Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is a go-getter. She’s a fulfilled actress, musician, mother of four lovely children and wife to a man she fondly calls ‘honey boy’. You can also add comedian to her titles as all she does is laugh and laugh and make jokes when one is talking to her. She is also one of the most respected and popular Nollywood superstars. In an interview with Golden Icons she defines Omotola.
GI: I have watched almost all your movies. I can definitely say that you are one of the most recognized faces in Nollywood. What do you attribute your success to?
Omotola: I presume people who watch my movies just like the flare, and my aura. I am sure that I am not the most talented actress around or the prettiest. I think it’s really about the aura, because there are some actresses that are very talented, and you don’t like their aura.
GI: When exactly did you begin your acting career?
Omotola: I did my first movie in 1995. The movie was called Venom of justice
GI: You are quoted on record as having acted in over 300 movies.
Omotola: Approximately, maybe
GI: How do you select the films you act and prepare for roles?
Omotola: I like to be very emotional. As a result, I tend to act movies that are very emotional. With this, I can also explore my emotions, and really, there is no limit to what the outcome may be.
GI: With all your years of experience, is it getting easier managing being an A-list actress, a wife, and a mother?
Omotola: Sometimes it is very complicated managing my career and the home, because I sometimes find my family needing my attention at a time when I am shooting a movie. I basically have a scale of preference, and I work with that in ensuring that the highest priority item gets completed first. However, when I experience clashes, and find it difficult in making a decision in prioritizing, I tend to always put my family first.
GI: How does your family feel about the paparazzi, as it relates to you? How do you also protect them from the craziness out there?
Omotola: I have got a strong family, and they do not really care about what others say. I also try to make them feel like there is nothing to being popular. For example, when we are in the car and people are waving at us, I tell them to put their hands down because they are not a celebrity. I also ensure I make them realize that they need to stay focused and not be distracted by the fame.
GI: Are any of your children interested in following their mum’s footsteps?
Omotola: All my children are really into entertainment, except for the last one, who is probably too young. My first daughter was into acting earlier on, but my husband stopped her, because he wanted her to focus on her education first. My first son is very focused; both academically and with everything else. He just shot a soap opera where he was a lead character. My second daughter, is not into acting, but she is a professional dancer and model.
GI: So, what’s next for Omotola?
Omotola: I really want to do more charity work, more giving back to the community. I really want to make Africa can be one of the well recognized continents in the world. Also, I don’t just represent Nigeria, but also Africa. I don’t talk as a Nigerian now, but as an African. I would want to explore things that would make Africa stand out.
GI: I saw your video for “Feel Alright”, any comments on that?
Omotola: Oh that one! It was a trial video that we did in Los Angeles, California. We just wanted to have fun. It was not an official video and it wasn’t meant for the public too. I really don’t know how it leaked out
GI: Some people do not think that you dress up the way a married woman should, what’s your opinion about this?
Omotola: What do they want me to wear? To dress as a nun? Come on, I dress how I like to look. I wear what I feel comfortable in and my hubby likes the way I dress. He’s the important one.
GI: You married quite early and started making babies quite early, are you trying to relive your youth by dressing younger?
Omotola: No. I always dressed the way a girl my age should dress. I don’t think I should be dressing older just because I am a wife and mother. I am still a young person and as long as my dressing is not disrespectful and I am well covered then I don’t think I have committed any crime here.
GI: When you say you are still a young person, what age are we looking at here?
Omotola: I am 31 years old.
GI: The movie you featured in Ije was recently screened by Warner Brothers and there are whispers that you are on the brink of a Hollywood movie deal. Do you want to tell us about this?
Omotola: Yes, I am talking to some big names right now and we have something on the line. I don’t just want to go into the details right now but it will unfold as time goes on.
GI: The media have always fingered you as being a snob, but recently I noticed you have warmed up to your fans, especially on Facebook. Was this a misconception or did the reports make you change?
Omotola: I believe the people who made up this story do not really know me for who I am. I have been tagged as cold and unfriendly but it’s not true. When the opportunity presents itself some people walk up to me and say ‘Oh I didn’t know you are this friendly’ and i say to them that I have always been like this. I really look forward to the day when this will be totally corrected and people who matter will see me for the person I truly am. (GI adapted)
