Seun Omojola is an actress, model, filmmaker and content creator with over 39 movies to her credit. The busty Ekiti State indigene who started acting in 2003, studied History and International Relations at the Lagos State University, Ojo, before attending a filmmaking and acting course at the London Film Academy. In this interview with JOE AGBRO JR., she speaks about her life and acting career. Excerpts
How was growing up like?
I’m from a family of seven – three girls, two boys, my mum and dad. My dad is late now though. When I was younger, it wasn’t really rosy but I know we were not begging for food. I’m pretty sure my parents tried their best in their own little way. I’m from a humble background.
How did acting start for you?
I was already into acting before I got an admission. When I was in secondary school – Idi Araba High School, I used to like everything that had to do with drama, theatre, cultural dance. I grew up in Surulere (Lagos). So, I started sneaking out when I finished secondary school, trying to see if I could find a way to see how I can get to meet people that were in the industry. So there was this place called Winnies at Kilo. So, I went there and I saw like minds – people who wanted to act – and some who have been acting. So, I networked, made some friends. So, whenever there was an audition, I would know about it, go, if the audition is at Winnies or at National Theatre (Iganmu), after which you will go back to check if you were chosen. Like there is this paper they paste on the wall to check if you were picked. Sometimes, they pick you, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes, you get waka pass.
Was that before you finished from LASU?
No, I’ve not even got into LASU at all. I’ve not even got an admission yet at the time.
You were more interested in acting, why did you study History and International Relatiions?
I think some people in this world actually have about two interests or three interests. I’ve always dreamt that if I’m not an actress, what else could I be? And that was to probably be a diplomat; when it comes to working with United Nations, UNICEF, going round the world, helping people. Or probably, relating to government when it comes to foreign policy, things like that. And I know the best way to do that is do a course that is probably around international relations or political science.
For many actors, it’s becoming like a norm to delve into filmmaking. What motivated you to go into filmmaking?
There is this interest that I just developed while working on set. You know, you’re the actor now. You don’t know anything about behind-the-scenes. But you now develop this interest. There is this curiosity that these people do a lot of work. They just don’t get enough credit. It was of interest to me. And I want to produce my own films. So I started collaborating with other like minds, shot the ‘Wings of my dreams’. It was nominated for an award at the African Film Festival in Houston, Texas, and the main actor was Jumoke Aderounmu was also nominated for the Best Actress in a Short Film. Then, afterwards, shot other movies.
Would you say you’ve enjoyed the experience?
It’s not easy but yes. When you love what you do, it doesn’t look like work because it’s not like you’re being forced to do it. I have to make you realise It’s more like you’re growing but you also want people to grow with you. Look at Funke Akindele, she provides jobs for people on Jenifa’s Diary. There is no way I’m shooting a production now that I won’t have at least more than… I think the highest I’ve gotten on set is at least 50 people. And you have to pay all of them.
Have you lost money?
Yes, I have. At the same time, there are some productions I’ve done that I’ve also made money (profit) from, maybe not as much as I would like to make. But of course, the margin isn’t much but I did it not just for me but for other people who might be interested in also going into production in future so that they know they can also do it.
You act and produce Yoruba and English movies…
Yes, I started by producing in English language though. I experimented with Yoruba movies, I think it was in 2014. My first Yoruba movie that I produced was ‘Itunu’, though I acted in one Yoruba film in 2005. It was a Corporate Pictures Film. At the time I did Glo advert, he really was calling my agent that I should be part of the film. I said I can’t act Yoruba films. But I did. It was really a nice experience. I was still in school and some people called me but I wasn’t really cool with the pay at the time. But my agent told me you really have to do some jobs for free until you get to where you want to get to. At the time I was doing English movies with the likes of Great Future, so I wasn’t looking at Yoruba at all.
Was it that you felt Yoruba films are less fulfilling?
No, it’s just that I wanted to do English. I was watching Yoruba films a lot. But I wasn’t just interested because, when I started acting, I never thought I would act Yoruba movies.
So what made you change?
I realised something when I was doing my course in the UK. I realised how much people just tune into Youtube to watch Yoruba films. Even my Igbo friends, some of them can’t even speak Yoruba. There are some stories that if you don’t do it in that language, you won’t really feel it. Most of the films I’ve produced in Yoruba now, I got a lot of messages abroad. People send me emails, people send me letters and tell me about how they really connect with the stories and films, even some times, more than the English movies that I’ve produced.
What’s been your most challenging production so far?
I would say the one movie that was a bit challenging for me was ‘My Reincarnation’ which was by Great Future. I think it was in 2005. Being that it was my first lead role and acting with the likes of Justus Esiri, Patience Ozokwor, Yemi Blaq, Jennifer Eliogu – I had some moral support from them. However, it was so difficult for me because there were some actors on that set that sometimes don’t make it easy for the up-comers; most especially if you’re not doing what they expect you to do.
Aside movies, is there any other thing you do to make ends meet?
I own May Punctual Multimedia Limited. It’s a media company which I use for movies. And we just don’t deal with production alone; we also deal with product activation. We also manage their projects and events. We do TV commercials. We actually did for 2014 Alomo Bitters, Kasapreko, Ghana. We’ve been able to provide ushers for the likes of Coca Cola. We did that for years. Even aside movies, I’ve always had a side hustle. I’m actually good when it comes to organising such events for brands.
Given your physical endowment, how do you ward off male folks you don’t want?
Politely. In fact, I have gotten to the level that there are some people that are coming for something else and I already know from a distance. In fact, before you even say what is on your mind, we have already started laughing or talking about something else. And for the ones that are just persistent, well, it’s not possible. I’m not interested.
Talking about fashion, what’s your style?
Simple, yet chic and classy.
What would you not be caught dead wearing?
You can catch me wearing ordinary pant on the road (laughs).
Are you single, married, divorced or widowed?
(Laughs) I’m in a relationship.
How has being an actress influenced or affected your love relationship?
The truth is that, from my past relationships, you’ll find some people who would tell you they will accept and support you and everything. But when you get into the relationship, you now realise that their word is different from their action. And if it’s something that you know you don’t want to give up, then you know that this would definitely cause a problem eventually in future if you take it to the next level or you eventually get married. But for my current relationship which I don’t like talking about, we’re cool. He’s a supporter of mine. Imagine, when I talk about him, I just smile.
So, is there a wedding happening soon?
(Laughs) That one, I’m not going to talk about it because you don’t know if I’ve gotten married or not. So, I’m not going to talk about it. I don’t want my relationship to be in the media at all. I love my man, that’s all I can say.
It’s 2019, what should your fans expect from you?
Well, they should expect more of me. Like, I’m usually shying away from media in the past.