Azeezat Shorunmu is best described as a dynamic showbiz entrepreneur who has invested extensively in her skills as a screenwriter, actor, and producer. The light-complexioned actress, a native of Abeokuta-South in Ogun State, graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria.
The courageous and hardworking actress said “Writing is a born gift; I inherited this talent from my father, much like the popular saying, “Writers are born, not made.
“My father was a natural storyteller; an avid reader and writer with a deep passion for communication. He was the only writer in our family and had a profound love for crafting stories.
“Beyond his love for writing, my father played a pivotal role in my upbringing, shaping not just my literary skills but also my confidence and creativity. He nurtured my curiosity, encouraged me to read widely, and challenged me to express my thoughts with clarity and depth. Whenever I struggled with words, he patiently guided me, helping me refine my ideas and structure my writing.
“Naturally, he became my go-to person whenever I needed to write a speech or an essay, instilling in me a deep appreciation for the power of words. His passion for writing was contagious, and his belief in my abilities inspired and greatly influenced my journey as a writer. Through his guidance, I not only developed a love for storytelling but also learned the discipline and dedication it takes to master the craft.”
The quiet and easy-going actress added: “For my acting career, I embarked on a journey of professional training at Scene One School of Drama, a prestigious institution owned by the renowned and talented cinema queen, Funke Akindele, affectionately known as Jenifa.
“Her passion and dedication to the craft were truly inspiring. Later, I further honed my acting skills at the Future Concept of Sir Dele Ogundipe School of Drama, an esteemed school known for producing exceptional talent. These experiences solidified my commitment to the art of acting and set the foundation for my journey in Nollywood.
“Yes, I loved acting and was incredibly passionate about building a career in it, but I soon realized that the road to success in the industry was far from easy, especially if one is not mentally strong and prepared to face the many challenges that arise. I was raised in a family where morals, discipline, and self-respect were top priorities.
“Though my family accepted and supported my choice to pursue acting, there were certain restrictions I had to navigate, balancing both my aspirations and my family’s expectations. As a result, I sometimes felt torn between pursuing my dreams as an actress and honoring the values instilled in me by my family.
“At some point, I found myself feeling stagnant as an actress. It wasn’t that I lacked interest or passion for my craft; on the contrary, I loved acting deeply. However, I felt confined by the limitations imposed by my family’s expectations, which left little room for me to explore the ever-evolving and dynamic world of Nollywood. The industry was changing rapidly, and I longed to fully immerse myself in the new narratives that were being created, but I struggled to find that balance. The constraints on my career made it feel monotonous, and I realized that I needed to evolve if I was to stay engaged and inspired.
As I faced these challenges, I found that, when life begins to feel stagnant, the mind instinctively seeks an escape. I began to create stories and imaginary worlds—places where joy, fulfillment, and freedom existed.
“Initially, my passion for acting remained the driving force behind my desire to be recognized for my craft. I wanted to become a celebrated actress known for my exceptional portrayals and meaningful roles. But over time, I began to understand that acting requires more than just talent; it requires patience, resilience, and the ability to weather both the highs and lows of the industry.
“I wasn’t desperate for overnight success, but I also knew that achieving financial stability in the industry was not an easy or quick path. As the first daughter in my family, I carried the weight of great responsibility and high expectations. These responsibilities constantly pushed me to think outside the box and explore different avenues to sustain myself while also supporting my family.
“In my search for a solution, an idea struck me, an idea that change the course of my career. I shared my thoughts with my mentor and boss, Dele Ogundipe. He saw the potential within me and believed in my abilities, encouraging me to explore the world of movie scriptwriting. His belief in me and his decision to give me a chance to prove myself as a scriptwriter were transformative.
“I will forever be grateful for that opportunity. If he had not given me that chance, my story might have turned out differently. But today, I look back on that moment with gratitude and recognition, knowing that it was the spark that ignited my transition into filmmaking and helped shape me into the filmmaker I am today.
Today, my journey as an actress and scriptwriter in Nollywood has been one of constant growth, evolution, and self-discovery.
“I’ve learned that the key to success in this industry is not just about talent but also about adaptability, patience, and the courage to take risks and explore new opportunities. Today, I stand proud of the woman and the artist I’ve become, with the hope that my story will inspire others to never give up on their dreams and to always find their own path to success.
“As a Nollywood actor and scriptwriter, acting holds a deeply significant and transformative role in my creative journey. It is not just an art form, but a vital component that has allowed me to access new dimensions of my imagination and creativity.
“Through acting, I have been able to push my boundaries, challenge myself, and truly immerse myself in different roles that stretch my emotional and intellectual capacities. Every character I portray serves as a new exploration of human nature and storytelling, giving me the opportunity to connect with people from various walks of life on a much deeper, more personal level. This connection is a powerful part of acting, as it enables me to bring stories to life in ways that are authentic and meaningful.
Being an actor has allowed me to step inside the stories I write, to fully understand the heart of each character, and the way they interact with the world around them. It has also given me a platform to bring to life the characters and stories that often need to be told, to create narratives that speak to the soul of the audience. These stories are not just for entertainment but are meant to leave a lasting impact, to make people reflect, laugh, cry, and feel. Through acting, I’ve gained an intimate understanding of the delicate balance between performance and storytelling, which has significantly influenced my writing.
“Acting has shaped both my personal and professional life in ways I never imagined. On a personal level, it has made me more introspective and aware of the complexities of human emotion and behaviour. Professionally, it has been an invaluable tool for my work as a scriptwriter. Through acting, I’ve learned lessons of discipline, resilience, and the courage to take creative risks. These lessons are not just theoretical; they’ve been learned through experience, facing challenges head-on, and embracing vulnerability on set.
“As a result, I’ve become not only a better actor but a more empathetic scriptwriter. I now write with a deeper understanding of the emotional journey each character undergoes. I understand how important it is for a character’s backstory and motivations to feel real and relatable, and I strive to ensure that every story I write reflects this depth. Acting has enriched my writing process in ways that continue to inspire me daily, giving me the tools to craft characters that are multi-dimensional and narratives that are both compelling and nuanced.
“The intersection of acting and scriptwriting in my life has allowed me to see the film industry from both sides. I can now write stories that are not only captivating on paper but also adaptable for performance, giving actors the space to bring their characters to life with authenticity. Ultimately, acting has given me a fuller, richer perspective on storytelling, one that has continually shaped and refined the way I approach writing, directing, and performing.
“So far, I have established myself as a prominent actress in the Nollywood industry, collaborating with many of the A-list actors that have made their mark. Over the years, I have also stepped into the role of a filmmaker, producing a number of successful movies to my credit. As both an actress and a filmmaker, I have worked on projects such as Etan, Omo Eleso, Pase, Bioreni, Abiwapele, 1990, Our Family, Korikosun Esu, Orisa Eniwumide, Ere Oran, Baoku, Eleni Ina, and many more. Each project has contributed to the diverse portfolio I’m proud to have built.
In addition to my acting, I have written countless movie scripts, so many, in fact, that I lost count years ago. Screenwriting has become both my daily occupation and a significant source of income. It has not only provided me with financial stability but also given me a voice and recognition within the industry. Through my writing, I’ve been able to carve out my space and earn fame, becoming known for my ability to craft compelling narratives.
To name just a few of my many scripts, I have written The Return of Kesari, Orisa Ife, Meerin, Jugunu, Aramide Agbofiro, Alani Oogo, The Maid, Machine, Ninu Ghetto, Ajadi Alaska, Omo Ewekoro, 77 Bullets, Stargirls, Bella, Seriki Olowo, Ariran, Ninolowo, Agbokolori, and countless others. Each of these works has further solidified my position as a multifaceted talent in Nollywood, blending my passion for acting with a deep love for storytelling through writing.”
