Interview

Entertainment

Interview: "The calibre of actors in October 1 movie really challenged me." Budding actor, Demola Adedoyin


Demola Adedoyin stepped on the movie scene like he was stepping on his own bespoke terrazzo and brass star on the Walk of Fame. It may have been his debut, but he wears the insignia of great acting with his lead role in October 1 so gorgeously he could get an easy nod to the VIP section of life without a fuss. 
Demola appears to be a secret we are yet to define. With ears pinned to the wall, we want to know more about the new entrant into Nollywood. Good looks, a charming smirk, great talent and class so original it should get a NAFDAC number. Writer/Publicist, Joy Bewaji was chuffed to have him on the spotlight…

How empowering was the idea of being a lead act in one of the best and most anticipated movies in Nigeria?

Empowering is a great way to look at it because it connotes a high level of trust. Kunle Afolayan had only seen me in a short film shot in the UK and must have trusted me to deliver. The stakes were high; limited time and a big budget by Nigerian standards. He was trying to make a statement, not a ‘pop’ movie and there wasn’t time for a learning curve. Being in a closed set environment enhanced concentration and confidence in me and allowed me to build the intensity required. 

How would you describe your confidence walking into this set, and knowing it might just be the biggest break you could possibly get as an actor?

I decided not to think on a ‘career’ level. After negotiations and agreements, such thoughts are muted. On set it’s all about who is this character you were given and how is he different from or similar to you? What’s his voice depth, how does he move and think? What is his confidence level? My own confidence has to become totally non-wavering for me to deliver my character’s confidence properly. Having said that I am aware of the fact that being in this film will open up the floodgates for me as an actor and filmmaker.


What has been most overwhelming challenge so far?

I wouldn’t say overwhelming but I’ve been heavily challenged at certain points. I was very challenged by the calibre of actors I had to work with on October 1 but it was good because it made me work harder. Kunle supported me by tempering the emotions I was starting to absorb, sometimes physically restraining me as he found me fast and wild at first.  Then it stabilised. After we wrapped the movie it felt like I was pulled out of an alternative world and my beard made an aggressive comeback. I did bring back some of the tension with me from this set I was psychologically raw for a while. Another thing that hit me hard was the response to the film all through our screening campaign up to the Premiere. I was a bit surprised at the positive impact it had, even though Kunle Afolayan confidently predicted the effect would be just that- amazing.  

Playing the role as a villain, how much guilt did you have to bear recognizing that men of this sort really exist?

My character is not really the type of guy that feels guilt. This came through in the work because there were times when people who had to play victims in scenes with me asked me to pull back. I don’t really believe in ‘acting’ per se. I need to get as close as I can to ‘Being’ the character.  Men like this character are doomed. Their names may live long but they hardly do, and those who bear their legacy must bear the consequences. They leave nothing behind but sour hearts. In my real life, I’m thankful to God I have no such desires and will never have to feel that guilt in reality.


If any rumours were to start about you, which would you be comfortable with?

People give rumours power by defending themselves against them and I know that rumours are a way the bored and the obsessed try to communicate. Rumour mongers are attention junkies in fact. I will only fight back against such if it affects people dear to me.

You have stepped on a huge platform, where do you have your eyes set on at the moment?

I just choose to join those who will raise the standards of audio-visuals and communications in this country.  I have a production company called Yin Media, which provides a wide range of multimedia production services including websites, adverts and internet marketing campaigns up till now. As I venture further into films, we are narrowing down services to focus on audio-visuals including Feature Films, Documentaries and advertising. The flexibility of the latest technology allows us to also offer promotional photography, music videos and other related services. As an actor, education and research are like life support systems. It will not end till you end. Who knows, it may even continue afterwards.


This clearly introduces you to the red-carpet life, how much of fashion do you care about?

I quite like fashion. You know, even the people that aren’t interested in fashion are affected by it because they will form an opinion of someone based on how they present themselves. We all do it subconsciously. So in a way, we are fashion conscious by default. Of course as an artistic person my whole life revolves around forms, colours and dimensions anyway. I just like to wear what fits me well for any occasion. 


Which movie do you love going back to?

Forrest Gump. He was an amazing creation. Here’s a guy who seems devoid of intelligence, which had the side effect of his ego and fear being muted. He ended up having this amazing life based on the fact that he was in love and he wanted to help his friends, and he had almost zero fear of failure. He used the skills he learnt almost without thinking about what could go wrong. He seized almost every opportunity that came his way and just said yes and no as he went along. Amazing possibility. The movie was also technically brilliant, shot with some of the best film tech available at the time, with beautiful sweeping shots and a big budget.


Any words that constantly keep you going?

‘Look to the ant, thou sluggard/which having no guide, overseer, or ruler/provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.’- Proverbs 6: 6-8 
It just basically reminds me to get off my ass.

What hesitations do you bear as you walk into celebrity-dom?

I only have a hopeful outlook. My life has taken so many unexpected turns now that I’m just going to ‘Forrest Gump’ it the rest of the way. I’ve worked in Banking, PR, Marketing, got into music and ended up playing a lead role in an important film. Anything is officially possible. I know there will be setbacks and rumours along the way but the work and my family and friends will take top priority.

Who are you looking forward to working with in Nigeria?

The list is so long I don’t think I could scratch the surface. I could mention a few creative people who inspire though. In acting, OC Ukeje displays an impressive subtlety and versatility. Joseph Benjamin and Tope Tedela’s names ring out to me too. I want to be directed by Tunde Kelani, and also Eric Aghimien. Eric is a remarkably gentle soul for someone with such forceful material. As for the ladies, I’ve been able to work with Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (on the Island TV show, which resumes final shooting in early November) who I immediately wanted to work with after seeing ‘Ije’. She and Genevieve did excellently. Rita Dominic also seems very versatile and Ivie Okujaye seems very transformable to me. Plus they are all very attractive. Musically if I can get Don Jazzy locked, I could really produce something I feel would even surprise myself. On the film production side, Yinka Edwards creates amazing moving images and having worked with him on October 1 I can say he is a great and visionary collaborator. 


Interview conducted by Writer cum Publicist Joy Bewaji
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INTERVIEW: "MY MUSIC IS GOING TO BE BOMB"-AYO MTN PROJECT FAME 5 WINNER

He took 4 shots at the MTN Project Fame show but they were unsuccessful. Most people would have given up, but he remained dogged and bent on proving his mettle. He did not only scale through the fifth attempt but he also picked the winning ticket.
In this interview, the witty, out-spoken Covenant University graduate whose popularity is soaring high, told us about his odyssey into music as well as other issues. Enjoy!!!
(1) So, who is Ayo?My name is Ayoola Ayobami. I’m from Oyo State, the first of 5 children, I was born and bred in Kano. I moved to Lagos in 2001.
(2) How did you enter for Project Fame?I started from the first edition, that was 2008, all my attempts proved abortive. I quietly went for the 5th eÌdition, having tried out at all d seasons, and was publicly kicked out from the idols competition. I was just favoured to scale every huddle until I got to the finals.
(3) How did you feel that particular moment you were declared winner? An experience I would never forget in a hurry. Infact the import of the situation didn’t set in until I was congratulated and heard everyone screaming. It was just God. He saw my struggles, determination and decided to crown them with victory. The support was massive and I appreciate people who voted for me. (4) How sweet has the taste of victory been?I’m enjoying it and I hope more comes. Its been a very good ride, it comes with its own challenges but who am I to say No to enjoyment?
(5) So what would have come between you and your victory?
I have this school of thought that I don’t compete with anybody, I am my greatest challenge so I will say me. That’s if I’m not persistent enough.

(6) What are the challenges you’ve encountered so far?
They are much, having to stand out, to be unique, a whole lot of them.
(7) How has the journey been so far It’s been alright, full of ups and downs.
(8) How did you discover your talent in music?

As most people would say, they started singing as a child, when they were in their mother’s womb. Mine is close to that, i was born into the environs of music, my father used to be a choirmaster for about ten years, i would go to rehearsals with him in Kano.
I would watch him teach, play instruments, then i started learning how to play one or two instruments. I would say i started singing at age 6 or 7, that was when i did my first stage performance and that was silent night.
(9) Your parents are Pastors, how receptive are they to secular music?

My parents are my biggest fans, my biggest critics and they love the fact that I’ve been so gifted by God and I’m using it so well and so far. They would support me, pray for me, if they have millions, they will give me to pursue my music career. My father would shout at me whenever i lose my voice, he will tell me “don’t you know your voice is a million dollar instrument, take care of it”. That’s important for me cos i need support. They are in support of my music as long as i don’t go to the extreme even in secular music.
(10) What’s your kind of music?I love good music. I’m still in the process of discovering it, it’s a journey, I’ve done R’nB, Reggae, Naija pop and all. Every musician discovers his kind of music as time goes on.I’m still in the process of discovering my kind of music but whatever it is, it’s going to be so bomb. (11) What has stardom changed about you? Stardom has changed nothing, to be honest, I’m still the same guy.

(12) You’ve being an actor before you wanted to be an entertainer, how do you intend to cope with the two or you want to leave one for the other? It is not possible to do both at the same time, it’s going to be a bit difficult or harder than we all think. I think I’m willing and ready.
(13) Tell us about your educational background All started in Kano, i went to ECWA Nursery and Primary school, i can’t remember everything, one thing i remember is that there was a particular holiday when our President died, i didn’t know what was going on then but i was glad, i liked acrobatics, it was time to show some skills, so i went out and i remember being punished for that. I also went to Crison International school, i met a lot of people, got a lot of exposure, good and bad. Then we moved to Lagos, i did my WAEC in Binta International school, producers of Papa Ajasco, Ajasco was my junior. I did my A’levels for 2 years, i got to Covenant University 2005, graduated 2009 in B.Sc Biochemistry, i served in Delta State 2009/2010.
(14) How do you intend to affect lives with your music, what’s your message, what are you preaching to people? In as much as i am into music, it is my responsibilty as a responsible adult, to make sure that whatever i preach be it love, justice, i want to make sure that i do not adulterate my message and i know Nigerians, they get tired, they seem to think some messages can get boring, you’re going to find out my approach soon.I’m going to affect whoever is going to hear me cos i will not say rubbish, i will not preach nonsense, i will not sell sex, extravagance. I will say what they want to hear in a moderate way.
(15) How have you been coping with females in and out of the industry? Kokolets, in our brother D’banj’s word are a blessing, same thing with men, we are all blessings. I’ve always had a lot of female friends even before all these started. I have lots of new male friends than female friends now to be honest, i love having creative minds around me. There is no issue about coping, it’s just about staying level headed and i know that if I’m not careful I’m going to go out of control because everyone wants to be associated with success and greatness. I manage it well.(16) Do you have any special relationship with any female in the industry?I admire Genevieve Nnaji a lot.
(17) What would you have done if not entertainment?

I would have been a footballer. I would have gone far or be successful, i was tending towards that direction at some point in life, i was a goal keeper for my school, even though i wasn’t that good. Then i used to draw well, i would have been a good artist. I also wanted to be a good soldier, so many things.
(18) How soon should we expect your single and your movie?

Very soon. It is actually ready. As for the movie, i don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet, I’m working on them.

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Entertainment

INTERVIEW: "NO ONE HAS TAKEN MY SPACE"- BIGIANO


Few years after releasing his hit song ‘Shayo’, Babalola Gabriels, popularly called Bigiano, who had been in near oblivion 4 d past 3 to 4years has resurfaced,he is back and better. Few weeks ago, he released 3 captivating singles and organized a promo/unveiling party all geared at heralding his huge comeback. In this interview, the Ogun-born artiste spoke on his break from music, his return as well as other upcoming projects.

(1) You have been away for so long, what have you been up to?
My being away was intentional. I decided to keep my brand away, restrategize then come back, I have been doing tours, recording songs and spending time with my families. I’m not a flash in the pan, I just took time off to work on my brand.
(2) So what are you bringing back? What new thing are you introducing to the Bigiano brand?
Well. There are lots of them, I’m working on my image, you can see I’m wearing a new look, the hair is gone. Then I have lots of motivational messages to offer to people.
 

(3) Motivational as in, are you now a motivational speaker or you’re reflecting it in your music?
It will reflect in my songs and I will be speaking out for the youths as well as the younger race out there.
(4) So what new singles are you working on, tell us briefly about them?
I have got three singles out there, “As e dey hot”, who’s that girl” and oh laa laa, their videos are dropping soon. I have recorded over 100 songs already, after then, I’ll drop the collabos.
(5) What record label are you working on?
My new record label is Goldspan Entertainment and stronghold Records is my international promoter.
 
(6) Can you mention some of the artistes you are collaborating with?
May D, Davido, Wizkid and many more
(7) What should Bigiano’s fans expect from him?
They should expect a brand new Bigiano, I’m going to be dishing them good songs and I’ll also be consistent.
(8) When are you releasing your next album?
Next year, late next year because, I’m taking my time to churn out the best. It’s something that my fans and people out there are going to appreciate.

(9) What’s your take on the Nigerian music industry now?
The industry is growing and making a lot of sense, we just hope the government will help structure the country as a whole, not only in music aspect.
(10) What keeps you going as an artiste?
My inspirations and my faith, i strongly believe in myself and confident enough to stand and break through anywhere
 
(11) Asides the release party and the singles what other avenues are you exploring to make your fans know that Bigiano is back?
They already know I am back, the unveiling and promo went a long way and is still on-going, my singles are there, I’m only waiting to drop the videos so they will know all over the world.
(12) The industry has become so competitive, going by the number of good artistes we now have, how prepared are you for the competition?
I can’t find any competition any where, I’ve not been intimidated by any kind of music for the past few years, I don’t think anyone can stand Bigiano out there, no one has ever taken my space in the last 3 years. Let every artiste do what they have to do and let me do what i know best. The sky is wide enough for birds to fly.
(13) What are your challenges as an artiste?
People have lots of misconceptions about me, its really sad. And then putting 100% trust in people and you later find out they are not what they claimed to be.
Another thing is people mistake being principled for being arrogant.
(14) Asides the artistes you’ve mentioned, which other artistes/ producers are you working with?

For producers, I have Shizzi, Young D, Cobhams, Ty mix and other big names, for artistes I’ve got Akon on oh la la remix, AkA in South Africa, Mikasa, Letoya and in Nigeria Eva, and many others.
(15) What’s with the Kuti added to your name?
Kuti is my brand/merchandise name. I have reasons for choosing it.
(16) Who are your musical influences?
I have lots of them. While growing up, I got inspired by great singers with beautiful, ever-green music. Sunny Okosun, Christy Igbokwe, Chris Okotie, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Fela Anikulapo kuti. On the foreign side, we have Whitney Houston, Micheal Jackson, Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers, Jim Reves, Erikabadu and many more.

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(INTERVIEW) MY NEXT FILM WILL BE THE BIGGEST-KUNLE AFOLAYAN

Regarded as an established actor, filmmaker/producer, Kunle Afolayan shot into public view with his not-so dimunitive role (Aresejabata) in the 1999 Mainframe box office, Saworoide’, after then, many felt he had receded from the public view. Not until few years ago, when he earned our trust with Irapada and then award-winning films, Figurine and Phone swap. Produced from his Golden Effects stables, his movies are not only poles different from the wishy-washy ones which flood the market but they speak lots of volumes in terms of originality, storyline, quality and many more.
There is no gainsay that his recent film, Phone Swap is a Nollywood production with a class, infact the buzz surrounding it is still very intense.
 
The film had its premiere barely two months in Nigeria and Ghana got four nominations at the recently concluded Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA) but claimed the Achievement in Production design prize.In this short interview, he speaks on the secret behind his first-class movies as well as other issues. Enjoy and share!
I ask, what differentiates Kunle Afolayan from other filmmakers?
 
In a very relaxed mood, the soft-spoken actor didn’t mince words, he exuded a lot of confidence all through.
“I think it is just my work that speaks for me and the fact that my mindset is different from a whole lot of people.” He began.
 
 
” I believe anything that is worth doing is worth doing well. I was able to witness the genesis of motion pictures in Nigeria and privileged to see the positivity in it when we started and what austerity and a whole lot of economic issues has done to the industry before it now translated to Nollywood. I felt that there’s a whole lot to be done to revive that vibrant industry, production value was more important than commercial, for me I’ve been able to blend the two together”.
 
 
What made Phone Swap a success?
 
I think it was God that made it so. Then i invested a lot of hardwork into it. The film wasn’t an hurried job, i really took our time. Then. i also had a wonderful cast, working with them was quite easy and enjoyable. Wale Ojo actually got into the cast like 4 Days to the shoot unlike Nse who got the script like a year before the shoot.
 
Briefly tell us about your company, ‘Golden Effects’.
 
Basically what we do is audio visuals. We shoot films, commercials and documentaries. We rent out equipments, we do training, act as liaisons for people who come to shoot films in Nigeria. We have different departments, post production, accounts and many more.
 
How do you monetize your creative content?
 
One of the channels of distribution available in this country is the theatrical, that is the cinema but we are trying to explore other forms like online streaming. We also extend it to training for other corporate organizations, we hope to sell TV rights much later, a film like Irapada is still making some money through TV rights. I want to believe that the scope is getting bigger.
Your father, ‘Ade Love’ w as a renowned entertainer, do you feel his impacts are really working out for you?
 
I will say Yes to an extent but the man was long dead before i started learning one or few things not as a filmmaker but rather in the area of film business. I never learnt anything from him creativity wise but i was able to see how they run production companies especially film exhibition and stuffs but most times it opens doors, it is now left for you to utilize that opportunity. For me I’ve been able to build my own image to the extent that it now rubs on easily. If you surf through the internet, most of the things that are being said about him (my Father) are being linked to me or some of my brothers, unfortunately we dont have archives in Nigeria, there are not a lot of things about him online, so children born 20 years time won’t even know anything about him until they search online.
 
We’ve seen Irapada, Figurine and Phone Swap, what’s next?
 
The next one is in progress, infact, i started working on it before Phone Swap. It’s in that genre of Figurine. I want to believe it is going to be the biggest.
 
How do you keep in shape and what are your regular exercises like?
 
I walk in the morning for one and a half hours, i used to play basketbal every Sunday but I’ve been so busy with work so I’ve not done that in a while now. At least i take a walk around my neighbourhood like three times a week.
 
What are your challenges, either as a family man or an enterpreneur?
 
The challenges are enormous, even our day to day activities. As a young enterpreneur, when you’re trying to manage creativity and business, for you to step up your game, you must really be very smart. For me i plan, most times when you employ people to do stuffs for you, they don’t do it to my satisfaction. That alone is challenging. Also, if you’re thinking about a project, there’s no sure avenue to raise money in this country. You have to think and work out how you raise money, that too is a very distracting and exhausting experience.
This environment does not help or encourage filmmakers. There’s usually no light, everything has has to be powered by generators, when you want to push, the light of these obstacles weigh me down, you might not really be at your best. We have been surviving it and our best is yet to come.
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INTERVIEW: GABRIEL AFOLAYAN SPEAKS AT LENGTH ON HIS MUSIC CAREER

It is no longer news that seasoned actor Gabriel Afolayan, son of late film maker Adeyemi Afolayan and brother to accomplished actors, Kunle and Aremu Afolayan is dipping his hand into another pie, which is music.
In this interview, the debutante who is chanelling every faction of his talents into becoming a well-rounded artiste and who isn’t cowed by the presence of other established or upcoming artistes spoke at length about his sojourn into music amongst other issues.

1) Gabriel Afolayan is very successful in the acting terrain, what’s driving you into music?
Its strictly passion and music appreciation that is driving me on into the arena.

2) What kind of music do you do?
I do African soul

3) Your sizzling hot single, ‘Kokoro Ife’ is generating a lot of buzz everywhere, how do you feel about this?
I feel so happy and its surprising.
Never thought it would be this accepted, there’s this negative buzz about actors diversifying into music because they don’t get much roles again and thus have to supplement their earnings with music. No! The case is different, I’m just passionate about music and seeing this level of appreciation makes want to put in more efforts on my material.

3) Kokoro Ife is purely a love song. Is there any story behind the song or was it something you just stumbled on?
Kokoro ife is inspired by love and its complications. The continuous search for love and how we all rendezvous at the same spot. If you pay attention to the song you’ll find out the mode at which the guy searched and still couldn’t find, meaning you don’t set out searching for love, it comes to you natural. And the typical lesson is “if you are opportuned to secure love, hold on to it and cherish it”. This was said in the first 4 lines of the first verse. Basically Love is what the world seeks.

4) How long have you been into music?
Many people are not aware of the fact that I didn’t just make the decision to do music, I’ve been on the journey for long.
I started music professionally in 1997.
I was signed as a back up singer to a studio called phynix in Ibadan, Oyo State.
And also I used to back up for one- man band then as well. I was born a Baptist, I’ve been a chorister way back. I also had a musical group while in the Univeristy (University of Ibadan).

5) Are you quitting the stage for music or is there going to be a balance?
No way! I won’t. There is a balance already. I am under a management called studio 6 multimedia ltd; they have Studio 6 films and Studio 6 music. I’m like a complete brand to them and we have proper scheduling.

6) The music industry is highly competitive, how prepared are you for this?
I am prepared for the game cos I have something to offer in terms of my style. I listen to all kind of songs. But I appreciate soul music the most and it has inspired my style. That does not stop me from doing fast songs. It’s just that I would want to be known for a particular movement in music. I know about the competitive nature of the music industry and I must say it’s really making the game grow.

7) How far do you see yourself going in music?
The field is large enough. I am not coming in to drag or brag about anything. I am in music to bless the game with my uniqueness. And I know I will surely pull my own crowd/fans. I would surely contribute my quota. I’m going very far.

8) Any plans to release an album yet or feature other accomplished acts?
My album project is still in view but I’m just dropping singles for now. So I have just been recording songs at random. Although we’ve pencilled down some notable collaborations which I want to keep under wraps now.
9) Who is or are your influence(s) in the music industry.
A lot of them. I’m influenced by so many veteran musicians, talk of King Sunny Ade, Haruna Ishola, Ebenezer Obey, KWAM 1, Obesere, Victor Uwaifo, Segun Adewale, Admiral Adekunle, Sir Shina Peters, Kolawole Ayinla, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Pasuma, Kenny Kore, Samsong, Ty Bello, Tiwa Savage, W4, Wizkid, 2face, BankyW, Sound Sultan, Gt guitar man, Asa, Yinka Davies, Ego, Wande Coal, Lara George,Terry G and lots more. On the foreign scene I have Anthony Hamilton, Sisqo, Tyrese, Mario, Lauren Hill, Brandy, Smoky Robinson, Nat King Cole, Louis amstrong; the list is endless.

10) Considering the nature of your jobs now, how do you unwind?
The only time I unwind is when I want to sleep at night. The job itself is a whole lot of fun.

11) Has being the son of a film legend influenced you or opened doors for you in both careers?
It calls for more. Being from that source brings a lot of challenges. People pay attention to every detail, there are certain things they accept from others that they won’t take from you, it goes beyond being basking in the infleunce of my late father, it is really challenging.

Download Gabriel’s single, ‘Kokoro Ife’ (Love bug).

http://www.4shared.com/mp3/oczr-YCF/kokoro_ife_mi.html

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