Actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up about the decision to move away from playing “thug” roles after gaining widespread recognition for her performance in Funke Akindele’s film Omo Ghetto.
In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Thomas revealed that she made the choice to showcase her versatility and prove that she could play diverse roles beyond her iconic street-tough character.
The actress explained that she didn’t want to be typecast, a common phenomenon in the industry where actors get fixed in one image.
According to her, she had more to offer and wanted to demonstrate her range, even if it meant slowing down her career temporarily.
Thomas acknowledged that the decision wasn’t easy, as it led to reduced work, financial losses, and even affected some friendships.
According to her: “Yes, I did stop. You know, as a thespian, I really wanted to showcase myself, my versatility and other sides of myself apart from what God has used Funke Akindele to do. In this part of the world, actors get stereotyped and typecast, and I knew I had more to offer than being boxed into one role.
“Looking back, the decision may not have been right at the time because I was not yet fully established. But I was also afraid that if I became too well-known for that image, it would be harder to diversify later. If I had started producing then, things might have been different.
“That choice slowed things down for me. Then I had a baby and needed to focus on my child. Thankfully, endorsements came in; otherwise, it would have been tough. I paid a price for that decision. I lost roles, I lost money, and even some friendships.”
Bimbo emphasised her versatility as an actress, showcasing her ability to switch between different roles and accents.
“One minute I’m speaking phonetically, the next I do ghetto and so on”, she said.
Despite her success in Pidgin English films, she clarified that it’s not her natural speech, stating, “I wasn’t born in the barracks, so pidgin isn’t my thing”.
With over a decade of experience in Nollywood, Bimbo’s talent and adaptability have earned her widespread acclaim.
There’s no doubt that the Nigerian movie industry has significantly evolved over the years, with numerous filmmakers, particularly in the Yoruba film sector, breaking barriers by telling authentic indigenous stories and delivering stunning visuals through exceptional directing, especially in biopics. In this interview, seasoned actress Bimbo Thomas shares her filmmaking aspirations, thoughts on stereotyping, hopes for the future of Nollywood, and more with THE NATION’s ADENIYI ADEWOYIN. Excerpts…
What are your thoughts about the big projects by your colleagues in Nollywood lately?
It’s not sudden. What I believe is that whatever hard work you are doing right now will definitely pay off someday, it might take a while but it will. I know that we have some very quality filmmakers among us in the Yoruba-speaking part of Nollywood and the fact that they were at some point underestimated themselves not knowing the power that they had but I am thankful that it is happening and I won’t fall short of that opportunity because I am coming out strong very soon.
Should your fans be expecting your big-screen movie anytime soon?
I’m coming soon. In the last five months, I’ve been shooting YouTube movies and you know for someone like me who has taken a backseat because I went into motherhood, and after motherhood, I went into businesses, but now I’m back because this is my first love anyway, this is what I love to do so why won’t I do it?
You are multitalented, aside from acting you are also an MC and a businesswoman, how do you strike a balance?
Like I said earlier, if it’s in you, it’s in you, and don’t forget that I studied Theatre Art so it is what I have embodied. I can MC, you have seen that, I am a business person – you have seen that aspect too, and you have also seen my acting prowess but I am getting to be a filmmaker. I remember someone asked me why I haven’t produced all these while but I have seen myself as an actor for a while and that’s what I wanted to see myself as. But now, I’m going into the business aspect of it which is filmmaking and I’m coming heads up. I’m doing my studies, research and I am talking to people that have been there and they’re still there so that I won’t come and test waters and fail. I want to learn all the nitty gritty and do what is needed.
What do you think is yet to be done for indigenous movies to get to the global stage?
Before now I would have said budget but I see that we are not holding back when it comes to budget. So, I think it’s in the quality of the films that we make. Yes, we have the equipment now then we also lack the facilities to make good movies yet, so we still stage manage. We need to look at that angle and get these things right. The fact that we have the budget, we have quality actors, we have quality stories, and we are getting there and we can get more.
What are the things you look out for before accepting a script?
Quality script and a challenging role because I remember that way back in earlier days of my limelight, people started stereotyping me and I said to myself I am way beyond just a ghetto girl so I started rejecting roles, and to God be the glory I can write myself into all kinds of roles now and I’m good.
Some fans think that Yoruba actors are razz, what’s your take on that?
First and foremost don’t say Yoruba actors, I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Lagos so it’s a thing of your personality, what you want to showcase, I started from the English speaking industry and I came to the Yoruba industry not because I was sent away or because I couldn’t fit in, but because I just felt that this is where I have my people. My experience at the time turned me off a little bit.
What really happened? What was the experience like?
When we go for auditions and you see that the likes of Nneka, Onyekachi are who they want to give roles, and when they see a Bimbo Thomas, Tola Balogun even when you nail it they will say okay they will get back to you and I didn’t like it. I even had a director (Emma Oguguwa) that was taking me around at the time. I just said let me start with my people and when it is time they will come and is it not happening now?
How are you faring with the current economic situation of Nigeria?
I have this to say; no matter how hard it is in this country it will be easy for me. So far you can afford it just thank God. I am not shading those who don’t have but when God has blessed you to be able to figure something out for yourself just be grateful. There’s no rich person anywhere, we are all managing.
Actress Bimbo Thomas celebrated her special day with a beautiful Instagram post featuring stunning photos.
In her heartfelt message, Bimbo reflected on her personal growth, strength, and resilience. She acknowledged her efforts as a mother and expressed gratitude for her journey.
Bimbo expressed her wish for the upcoming year to reflect her inner light, shining brightly and attracting love and happiness.
Thomas wrote: “With enough joy in my heart today, I celebrate you, Bimbo Thomas! I celebrate my strength, my growth, and my incredible spirit, my willingness to strive without relenting, my effort and commitment to motherhood, and above all to gratitude to God for everything and everyone along my journey to success.
“May this year be a reflection of my inner light shining brightly as I embrace every moment, cherish every smile, and know that I’m worthy of all the love and happiness coming my way. Here’s to you, a beautiful soul, on your special day.”
Fans and colleagues flooded her comments with warm birthday wishes, celebrating her life, motherhood, and achievements.
Actress Abimbola Idowu Thomas has celebrated her son, Jayden’s 8th birthday with beautiful photos and heartfelt prayers on Instagram.
She recalled the joy of his birth in 2016 and expressed gratitude for his growth.
Bimbo prayed for Jayden’s continued blessings, quoting Psalm 1:3, asking for his protection, guidance, and grace.
She wished for him to blossom like a tree by the riverside, shining his light for generations to come.
Her loving words: “Oluwatobilola Eniolorundalola Ajadi my Son-shine, my beloved so, today marks a new year in ur life, Big 8 just like yesterday this time 2016 July 15th, wow thank God.
“Jayden my heart is praying for you Psalm 1:3 shall be your lot, your steps are guarded, you will walk and never stumble, the lord will shield you from all evil, ipa aiye oni ka o, mi o de ni foju sunkun, you will be above only ijmn.
I love you son so much. Happy birthday Jayden!
“My wish for you on your special day dear son , is that you continue to blossom like the tree planted by the river side, may your light never go deem , may lines continue to fall for you in pleasant places, i say you’re a blessing to your generation, may you continue to grow graciously in God’s own image and may the lord cause his face to shine upon you and your path ……. Oluwatobilola you will call one thousands will yield your voice , Jayden you’re known for signs n wonders. keep making me proud, i love you with all my heart dear child of Grace.”
