Background
I was born in Lagos, where I grew up in Obalende, despite my parents being from Togo. Lagos has always been my city and home, though I still maintain connections with my Togolese family. Despite being part of a polygamous family, it was close-knit, and my childhood was fascinating, shaping the person I am today.
Education
After my primary school education, I attended Ireti Grammar School for my secondary school education; thereafter, I went to Lagos State University, Anthony campus, for my tertiary education.
Nollywood
I became interested in acting when I was in secondary school. At that time, I was always involved in school plays. The people around me noticed that I had the flair for acting. However, I started acting professionally in 2004 through a friend, Iyabo Ojo. She was the one who introduced me to Muka Ray, and he taught me all that I needed to know. I really cannot remember the title of the first movie I featured in, but it was produced by the late Sikiru Adesina aka Arakangudu.
Limelight
However, the movies that thrust me into the limelight are Wakati Meta by Wale Lawal and Omidan by Iyabo Ojo. The two movies were released on the same day and I played major characters in both.
English movies
When it comes to featuring in English movies, it is not that I am not interested, but the opportunity has yet to come. If it does, I will grab it with both hands. Some Yoruba actors say they do not like getting involved with movies shot by Igbo producers because of intolerance, but I do not like judging people from a distance. People like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Bimbo Akintola are doing quite well in that area. To get a role in a movie shot by an Igbo producer, you have to know somebody.
Producing movies
I decided to start producing my own movies because of my desire to tell stories that would impact people’s lives positively. I have produced 11 movies so far, including Alebu Kan, Tasere, and Kosiwa. However, the first movie I produced was titled Mama Insurance in 2012. The movie created some buzz when it was released because it featured an all-female cast. I just wanted to do something different, and that is why I decided to work with only actresses. Actresses featured in the movie include Ayo Mogaji, Lanre Hassan, Iyabo Ojo, Ronke Ojo, and Doris Simeon. I really put in a lot of work into making my movies so that they come out well.
Scripts
I accept only scripts that require me to play challenging roles. Being paired with a better or veteran actor also piques my interest.
Business
It is very important for all actors to have a backup plan. Acting is not a job that one can do forever. If you do not have any other thing that you are doing apart from acting, you are just killing yourself in my opinion. The movie industry is all about time; you may be there today, but some other people will be there tomorrow.
I have my business which I run alongside my acting career. Actually, I have several business interests, and one of them is a lingerie shop where I sell both male and female underwear. I also have an annual event called Ankara Ball, and its aim is to support the less privileged.
Religion
The religion I choose to practice is my private life and channel through which I relate with my God. I was born a Christian, but I had to convert to Islam because of my baby.
Fashion
My style goes with my mood and I dress to impress myself, though I always try to be as simple as I can. The fashion item I love the most is shoes, and I have a lot of them in my closet. One thing I can never be caught wearing is a see-through dress without underwear.
Relaxation
I relax by cooking good food, and watching people enjoy eating it. I also like to reach out to the needy and the less privileged, because it soothes me to put smiles on people’s faces.
Legacy
I would love to be remembered as someone who supports and cares for the less- privileged members of the society.