From the world of broadcasting to movie scripts, Babatunde Aderinoye has walked an intriguing path—one that saw him switch dreams of being Nigeria’s top broadcaster for the bright lights of Nollywood. Known for his calm charisma and articulate delivery, Aderinoye has grown a large fan base and earned a place as the sweetheart of Yoruba movie lovers. In this engaging interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, the Abeokuta-born actor opens up about training under Odunlade Adekola, navigating career doubts, his thoughts on constructive criticism in filmmaking, and how he handles attention from female fans in the industry.
How would you describe your journey to Nollywood?
Nothing is easy. There are always ups and downs, and challenges here and there. I think the fact that one can ensure that you do not let the challenges overwhelm you to the point that it keeps you down, there is a need for resilience and I think that is the hallmark of every success because there will always be challenges and I think challenges will serve as motivation and if you have challenge you should know that the end is usually success at the end of the day. It’s not been easy, but I thank God for where I started, for where I am today and for where he is taking me.
Did you at any point train in any drama school to become an actor?
To be candid, I feel that there is no successful person in any field today who did not undergo a form of refining. When I started I saw myself as a raw material that needed to be refined and the next thing for me was to look for where I would be refined I did not just want to go anywhere, I had certain qualities that I was looking out for, certain beliefs and I did not want anything to taint those principles.
So, I sat down and looked out for where I could align, and I eventually saw Odunlade Adekola as a very good actor, not just as an actor, I saw him as someone who has discipline and personal principles as well, and I realized that this is the person to go to, to learn from. One thing that I told him when he asked me why I came to join his movie was that I saw myself as raw material that needed to become a finished product, and he was the best person to help me.
What year did you join the industry?
2017.
What were you doing before joining the movie industry?
Before now, my dream was to become the best broadcaster in Nigeria. I’ve got a couple of experiences here and there. I’ve worked with Diamond FM in Ibadan, Oyo State. I’ve worked with Rock City FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I’ve worked with OGBC in Abeokuta. I’ve worked with OSBC on both TV and Radio in Osun State. Eventually, man proposes, and God disposes; I think God had something different for me. But then, I really enjoyed my time in broadcasting, and that was what brought me here. There are certain things I’m able to do easily because of the experience that I have in broadcasting. It doesn’t mean that part of me is gone; I still have it, and there are certain plans that I still have to ensure that part of me is still there.
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Was there ever a time you wanted to give up on acting and go back to broadcasting?
Plenty of times! The thing is, when you’re passionate about something, it’s usually like a spirit, when you see someone doing it and is doing it well, you get motivated. So, there were several moments like that, but then, where I am currently, I am enjoying it. There is time for everything and I feel that where I am right now is sufficient enough for me… for now.
Why did you choose the Yoruba sector of Nollywood and not the English-speaking part considering your fluency?
I think it was the closest to me at that time. I was born in Abeokuta and had my primary and secondary school there, except for my university education, which was at the University of Ibadan, where I studied Psychology. So, the closest to me was Odunlade Adekola Film Production (OAFP), and to me, it was the best.
Did you at any time use your influence as a broadcaster at that time to gain access to the movie world?
He (Odunlade) didn’t know me, so it wasn’t a matter of influence or connection. I had done a couple of articles and other jobs for film organizations, too and helped them review movies before I came into the movie industry.
Talking about movie reviews, some of your colleagues frown at reviews that are not completely in their favour. What do you have to say about that as a film reviewer yourself?
In life, you need to be criticized. There is a need for criticism. Where some people get it wrong when they are not constructive with their criticism. I cannot just tell you your mistake without telling you where to improve. So, it’s not just about telling people their mistakes, but also telling them what to do to get better. I think that’s where some of my colleagues don’t embrace certain criticism.
You are obviously a good-looking man. Do you also get sexual advancement from female folks?
Well, it’s good to be acknowledged, it’s a privilege, and so far, God has been faithful when it comes to that. Every man gets attention, but then I really do not like a situation where you exploit negatively because you are a celebrity. Some people just love you unconditionally, and you wonder where the love is coming from but it doesn’t mean you have to exploit it and misuse it. Why don’t you think about impacting the person that loves you? It’s not just about receiving love but I’m also in the position to give love.
