understanding rather than judgement.”
Taye Arimoro also joins the cast, drawn by the sheer passion behind ‘Grind.’ “It’s clear these filmmakers are driven by the need to tell real, honest stories. I wanted to be part of that,” he says. While his character remains a mystery, he hints at an intriguing arc: “Watch and decide if you love or hate him.”
Commitment to the Craft
For actors stepping into ‘Grind,’ preparation was key. Etta Jo Maria, who plays Barbie, recalls her unexpected journey into pole dancing. “I went into the audition thinking it was hip-hop dance. When they asked me to perform, I had no idea what I was doing,” she laughs. Still, her performance landed her the role, and the production ensured the actors were professionally trained. “That level of dedication made all the difference,” she says.
Tamara Sindio-Apaun, who plays Tiwa, connected deeply with her character’s unwavering loyalty. “We don’t see enough depictions of genuine female friendships on screen. Tiwa and Tarela’s bond was something I really wanted to do justice to.” As a pastor’s daughter in real life, Tamara also understands the weight of expectations. “I’ve learnt that while people may have their opinions, you ultimately have to listen to your own path,” she reflects
Lessons from the Hustle
At its core, Grind is about resilience. Daniel Abua, who plays Wale, sums it up: “This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a reflection of real struggles. People see themselves in these characters because the hustle is universal.”
Uzor Arukwe, who plays Tom, the club’s manager, connects with ‘Grind’s’ message of persistence. “Tom got high on his own supply, and life came at him hard,” he says. “But the thing about ‘Grind’ is that it reflects real hustle. You have to keep going, no matter what.” He draws from personal experience, too. “I’ve failed before, but I’m never afraid to start again. That’s the key.”
Meanwhile, Joshua Uranranoritsé Tsotso transitioned from editing Grind Season 1 to directing Season 2. “Having pieced together the first season, I had a unique insight into how we could elevate the story this time,” he says. “I’m drawn to stories about survival and societal pressure, and Grind asks the big question: ‘How far will you go to survive?’ That’s something everyone can relate to.”
As Grind Season 2 lands on screens, one thing is clear: this is a show unafraid to challenge narratives, break stereotypes, and amplify raw, untold stories. The question now is—are you ready for the ride?
