Sunday, 29 June 2014
Jide Kosoko's daughter welcomes baby boy
Yewande Adekoya: I almost gave up acting
Yewande Adekoya recently emerged as the Best New Actress at the City People Entertainment Awards. She has Featured and produced several movies including Igbo dudu, Omo Elemosho, Kudi Kelpto, Emere ...
Here is an interview she granted ThisdayLive on her career, family and sundry issues
Emerging Best New Actress….
I feel great and honoured to be named as the best new female actress at the recently held city people entertainment awards. I think the award is an affirmation that I’m doing the right thing and I am on the right path in my career, because when you start getting recognition for what you do, it means you are really good at it. So, all I need to do now is to put more effort so that I can offer my fans more of me. I’m happy generally because the five nominations I got for my movie, Omo Elemosho from AMAA awards 2014 is more or less like an endorsement for me as a film producer while the Best New Actress of the year award given to me by City People is an endorsement for me.
I’m working on an epic movie…
At the moment, I’m working on an epic movie. I’m glad people accepted my last movie ‘Kudi Klepto.’ In fact, they loved it and I’m grateful for that. This is why I’m trying my best to give them something better than what they’ve ever seen from me. So help me God. But for now, let’s keep our fingers crossed. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. But trust me; it’s going to turn out amazing. Before now, I’ve produced about seven productions of my own which include Life Secret Season 1 and 2; Igbo Dudu, Omo Elemosho, Kudi klepto, Emere and Irawo Meji which I co-produced with my husband.
My journey as an actress...
I started acting in 2002 when I joined the Alfabash Music and Theatre Group. We were majorly into stage performances and although I had been acting and telling stories since I was little, I could say I took a bold step in 2002 to join a theatre group. My very first production was in 2006, titled: ‘Life Secret.’ It was an English movie, which I later converted into a Soap the same year. So, I went ahead to produce the second season in 2007 and it was aired on 22 local stations in 2008, as well as on African Magic in 2010 and 2011 season. Later, a colleague of mine advised me to take up producing in Yoruba, which I gave a shot. So, I produced ‘Igbo Dudu’ and the reception was awesome. So far, I have featured in over 50 movies. At the moment, I’m a full time actress and film producer. But very soon by the special grace of God, I will start a new line of business. Though several times in the past, I had thought of quitting, but if God said ‘it’s your way, you will find yourself still drawn to it no matter the difficulties you might be facing.’
I almost gave up acting….
I’ve had my down times I must confess, financially and socially but I thank God. When he says this is the way, no matter how stormy the journey is, he will surely pull you through. I’m in God’s hands and He has been the one directing my journey and He has been consistent. It has not been easy at all and if I didn’t have a genuine passion for acting, I would have dusted my certificates and walked into a TV or radio station for a job. I have been turned down several times for no particular reason and I almost gave up on acting. But despite the challenges, I kept on going and I thank God that He eventually made a way for me. Those that once told me to my face that I could never make it as an actress in the movie industry are those that now approach me saying positive things about my talent and I thank God for that.
Fulfillment…
I am just getting started. I have so many dreams and aspirations and God will definitely see me through.
My childhood…
I’m the first out of five siblings and I was born in Lagos State. Growing up was cool for me, because my parents gave us everything we needed and wanted, but they are very principled and I appreciate the way myself and my siblings were brought up.
They empowered us and equipped us well for what we are going to face in the world as adults.
Marriage, family and acting…
God has been good, and my husband is very supportive. He understands the nature of my job. Let me just say God has helped me to find a balance.
Bisi Ibidapo-Obe: I have no regrets taking to acting.
Culled from Sunnewsonline
How would you describe yourself?
I am Bisi Ibidapo Obe, aka Bisi Omologbalogba. I am an actress with about 20 years experience. I am from Ilesha, Osun State.
How did you come into the movie industry?
I loved acting right from my secondary school days. I was inspired by the late Bimpe Adekola aka Ireti. Though my dad wanted me to go to the university, my love for acting was very strong. In my quest to be an actress, I met an actor popularly called Araosan, who gave me the link to the Odunfa Caucus where I met Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Abbey Lanre and others. I told Ogogo my mission and he asked me to pay the sum of N350 for registration which I did; today, the rest is history.
After your training, which was the first film you appeared in?
That was Edunjobi, a Yinka Quadri film in which the late Bimpe Adekola played a double role; I acted in the court scene.
A waka pass role?
Yes, but I became popular with the film Ojo Ibi, produced byYemisi Jaiyeola, while Bisi Omologbalogba shot me into the limelight. My first production was Oyinade which was followed by Omojesu and Ijeunagba.
Why haven’t you been prominent in most films released lately?
I have been selective for a very long time. Even when it comes to my own productions, I take my time so as not to do a bad film. I don’t just accept any script because my career is very important to me.
Have you really made money from acting?
We thank God, at least, I can take care of myself.
What has been the highest and lowest fees you have ever charged in the course of your career?
I cannot really say which was the highest and which was the lowest fees I have charged because the Yoruba film industry is communal in nature and we are like one family. But one thing I don’t like about the communal thing is that some of my colleagues and producers capitalise on the nature of our industry to pay actors peanuts. But just the same, it’s still a good and viable industry.
Did your parents discourage or support your acting career?
My dad was very bitter. He even threatened to disown me but my mum supported me. I will always be grateful to the late Bimpe Adekola, who took it upon herself to speak to my dad, who later agreed to my choice of career. Today, my father is proud of me and I have no regrets taking to acting.
What are the challenges of being an actress?
First and foremost, let me talk about the film industry. The industry has become an all-comers affair unlike when we started out those days and we had caucuses. In those groups we underwent training. For example, during my days at Odunfa, I trained for about three years before I could play a waka pass role. But nowadays, everybody you come across has turned producer. As for the challenges, I thank God for making me an actress and I can boast that all that I have is through acting and there are no regrets whatsoever. But the only disadvantage is that we don’t enjoy our privacy and we are the target of journalists and others. However I have no regrets.
From your experience, would you say there is sexual harassment in the movie industry?
I don’t believe in sexual harassment. People talk about the movie industry because we are in your faces. Do you know what happens in the universities and hospitals? Do you know what happens among doctors and nurses? If you date your boss it’s no big deal as long as it’s a mutual thing. But as for me, I have never experienced sexual harassment.
Is it true that actresses’ marriages don’t last?
Like I said earlier, because we are in your faces, our marriages are reported whenever there is problem. If a woman walks out of a marriage, you don’t need to blame her because she might be having life threatening issues. So, it’s better for people to look inwards and investigate before concluding that actresses don’t make good wives. I’m yet to get married; I don’t know how matrimony feels like. For me, I will take my time before going into it and I pray God to give me the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.
How soon are you getting married?
I want to get married but when is what I don’t know. For me, God’s time is the best.
Who is your kind of man?
My prayer is let God choose for me from anywhere. It could be from the movie industry or anywhere else because I don’t want to go into marriage and get out of it within a short period. I want my man to take me as Bisi and not Omologbalogba, the actress.
Do you have crush on any Nigerian star?
No, it could sound funny but it’s the truth. I love R. Kelly and my friends know that I buy his CDs.
Why did you diversify into boutique business?
Since I don’t go to location all the time I need other businesses that will bring some cash for me to make ends meet. For your information, this is not the only business I do; I am also into supply among other things. The reason for going into boutique business was because I discovered that those living around Magodo travel far and wide to buy pants, bras and other things and this culminated in my decision to locate this kind of a store here.
Why did you include sex toys?
I did not open a sex toyshop. I sell men and women under wears and a few other things. I also have a section for body massage, body polish and other things that are related to that. On the issue of sex toys, I have this to say, if I sell sex toys so what? Nigerians are a bunch of hypocrites. They make issues out of non-issues. When I travelled to London I saw some newly wedded couples buying sex toys but back here, Nigerians believe that those that buy sex toys are harlots. In fact, there is dignity in the use of sex toys.
Do people patronize you?
I am not into the sales of only sex toys but there is a big market for them.
Is selling sex toys based on your personal experience or your friend’s?
No.
Is it true that Nigerian men are not romantic and that is why women buy sex toys?
I don’t know anything about that. But I do know that most of those who buy sex toys are couples. I have seen quite a number of couples walk in to buy these sex toys here.
Where do you see Bisi Ibidapo-Obe in the next 10 years?
Nice place by God’s grace. I am moving higher and higher; as long as there’s, life there’s hope.
There is the belief that most actresses, especially those using flashy cars do some runs aside acting. How true is this?
You don’t expect us to burn our candles at both ends. We get money from what we do which is acting. Ibiti eniyan ba ti nse lo ti nje (You eat from the labour of your hands).
Any plan for your own production soon?
Yes, and that would be very soon.
How would you describe yourself?
I am Bisi Ibidapo Obe, aka Bisi Omologbalogba. I am an actress with about 20 years experience. I am from Ilesha, Osun State.
How did you come into the movie industry?
I loved acting right from my secondary school days. I was inspired by the late Bimpe Adekola aka Ireti. Though my dad wanted me to go to the university, my love for acting was very strong. In my quest to be an actress, I met an actor popularly called Araosan, who gave me the link to the Odunfa Caucus where I met Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Abbey Lanre and others. I told Ogogo my mission and he asked me to pay the sum of N350 for registration which I did; today, the rest is history.
After your training, which was the first film you appeared in?
That was Edunjobi, a Yinka Quadri film in which the late Bimpe Adekola played a double role; I acted in the court scene.
A waka pass role?
Yes, but I became popular with the film Ojo Ibi, produced byYemisi Jaiyeola, while Bisi Omologbalogba shot me into the limelight. My first production was Oyinade which was followed by Omojesu and Ijeunagba.
Why haven’t you been prominent in most films released lately?
I have been selective for a very long time. Even when it comes to my own productions, I take my time so as not to do a bad film. I don’t just accept any script because my career is very important to me.
Have you really made money from acting?
We thank God, at least, I can take care of myself.
What has been the highest and lowest fees you have ever charged in the course of your career?
I cannot really say which was the highest and which was the lowest fees I have charged because the Yoruba film industry is communal in nature and we are like one family. But one thing I don’t like about the communal thing is that some of my colleagues and producers capitalise on the nature of our industry to pay actors peanuts. But just the same, it’s still a good and viable industry.
Did your parents discourage or support your acting career?
My dad was very bitter. He even threatened to disown me but my mum supported me. I will always be grateful to the late Bimpe Adekola, who took it upon herself to speak to my dad, who later agreed to my choice of career. Today, my father is proud of me and I have no regrets taking to acting.
What are the challenges of being an actress?
First and foremost, let me talk about the film industry. The industry has become an all-comers affair unlike when we started out those days and we had caucuses. In those groups we underwent training. For example, during my days at Odunfa, I trained for about three years before I could play a waka pass role. But nowadays, everybody you come across has turned producer. As for the challenges, I thank God for making me an actress and I can boast that all that I have is through acting and there are no regrets whatsoever. But the only disadvantage is that we don’t enjoy our privacy and we are the target of journalists and others. However I have no regrets.
From your experience, would you say there is sexual harassment in the movie industry?
I don’t believe in sexual harassment. People talk about the movie industry because we are in your faces. Do you know what happens in the universities and hospitals? Do you know what happens among doctors and nurses? If you date your boss it’s no big deal as long as it’s a mutual thing. But as for me, I have never experienced sexual harassment.
Is it true that actresses’ marriages don’t last?
Like I said earlier, because we are in your faces, our marriages are reported whenever there is problem. If a woman walks out of a marriage, you don’t need to blame her because she might be having life threatening issues. So, it’s better for people to look inwards and investigate before concluding that actresses don’t make good wives. I’m yet to get married; I don’t know how matrimony feels like. For me, I will take my time before going into it and I pray God to give me the bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.
How soon are you getting married?
I want to get married but when is what I don’t know. For me, God’s time is the best.
Who is your kind of man?
My prayer is let God choose for me from anywhere. It could be from the movie industry or anywhere else because I don’t want to go into marriage and get out of it within a short period. I want my man to take me as Bisi and not Omologbalogba, the actress.
Do you have crush on any Nigerian star?
No, it could sound funny but it’s the truth. I love R. Kelly and my friends know that I buy his CDs.
Why did you diversify into boutique business?
Since I don’t go to location all the time I need other businesses that will bring some cash for me to make ends meet. For your information, this is not the only business I do; I am also into supply among other things. The reason for going into boutique business was because I discovered that those living around Magodo travel far and wide to buy pants, bras and other things and this culminated in my decision to locate this kind of a store here.
Why did you include sex toys?
I did not open a sex toyshop. I sell men and women under wears and a few other things. I also have a section for body massage, body polish and other things that are related to that. On the issue of sex toys, I have this to say, if I sell sex toys so what? Nigerians are a bunch of hypocrites. They make issues out of non-issues. When I travelled to London I saw some newly wedded couples buying sex toys but back here, Nigerians believe that those that buy sex toys are harlots. In fact, there is dignity in the use of sex toys.
Do people patronize you?
I am not into the sales of only sex toys but there is a big market for them.
Is selling sex toys based on your personal experience or your friend’s?
No.
Is it true that Nigerian men are not romantic and that is why women buy sex toys?
I don’t know anything about that. But I do know that most of those who buy sex toys are couples. I have seen quite a number of couples walk in to buy these sex toys here.
Where do you see Bisi Ibidapo-Obe in the next 10 years?
Nice place by God’s grace. I am moving higher and higher; as long as there’s, life there’s hope.
There is the belief that most actresses, especially those using flashy cars do some runs aside acting. How true is this?
You don’t expect us to burn our candles at both ends. We get money from what we do which is acting. Ibiti eniyan ba ti nse lo ti nje (You eat from the labour of your hands).
Any plan for your own production soon?
Yes, and that would be very soon.
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Egbo Inu
Egbo Inu tells the story of three young men that met in the university and became close pals, two of them were a bad influence on the third, who was a mummy's boy. The story is well scripted and interpreted by the actors. At the end of the movie, you would keep guessing about why things turned out the way they did. I think the story also highlights the importance of parents being close to their children, to become friends with them rather than exercising authority over them.
Starring: Gabriel Afolayan, Rachael Oniga, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Lola Idije, Akeem Sokunbi, Joke Muyiwa.
Starring: Gabriel Afolayan, Rachael Oniga, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Lola Idije, Akeem Sokunbi, Joke Muyiwa.
Toyin Aimakhu: A lot of people don’t know me; they just judge me from the screen
Culled fom Sunnewsonline
Toyin Aimakhu can best be described as a romantic. The popular Yoruba actress, who is married to an actor, Adeniyi Johnson, shares with The Entertainer her life, career, marriage, challenges and many more. Excerpts.
What is Toyin doing lately?
I just shot a move entitled, ‘Eta’. It is a story about a triplet and I played the three characters. Also, ‘Alakada’ will be coming out by July.
What was your growing up like?
It was sweet sort of though, I am from a poor background, it’s a past issue now; I give God the glory. I grew up in a small community, like a village but it was fun. Trust me because we were so healthy, we ate fresh food and there was nothing to worry about.
Were your parents farmers?
No, they were not but that was what they could afford at that time. Though, we did a little farming, my mum is a pastor and founder of churches. My dad used to work with Ibru in Benin but has retired a long time. He is also helping in the church as well.
What was it like being poor?
Well, I didn’t know we were poor; I just got to realize it. You know there are some people who are poor and you look at them that they are poor but they don’t see it. It was later I realized that we were poor. It was later I realized that that was why we couldn’t eat spaghetti because we couldn’t afford it, and we ate rice once in a week. But to me it was fun and it was just a normal way of living. It was when I was growing up that it really dawned on me. When I got to school, I also noticed but really it was fun for me growing up that I hardly took notice that we were poor.
When you were in school were you a popular kid?
Not really, but when I was in St. Annes Secondary School, I drummed. I was a drummer girl. Then, I played handball and football. I was even in the Oyo State team.
How is married life?
Marriage is sweet because I got married to my friend; we fall into the same age range. But now things are different, you can’t do things without informing the other person. Sometimes when I want to make some decisions and he is not around or his phone is not going, I have to wait. I also have to act like a mother but I am enjoying it all.
Which do you enjoy, is it being single or married?
Of course, I prefer being married. You can enjoy being single because you don’t have anyone questioning you. But being married is sweeter because there is someone out there who cares so much about you. You are coming home to meet someone and there is someone out there who can go an extra mile for you, and you know, it is every woman’s dream to get married. So, it is better off than being single in some ways.
You are both actors, how did you meet him?
I actually met him on set.
Was it love at first sight?
No, he was my junior colleague and he is still my junior colleague anyway. He just walked up to me and said he liked my movies and I said ‘thank you’. You see, I am a kind of person that is very free with everyone. I don’t keep to myself, even if you are an upcomer, I don’t care who you are. I am just me and I am free with everybody. When my car was stolen, he had the opportunity to ask me about it, and we became friends. At that time I was single, I had issues with my ex, so we became friends and we got talking and I realized he was even three years older than me. I also realized he is a fantastic guy and very intelligent. I was like let’s give it a trial.
There is a tattoo on your hand, in the name of your husband, why?
Well, it is his name. I just did it. You know a lot of people don’t know me; they just judge me from the screen. But the thing about screen is that, when you see ladies, actresses or actors that kiss a lot in the movies or that go extra length, they are always the calm and the decent ones. I am not saying that others are indecent but it’s always like that, a lot of people don’t know me, they don’t even know who I am. They only see me on screen, well, that must be the mistake I made, being real with my roles. For instance, now I am telling people who are training under me that ‘most times you can’t get too real with some roles because this is the mistake I had made myself’.
You have to cut down some things; maybe at that point I didn’t see someone to tell me. So, they don’t even know me, they don’t know who I am, a lot of people judge me from the screen. But I am not what a lot of people think. I don’t even go out. I just started going out when I got married. The reason I didn’t go out when I was single was because when you go out a lot, you meet a lot of people and you get confused. That is why some people, today they meet a rich man and tomorrow they meet someone richer. So, at that time, I didn’t want to get confused. I just wanted to stay at home and later meet a good man. Now that I have met my man, I go out more often because even if you are richer than whatever in this world, I have got my man and wearing my wedding ring.
What are the challenges you have been faced with in the industry?
A lot. You see, a lot of people see you in a movie and they judge you based on the characters you played. You know, they deal with you according to the roles you play in the movies. But it’s not like that because I just did my job. Even when I got married they were like ‘isn’t she an actress?’ There is a sort of stigma on us and they forget that what some girls out there do is far worse than what we do. But we are in the limelight. I am not a young girl. I am an adult. I graduated like nine years ago.
So, I want what I want and I can tell you the guys I have dated. I am a lover girl, when I am dating someone everybody knows because I don’t know how to hide my relationship. When we have problems, people will be like, ‘see, she is not dating this person again’. But sit down and count the guys I have dated, they are not even up to five and I have never dated any married man in my life. Let any woman come out and say I have dated her husband. I have never done that. When people go on blogs and say sh-t about me, some people just go on the internet and say rubbish about people, let them come out and challenge me. Those are the things we face; they say actresses get married to married men. What about people who are not actresses that do the same?. I am not saying it is right or wrong, I am just saying that everyone has his or her opinion. However, I understand we are role models and a lot of people look up to us.
Recently, it was all over the Internet that you were pregnant, are you pregnant?
Do I look pregnant? I think it is the dress, you can see I look slim here. It is a positive thing and I am happy. I can’t wait to be a mother. When you are married in Nigeria the next thing is getting pregnant, but my husband is young and I want to be with my husband now. When the kids start coming, the attention will shift, so let me love my husband and we will have kids. But if I get pregnant now, it is fine. It’s going to come, please help me tell them to chill.
What great lessons did your parents teach you that you couldn’t forget?
Do what makes you happy but think of people around you. And also pray.
You said earlier that your mother is a pastor?
She is not just a pastor; she is also a founder of churches. She has like five churches.
What was your parents’ reaction when you told them you were going to be an actress?
They didn’t like it at first but my mum just called me and gave me some words of advice, that I should hold the family’s name in high esteem. They don’t watch movies but sometimes people watch and they tell them, and when they ask me about some roles I played, I try to explain to them or sometimes I just tell them that’s not me. I won’t lie to you; I have played roles in movies that I regret. Trust me. But what will I do? Will I kill myself? Of course not. I just smile over it and look the other way. You know, it is because of the passion I have for this job, I play some roles and I want them to look real. When I leave the set, I will be like ‘why did I do this?’ Or when I watch some of my movies, I will ask myself ‘why did I play this role like this?’ Often times I wonder why I have not met my husband long time ago to correct me about some things. Was I dating the wrong people back then? Why is it that some of my senior colleagues didn’t tell me about this?
How did he propose to you?
He proposed on a cheap canoe (laughs). We were coming from Ikorodu and there was this mad traffic. We were running late and we had to do a job quickly. We had to park our car at Badore and hop on the canoe. He proposed right there. When we were coming back and even if I wanted to say no, I dare not because we were on the sea (laughs). But I was happy; I knew I was going to get married to a young man because I told God ‘if I don’t get married to a young man, I would rather remain single than marry a married man’.
What blew me away in your acting was the movie, Alani Baba Labake. You were so deep in your acting, what really inspires you?
I never wanted to be an actress because it was not my dream; it was not my passion. I never saw it coming. I wanted to be a physiotherapist, I wanted to go to University of Ibadan because I had friends there, but I had problems with my admission and my result wasn’t complete. So, I had to go to Ire Polytechnic and later OOSU. I just wanted to help people. But it happened that my late brother had a friend and he had an uncle who was a marketer then. So, when I lost my brother, the guy sent someone to give me something and he told me that if we needed anything that I could come to him because someone had already told him that my late brother was our breadwinner.
That day, as I wanted to drive off, he asked me who owned the car. And I told him it was my friend’s car and that she was in University of Ibadan. He then asked if I knew Bukky Wright and I said yes, he now said that Bukky Wright wanted to shoot a movie in Ibadan and that she needed someone who knew Ibadan very well. I was so elated when I met Bukky Wright. I remember when they were shooting they were all waiting for someone who I guess was Ireti Osayemi; so they asked me to stand in for her. But when they saw the way I acted, they were very impressed. The next day, Muyideen just walked up to me and said he wanted someone to play Rachael Oniga’s younger sister, because back then I had this Ibadan girl makeup. I created a dark spot on my face, a sort of mole. So, Muyideen asked me if it was real and I said ‘yes it was real’. I said that because I was a very playful girl. They said they needed a fresh face. I asked him if he would give me money and he said yes. I asked him about the location and he said Lagos. I was a bit withdrawn about coming to Lagos but I eventually came and that was it.
Was there a time you wanted to pull out of acting because you got so overwhelmed with the challenges?
No, there was no time like that. I have never been harassed. As a matter of fact, I dated someone in the industry, that was some few years back and it was because I wanted to date him. We liked each other and we decided to date. We had a relationship, so I was never abused, nobody asked me for sex. When some people say that, I am like maybe it’s because of their appearance, because when I get to location, I greet everyone with respect.
Toyin Aimakhu can best be described as a romantic. The popular Yoruba actress, who is married to an actor, Adeniyi Johnson, shares with The Entertainer her life, career, marriage, challenges and many more. Excerpts.
What is Toyin doing lately?
I just shot a move entitled, ‘Eta’. It is a story about a triplet and I played the three characters. Also, ‘Alakada’ will be coming out by July.
What was your growing up like?
It was sweet sort of though, I am from a poor background, it’s a past issue now; I give God the glory. I grew up in a small community, like a village but it was fun. Trust me because we were so healthy, we ate fresh food and there was nothing to worry about.
Were your parents farmers?
No, they were not but that was what they could afford at that time. Though, we did a little farming, my mum is a pastor and founder of churches. My dad used to work with Ibru in Benin but has retired a long time. He is also helping in the church as well.
What was it like being poor?
Well, I didn’t know we were poor; I just got to realize it. You know there are some people who are poor and you look at them that they are poor but they don’t see it. It was later I realized that we were poor. It was later I realized that that was why we couldn’t eat spaghetti because we couldn’t afford it, and we ate rice once in a week. But to me it was fun and it was just a normal way of living. It was when I was growing up that it really dawned on me. When I got to school, I also noticed but really it was fun for me growing up that I hardly took notice that we were poor.
When you were in school were you a popular kid?
Not really, but when I was in St. Annes Secondary School, I drummed. I was a drummer girl. Then, I played handball and football. I was even in the Oyo State team.
How is married life?
Marriage is sweet because I got married to my friend; we fall into the same age range. But now things are different, you can’t do things without informing the other person. Sometimes when I want to make some decisions and he is not around or his phone is not going, I have to wait. I also have to act like a mother but I am enjoying it all.
Which do you enjoy, is it being single or married?
Of course, I prefer being married. You can enjoy being single because you don’t have anyone questioning you. But being married is sweeter because there is someone out there who cares so much about you. You are coming home to meet someone and there is someone out there who can go an extra mile for you, and you know, it is every woman’s dream to get married. So, it is better off than being single in some ways.
You are both actors, how did you meet him?
I actually met him on set.
Was it love at first sight?
No, he was my junior colleague and he is still my junior colleague anyway. He just walked up to me and said he liked my movies and I said ‘thank you’. You see, I am a kind of person that is very free with everyone. I don’t keep to myself, even if you are an upcomer, I don’t care who you are. I am just me and I am free with everybody. When my car was stolen, he had the opportunity to ask me about it, and we became friends. At that time I was single, I had issues with my ex, so we became friends and we got talking and I realized he was even three years older than me. I also realized he is a fantastic guy and very intelligent. I was like let’s give it a trial.
There is a tattoo on your hand, in the name of your husband, why?
Well, it is his name. I just did it. You know a lot of people don’t know me; they just judge me from the screen. But the thing about screen is that, when you see ladies, actresses or actors that kiss a lot in the movies or that go extra length, they are always the calm and the decent ones. I am not saying that others are indecent but it’s always like that, a lot of people don’t know me, they don’t even know who I am. They only see me on screen, well, that must be the mistake I made, being real with my roles. For instance, now I am telling people who are training under me that ‘most times you can’t get too real with some roles because this is the mistake I had made myself’.
You have to cut down some things; maybe at that point I didn’t see someone to tell me. So, they don’t even know me, they don’t know who I am, a lot of people judge me from the screen. But I am not what a lot of people think. I don’t even go out. I just started going out when I got married. The reason I didn’t go out when I was single was because when you go out a lot, you meet a lot of people and you get confused. That is why some people, today they meet a rich man and tomorrow they meet someone richer. So, at that time, I didn’t want to get confused. I just wanted to stay at home and later meet a good man. Now that I have met my man, I go out more often because even if you are richer than whatever in this world, I have got my man and wearing my wedding ring.
What are the challenges you have been faced with in the industry?
A lot. You see, a lot of people see you in a movie and they judge you based on the characters you played. You know, they deal with you according to the roles you play in the movies. But it’s not like that because I just did my job. Even when I got married they were like ‘isn’t she an actress?’ There is a sort of stigma on us and they forget that what some girls out there do is far worse than what we do. But we are in the limelight. I am not a young girl. I am an adult. I graduated like nine years ago.
So, I want what I want and I can tell you the guys I have dated. I am a lover girl, when I am dating someone everybody knows because I don’t know how to hide my relationship. When we have problems, people will be like, ‘see, she is not dating this person again’. But sit down and count the guys I have dated, they are not even up to five and I have never dated any married man in my life. Let any woman come out and say I have dated her husband. I have never done that. When people go on blogs and say sh-t about me, some people just go on the internet and say rubbish about people, let them come out and challenge me. Those are the things we face; they say actresses get married to married men. What about people who are not actresses that do the same?. I am not saying it is right or wrong, I am just saying that everyone has his or her opinion. However, I understand we are role models and a lot of people look up to us.
Recently, it was all over the Internet that you were pregnant, are you pregnant?
Do I look pregnant? I think it is the dress, you can see I look slim here. It is a positive thing and I am happy. I can’t wait to be a mother. When you are married in Nigeria the next thing is getting pregnant, but my husband is young and I want to be with my husband now. When the kids start coming, the attention will shift, so let me love my husband and we will have kids. But if I get pregnant now, it is fine. It’s going to come, please help me tell them to chill.
What great lessons did your parents teach you that you couldn’t forget?
Do what makes you happy but think of people around you. And also pray.
You said earlier that your mother is a pastor?
She is not just a pastor; she is also a founder of churches. She has like five churches.
What was your parents’ reaction when you told them you were going to be an actress?
They didn’t like it at first but my mum just called me and gave me some words of advice, that I should hold the family’s name in high esteem. They don’t watch movies but sometimes people watch and they tell them, and when they ask me about some roles I played, I try to explain to them or sometimes I just tell them that’s not me. I won’t lie to you; I have played roles in movies that I regret. Trust me. But what will I do? Will I kill myself? Of course not. I just smile over it and look the other way. You know, it is because of the passion I have for this job, I play some roles and I want them to look real. When I leave the set, I will be like ‘why did I do this?’ Or when I watch some of my movies, I will ask myself ‘why did I play this role like this?’ Often times I wonder why I have not met my husband long time ago to correct me about some things. Was I dating the wrong people back then? Why is it that some of my senior colleagues didn’t tell me about this?
How did he propose to you?
He proposed on a cheap canoe (laughs). We were coming from Ikorodu and there was this mad traffic. We were running late and we had to do a job quickly. We had to park our car at Badore and hop on the canoe. He proposed right there. When we were coming back and even if I wanted to say no, I dare not because we were on the sea (laughs). But I was happy; I knew I was going to get married to a young man because I told God ‘if I don’t get married to a young man, I would rather remain single than marry a married man’.
What blew me away in your acting was the movie, Alani Baba Labake. You were so deep in your acting, what really inspires you?
I never wanted to be an actress because it was not my dream; it was not my passion. I never saw it coming. I wanted to be a physiotherapist, I wanted to go to University of Ibadan because I had friends there, but I had problems with my admission and my result wasn’t complete. So, I had to go to Ire Polytechnic and later OOSU. I just wanted to help people. But it happened that my late brother had a friend and he had an uncle who was a marketer then. So, when I lost my brother, the guy sent someone to give me something and he told me that if we needed anything that I could come to him because someone had already told him that my late brother was our breadwinner.
That day, as I wanted to drive off, he asked me who owned the car. And I told him it was my friend’s car and that she was in University of Ibadan. He then asked if I knew Bukky Wright and I said yes, he now said that Bukky Wright wanted to shoot a movie in Ibadan and that she needed someone who knew Ibadan very well. I was so elated when I met Bukky Wright. I remember when they were shooting they were all waiting for someone who I guess was Ireti Osayemi; so they asked me to stand in for her. But when they saw the way I acted, they were very impressed. The next day, Muyideen just walked up to me and said he wanted someone to play Rachael Oniga’s younger sister, because back then I had this Ibadan girl makeup. I created a dark spot on my face, a sort of mole. So, Muyideen asked me if it was real and I said ‘yes it was real’. I said that because I was a very playful girl. They said they needed a fresh face. I asked him if he would give me money and he said yes. I asked him about the location and he said Lagos. I was a bit withdrawn about coming to Lagos but I eventually came and that was it.
Was there a time you wanted to pull out of acting because you got so overwhelmed with the challenges?
No, there was no time like that. I have never been harassed. As a matter of fact, I dated someone in the industry, that was some few years back and it was because I wanted to date him. We liked each other and we decided to date. We had a relationship, so I was never abused, nobody asked me for sex. When some people say that, I am like maybe it’s because of their appearance, because when I get to location, I greet everyone with respect.
Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Ipe (Calling)
Ipe tells the story of a young woman that was called into the ministry of God. She got sidetracked by other things. This movie is a must watch for everybody as it conveys real happenings.
The movie is also full of humour. Kudos to Mercy Aigbe for a nice interpretation of her role. Ibrahim Chatta did a great job, acting as an herbalist as well as a pastor.
Also Starring: Ibrahim Chatta, Ronke Oshodi, Olorode Muyiwa, Adeoye Motunrayo, Jumoke Odetola, Segun Ogungbe, Omolulu Sodiya, Waheed Ijaduade.
The movie is also full of humour. Kudos to Mercy Aigbe for a nice interpretation of her role. Ibrahim Chatta did a great job, acting as an herbalist as well as a pastor.
Also Starring: Ibrahim Chatta, Ronke Oshodi, Olorode Muyiwa, Adeoye Motunrayo, Jumoke Odetola, Segun Ogungbe, Omolulu Sodiya, Waheed Ijaduade.
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Emere
A father shows extreme hatred to his first child, the reason of which he is unwilling to share with anyone. Emere tells the story of a family with sudden calamity befalling them, no one seems to know the exact cause of this as there are many options to choose from.
If you have watched Igbo Dudu, Omo Elemosho and Kudi Klepto, the movie Emere would need no cajoling for you to be interested to watch. Yewande Adekoya will never seize to amaze me in the way she writes and produces her movies.
Starring: Antar Laniyan, Aishat Abimbola, Jaiye Kuti, Yewande Adekoya, Fausat Balogun, Rasaq Olayiwola, Seun Olaiya.
If you have watched Igbo Dudu, Omo Elemosho and Kudi Klepto, the movie Emere would need no cajoling for you to be interested to watch. Yewande Adekoya will never seize to amaze me in the way she writes and produces her movies.
Starring: Antar Laniyan, Aishat Abimbola, Jaiye Kuti, Yewande Adekoya, Fausat Balogun, Rasaq Olayiwola, Seun Olaiya.
**Thanks to one of my blog visitors that requested for a full review, I appreciate your comment. If you'd notice, I don't normally give a full review of stories, I tend to recommend Yoruba movies to watch on YouTube. The reason why I would not want to give a review/summary is because it is preferable to keep one in suspense so you don't really know the story line, it is more captivating like that, I think. Trust me, all the movies I recommend here are worth watching!**
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Oritoke
Written and produced by Toyin Aimakhu, Oritoke is a story based on a young woman with autism and the challenges of being disabled. The movie is really full of humour and lots of lessons.
Starring: Toyin Aimakhu-Johson, Adeniyi Johnson, Muyiwa Ademola, Remi Surutu, Eniola Badmus, Taiwo Aromokun, Afeez Enniola, Toyin Eniola.
Starring: Toyin Aimakhu-Johson, Adeniyi Johnson, Muyiwa Ademola, Remi Surutu, Eniola Badmus, Taiwo Aromokun, Afeez Enniola, Toyin Eniola.
Eponi Moru
I saw a very strong relation between the theme of the story, Eponi Moru and a passage of the Bible in Proverbs 25:7b-8 which says:
Although I'm not a fan of visiting herbalist, practising witchcraft and all, but this movie will definitely teach you this lesson as written in Proverbs.
Starring in this movie includes Odunlade Adekola, Ayo Adesanya, Antar Laniyan, Fausat Balogun, Taiwo Hassan, Tajudeen Mobolaji.
"What you have seen with your eyes do not bring hastily to court for what will you do in the end if your neighbour puts you to shame?"
Although I'm not a fan of visiting herbalist, practising witchcraft and all, but this movie will definitely teach you this lesson as written in Proverbs.
Starring in this movie includes Odunlade Adekola, Ayo Adesanya, Antar Laniyan, Fausat Balogun, Taiwo Hassan, Tajudeen Mobolaji.
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Agbebo
Agbebo is a story of three young ladies that were used for money rituals by three wealthy men, the consequence of which they were unable to have children in their respective marriages years later. They all met up and discovered they had the same problem. They decide to revenge. Find out the turn out of events. This movie is targeted at "runs girls" and girls who have sex with rich men - You might be ruining your future !!!
Starring: Odunlade Adekola, Funke Akindele, Yinka Quadri, Jaiye Kuti, Funmi Ade, Kemi Afolabi.
Starring: Odunlade Adekola, Funke Akindele, Yinka Quadri, Jaiye Kuti, Funmi Ade, Kemi Afolabi.
Aranbada
Aranbada tells the story of a mad woman (Aranbada) who frequently comes into the house of a certain rich man. Rumors started flying around town that the rich man used the mad woman for money rituals. In spite of the rumors, the rich man doesn't seem to care as he would do everything to ensure Aranbada comes to his house regularly. Find out the mystery about this mad woman by watching.
Starring: Jide Kosoko, Seyi Ashekun, Femi Adebayo, Sola Duro Ladipo, Wale Akorede, Rose Odika, Yemi Elebuibon, Ayo Mogaji, Dayo Amusa, Afeez Eniola, Toyin Adegbola, Adedimeji Lateef, Henrietta Kosoko.
The morale of the story is to accommodate the "off" people in the society and not to be mean towards them.
Starring: Jide Kosoko, Seyi Ashekun, Femi Adebayo, Sola Duro Ladipo, Wale Akorede, Rose Odika, Yemi Elebuibon, Ayo Mogaji, Dayo Amusa, Afeez Eniola, Toyin Adegbola, Adedimeji Lateef, Henrietta Kosoko.
The morale of the story is to accommodate the "off" people in the society and not to be mean towards them.
Dewunmi Iberu
A movie produced by Dayo Amusa, Dewunmi Iberu tells the story of a young lady who suddenly disappeared from her parent's house. Unknown to her parents, she had become a notorious arm robber sought after by the police. This movie is highly recommended for parents, especially the strict ones. It is always good for parents to let a child decide on what he/she wants to do with their life and support them, especially when they are of age and are able to make their decisions.
Starring: Dayo Amusa, Uche jumbo, Justus Esiri, Lola Alao, Bimbo Oshin, Bimbo Akintola, Yinka Quadri, Ronke Oshodi and a host of other stars. This movie is not available on Youtube but can be watched on DailyMotion by clicking the links below
Part 1 - 1
Part 1 - 3
Part 2 - 1
Part 2 - 2
Starring: Dayo Amusa, Uche jumbo, Justus Esiri, Lola Alao, Bimbo Oshin, Bimbo Akintola, Yinka Quadri, Ronke Oshodi and a host of other stars. This movie is not available on Youtube but can be watched on DailyMotion by clicking the links below
Part 1 - 1
Part 1 - 3
Part 2 - 1
Part 2 - 2
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Liz Yemoja interview with Toyin Aimakhu
View Liz Yemoja interview with Toyin Aimakhu Johnson on Igroove - Genevieve Magazine Show
Talking on her role model, she said "I look up to Omotola Jolade, I love her, I talk to her and she responds, I look up to her because she is married for 18 years. My marriage is going to be a year by July 8. So when I look at people that are still in their marriage, I also want my marriage to be like that" She also said a lot of marriage failures today are caused by friends.
Very nice interview! Kudos to Toyin!
Talking on her role model, she said "I look up to Omotola Jolade, I love her, I talk to her and she responds, I look up to her because she is married for 18 years. My marriage is going to be a year by July 8. So when I look at people that are still in their marriage, I also want my marriage to be like that" She also said a lot of marriage failures today are caused by friends.
Very nice interview! Kudos to Toyin!
Sunday, 6 April 2014
Through acting I have raised educated children, built houses and travelled all over - Faliwerepe
In a recent chat with City People, Faliwerepe who became famous after her role in the famous Batawahala Yoruba soap opera of the late 80s and early 90s, talked about her career, her family and so much more.
See excerpts below:
Who gave you the name Faliwerepe and how did it stick to you?
The name Faliwerepe came through the famous Yoruba soap of the late 80s and early 90s titled “Bata Wahala” by Ajimajasan.
That soap had a very interesting storyline of a man who married 27 wives and I happen to be the last wife and I was the most troublesome and cantankerous in the house hold. And because of my cantankerous nature I was tagged as Faliwerepe which came from my name Falilat in the soap. People started calling me Fali-Werepe, meaning that I am troublesome and very, very prone to anger and all sort of things known to people of that nature. Werepe is a plant that once it touches your body, you will just be troubled all day long. So, in a nutshell, I got the name from Ajimajasan’s film Bata Wahala (The crisis laden shoe)
Your voice and mannerism in life tallies with your character in the movies, will you say that is truly who you are in real life?
Ah, ah, that can never be true. I can never be Faliwerepe in the movie and be Faliwerepe in real life. Faliwerepe is different from Modupe Johnson and Modupe Johnson is not Faliwerepe. The truth is that we only use our adopted characters in movie roles to illustrate things or serious issues of life. For instance, the movie Bata Wahala was used to correct the ills of polygamy in the society; do you know that after that film, we saw a lot of Nigerians who had more than a wife came and reduce their harem. It was a big eye opener for them because there is no how you will gather a harem and you won’t have a Faliwerepe among them, so, my character in the movies is not my personality in real life. It is just the other side of me that teaches people on serious issues of life. I am a gentle person by nature although I don’t condone cheating.
Can you say your inability to be educated in life have robbed on your success in the movie industry?
Far from it, yes I can say I still feel guilty that I didn’t get a full education but let me also tell you that nothing an educated person has gotten that I have not gotten through movie. Through acting I have raised educated children and travelled all over. I have built houses and when I say houses, I won’t like to say maybe it is one or two. But at least I am a landlady through my gift of acting. I have travelled to several countries of the world and the last time I went to America I was even making jest of myself; I said when we were growing they used to sing that “Bata Re a dun koko-ka (2ce) to’o ba kawe re, bata re a dun koko ka” (Your shoe will make the Kokoka noise (2ce) if you read your book, your shoe will make the Koko ka noise”. And I said, ‘look at me, despite the fact that I didn’t read my shoe is still doing ko-ko-ka . What if I now read (Laughter). But the fact remains that education is the best asset you can give a child, no matter how gifted the child is, you must give education to that child, for me, maybe my rare creativity as an actress made some way for me. My peculiar nature, my peculiar creativity and all that but not withstanding, I will always advise young people especially the female child to go to school. Life changes everyday and education remains the only current that will pay your life bills.
What would you say are the major challenges of being a veteran actress especially with the emergence of young actresses all over town?
I can’t say one is outdated in stuff, you can not be taken out of your own stuff; there will never be two Faliwerepe, there will never be two Iyabo-Oko, there will never be two Mama Rainbow, you are what you are by the special grace of God. Yes, we reinvent ourselves because change is the only thing that will last a decade or a century. And for those emerging girls, we also try to educate them and put them through; life can never be rich without the advice of the elderly. You must listen to those who have seen it earlier before you, that is why God made it for us to have our fathers and mothers before we become adults. Talking about being a veteran actress, I will say that does not affect my stuff as an actress but in terms of make up, I am above 50 and at times, when your body is aging, things you do as a young person might start eluding you. For instance, I like laying my eye lash as a young girl but now, if I try doing it the thing will just slip up and become a total mess, so what I do is that I go along with my make-up artiste anywhere I go.
No man made me convert to Islam – Liz Anjorin
Speaking in a recent interview, Liz Anjorin has said she did not convert to Islam because of a man. In her own words, she said, “No man can make me convert to Islam. I converted to Islam because of my late mum. Something happened the day she passed on. I wouldn’t disclose that here. So, I went to Mecca to pray for her and also, for myself as an orphan”.
Describing life after her trip to Mecca as beautiful, Liz revealed that for the past 18 years, she has never gone to any church to worship. “I have been a Muslim for a long time now, even when I was in the North. You can never spot me in any social function wearing suggestive clothes. In fact I ceased to be a Christian 18 years ago”
Tope Osoba produces first movie
Beautiful and sexy Yoruba actress, Tope Osoba, who rose to fame through movies like Gucci Girls, Igboro Ti Daru among others, has now joined the league of the big girls who call the shots in the Yoruba sector.
Tope has debuted a movie titled Single Ladies.The movie which casts Tope Osoba herself, Iyabo Ojo, Joke Jigan, tells the story of three young and rich guys who had vowed never to marry. From one suspenseful moment to another, what the three guys vowed never to do was the very thing they unexpectedly found themselves doing.
Other notable stars featured in the film include Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Ayo Adesanya, Damola Olatunji, Mosebolatan, Jane Marsh, among others. The crew members are made up of Okiki Afolayan, director of the movie, Taiwo Adebayo, production manager, Dele Michael, scriptwriter and a host of others.
According to the producer, Tope Osoba, the inspiration to produce a film to explain the cliché “never say never again” came from past relationships experiences she has seen or heard about. The movie is expected to hit the market before the end of the year.
Culled from Vanguard Newspaper
I can date my colleague but can’t marry him - Lola Margaret
On further probing on her present relationship, she said “I have a boyfriend. He is the man in my life. He is okay with my profession. I am not dating an actor. My fiancé understands me and my job. I love him and we intend to get married. He is a loving and caring guy. He is God-fearing. I love him so much and that was why I chose him”.
Odunlade Adekola, Dele Odule, Fathia Balogun, others dazzle ibnYoruba Movie Academy Awards 2014
See the full list of winners…
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Kola Ogunmola
Akinwunmi Ishola
Duro Ladipo
Mama Awero
BEST ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE
Muyiwa Ademola in Tangiri
Yomi Fash Lanso in Eja Tutu
Odunade Adekola in Mufu Olosa Oko – Winner
Femi Adebayo in Aiyekoto
Ibrahim Chatta in Onidajo
Muka Ray Eyiwunmi in Ashiru Ejire
BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
liz Anjorin in Kofo Tinubu
Ayo Adesanya in Amope Alasela
Funke Akindele in Ife Gbona
Bimbo Oshin in faderera
Iyabo Ojo in Arinzo
Fathia Balogun in Opo – Winner
BEST ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Akin Lewis in Obayeje
Antar Laniyan in Ibinu Oba
Taiwo Hassan in Eni Jogun
Aina Gold in Ika Kan
Dele Odule in Feranmi – Winner
Olaiya Igwe in Ile Alayo
BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Joke Muyiwa in Ayitale – Winner
Ayo Mogaji in Mama Insurance
Dupe Jaiyesimi in Oloja Ere Rose Odika in Tori Ogun
Aisat Abimbola in Mulika Nkako
Iyabo Oko in Ile Alayo
BEST CROSS OVER ACTOR
Mercy Aigbe in Osas
Kelvin Ikeduba in Adanikanrin- Winner
Doris Simoen in Gucci Girls
Rykado Agbor in Iyo Aye
Toyin Aimaku in Jejeloye
BEST MUSICIAN IN ACTING ROLE
Alabi Pasuma in Irawo Meji – Winner
Saheed Osupa in Labake Omo Oko
Ajoke Cinderella in Shakyra
Sule Alao in Aminatu papapa
Salawa Abeni in Asiru Ejire
Remi Aluko in Igba
BEST COMEDY FILM
Ile alayo
Ijewuru
Olojojo – Winner
Alani baba labake
Iyawo gbajumo
MOST PROMISING ACTOR
Gabriel Afolayan in Aba Meta
Tunde Owokoniran in Penkelemesi – Winner
Damola Olatunji in Adetutu
Big Val Jokotoye in Ika Kan
Austin Emmanuel in Agbara
Korede Wealth in Arole Are
MOST PROMISING ACTRESS
Memunat Yinusa in Mimiano – Winner
Titi Oludipe in Aran
Misola iyun in Adetutu
Tayo Sobola in Arewa Onijogbon
Laitan Ogungbile in Ona Wura
BEST CULTURAL MOVIE
Aramotu- Winner
Tangiri
Adayeba Ote
Igba Oro
Abeni Alagbo Oru
BEST MARKETER
Toymax Holdings
Olasco Films- Winner
Coporate Pictures
Almaroof Zainab Ventures
Lawlah His Grace
ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
Saidi Balogun in Alami Ayemi
Adebayo Tijani in Aiyekoto
Abiodun Olanrewaju in Arinzo
Niji Akanni in Aramotu – Winner
Kunle Afod in Ika Kan
Muyideen S. Ayinde in Amope Alasela
BEST PICTURE
Arinzo Aramotu – Winner
Aiyekoto
Alami Aiyemi
Ika kan
Amope Alasela
ACHIEVEMENT IN CINEMA
Irawe
Jejeloye
Gucci Girls
Arole Are
Ona Abayo
Riche Riche – Winner
ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING
Iyo Aye
Eja Tutu – Winner
Arire Oko Deola
Owu
Ile Alayo
Adetutu