Those who have encountered her agree that she is fun to be with. Omotunde Adebowale Davies, popularly known as Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, is one of the most celebrated OAPs in Nigeria. Chatting with her at her office on the Island is a moment to remember.
The graduate of Law from the Lagos State University practiced for some years before venturing into entertainment, which she has been doing for almost 10 years now. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI, she talks about her annual project Oga Madam Live on Stage and other issues related to her work and person.
WHY did you decide to take part in a stage play?
I have always loved stage plays. The cast is a very powerful one, so when I heard about it and the people involved, I decided to join. The script also is very interesting. Also, because I am hilarious, having that as part of the play caught my attention.
Does rehearsing for the show not interfere with your normal schedule?
As humans, we all have different sides. It is just like seeing a human without a shadow. We all have many things we love to do. The most important thing is to set your priority right and make sure they don’t clash or affect each other. I have already mapped it out. During weekends I work on this and during the week I am doing my programme on the radio.
How long have you been into acting?
Well, people might not have seen me on the big screen but I have done a couple of grand stage plays. This is me and this is secular. Maybe I have also joined a couple of churches to get some projects done.
How did you end up being an OAP?
I am a lawyer by training but we all have what we love to do. I love entertainment; it has always been part of me. It was not something that I had to pray about. It is a talent that I have been given to make people laugh, be happy and joyful. So it was really a smooth transition for me to move from legal practice to entertainment. I have been doing it for almost ten years now and there is no stopping me. I have been to Radio Nigeria, I have been on Radio1, I have done Metro Fm and now I am with Wazobia FM. I have also worked a bit with Cool FM.
Is there anything that can make you quit this job?
I can’t say. Maybe when we are done, ready to go and be with the Lord. That would be when I have explored everything I want about entertainment. I have a comedy show coming up in November; it is what I do annually. It is a comedy-music show, called Oga Madam Office Live on Stage: Diary of a Lagos Gal. That is what it is called this year. I am gearing up for it. Asking me to quit the entertainment world is just like telling me to stop breathing.
How long has this project been in existence?
This will be the second season in Nigeria. I did it last year; I have done London this year, so it is my second edition in Nigeria. The comedy is just about me. I am bringing Lolo’s craziness to the stage. Everybody loves me on radio because of my humorous side. I will be getting support from other artistes and it will take place at the Muson Centre.
What other side is there to Lolo that we don’t know?
Funny enough, I love to read. There is no time you check my bag that you won’t find a book in it. When I am not reading a book, I am watching movies. I have a desire to direct one at some point in my life. I love to watch a movie from a director’s angle. So I am not just looking at the story but the characters too. Those are the things that relax me. My favourite place in the world is the beach. If I want to really think or be happy, I just drive there, sit on the sand and just look at the sea.
Are there any negative sides of being a popular radio personality?
You have to be there for everybody, show up for everybody’s show or events. When you have to go for events, you just have to represent because everybody expects you to. Sometimes it can be really stressful for us women. I’ll speak for myself as a female OAP. For the guys, it is simple but for a woman, you have to make yourself up, tidy your wardrobe, hair, shoes, bags and jewelry. If we don’t represent, people will crucify us. The pressure is a lot. That is why you see a lot of people live above their means because they just want to keep up. Sometimes I just want to wear iro and buba’ and go my way. Sometimes I just don’t want to wear make-up.
As you said, there are many sides to every human. Who is Lolo1?
I am a very simple woman, fun and energetic. I love life and love to do fun things. I am a simple woman at heart, but I have my own side too. I am extremely extroverted too. So I have a nice balance too. My philosophy in life is to ‘do to others, what you want them to do back to you’. I believe life is an endless circle, moving around.
How easy is it to communicate in pidgin?
(Laughs) I say pidgin is just a language. It is just like asking a Ghanaian, how do you speak you language? It is the same thing. It is a language of communication, just like you speak English, Ijebu, Efik and any other language in Nigeria. Everybody is an average pidgin speaker; you just might not speak it as good as some people, because every place has its own style. But there is nobody that won’t be able to communicate in that easy English to anyone.
How do people react when they recognise you in public?
People are getting less shocked now. Maybe because I am a little more visible than I used to be. At the moment, radio presenters are getting more visible because we go for events, red carpets, interviews, and people are getting to know us. I still get the normal shock. People ask: ‘is this how you look? You can speak English?’ It always makes me laugh. Recently, I got my youngest fan that walked up to me at a wedding and wanted an autograph. It was so cute. I have been coping.
Let’s talk about your new hair style
Oh, well I tell people that a lot of us don’t live our lives. We just do what people expect of us. What is the difference between having a weave-on and a hair cut? Is it your hair? This is even more of my hair, than all the women on Brazilian hair. So why should I be afraid to walk with my natural hair? What makes you think that this cut is the one that is not good? This is natural. It is still my hair. I have no attachment on it. Is it because I left more hair someplace and cut the other that is the shock? This hair has been on forever. My mother calls it Galax (laughs). In this time, we call it Mohawk. It has different names. I just wanted to do something unique that will stand me out, something that won’t blend me with the crowd. Everyone who sees me, turns around and asks, who is she? It is good for me.
And what was the reaction when you came into the office wearing the new look?
Oh my God, my boss looked at me and opened his mouth. But everybody just laughed, saying ‘it is Motunde, she does things to shock people.’ Everybody had their expressions, but they are all settling into it now.
