By Damilola Fatunmise 

Fast rising screen diva, Omotola Adebayo is one of the most sought after actresses in the Yoruba sector of the movie industry. A jack of all trade, she’s a business woman, make up artiste, car dealer, producer and actress who has featured in over 50 movies.

In this chat, Adebayo reveals why she left her banking job after eight years and embraced acting. Enjoy it.

Briefly tell us about yourself

My name is Omotola Adebayo. I am the second child of a family of six. A very strict mum, who is a pastor, raised me. The fact that my dad was abroad in my younger days made things kind of difficult then, but thank God we are all fine now.

Your mum is a pastor and very strict, how supportive is she to your acting career?

As a pastor, my mum is kind of skeptical about my acting career but as a mother, she is supportive. She frowns at me whenever I wear some kind of skimpy clothes. If you notice my way of dressing, you will notice that it’s somehow conservative. I don’t really wear skimpy clothes on set and even in my day-to-day activities.

What of your dad…?

Oh yes, I’m daddy’s girl.  My dad is in full support of me.

How actually did you come into acting?

I started acting back then in school when I chose to join a group of dancers, singers and actors as part of my extra-curricular activities. In that group, you’re placed where you really belong. We did a movie back then but it never came out till date. ‎I was unable to actualise my dream on time, because immediately after my degree programme, I got a banking job, and you know as a banker you hardly have time to do other things. So, while working in the bank, I began to feel unfulfilled. One day, I walked up to a friend who is an actress and that was how the journey began. And it was like a dream come true.

Have you been able to produce your own movie?

Yes, I have my first production in the market. It’s titled ‘Timu Timu’. It was produced by myself and directed by Abbey Lanre. It featured some veteran artistes like Madam Saje, Foluke Daramola, Bimbo Ogunnowo, Tope Solaja, Funmi Awelewa, and myself among others. Now, I have scripts that I am working on, but I don’t rush to do things, I take my time to avoid underrated productions.

Like how many movies have you featured in?

I have featured in over 50 movies. They include Pasan, Ire Kan Mi, Two of a Kind and Miss Thomas among several others.

What is that character you can never be caught acting?

As an actress, I don’t think there’s one particular role I can’t play. I’m dedicated to my career. But of course, I can’t act nude and you can never catch me doing nasty things on set.

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Can you smoke on set?

Yes, I can.

Can you recall some of the challenges you’ve faced as an actress?

Yes, that was my first production. It was an eye opener for me as a person who has been in a corporate sector for over eight years. I went through a lot of challenges before I was able to deliver what my director wanted from me. But now, I’m experienced and I am very good to go anytime.

Who are your role models in the industry?

My number one role model is Funke Akindele. I love her energy, her creativity and the way she handles her craft, and of course, Omotola Jalaade-Ekehinde. Aside from the fact that we bear the same name, we have almost the same physique. She’s also one person that has been able to balance her marriage with her career and still stay relevant in an industry that is competitive. Also, Toyin Abraham! Her acting is mind blowing.

How do you relax?

If I’m not on location, I will be in my office. I have a make-up studio; I am a car dealer as well. I also have a fashion outlet for his and hers collections. I am a workaholic. Yes, call me lover of money, no food for a lazy person (laughter).

Do you have crush on anyone in the industry?

Crush? Please, don’t go there. But if you insist, maybe John Dumelo.

Why a Ghanaian?

Yes. No way for Nigerian guys.  I am all the way to Ghana (laughter).

What do you have to tell up and coming artistes that are looking up to you?

Talent alone cannot take you up there. You just have to work hard to be relevant.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

As a brand ambassador of reputable companies, role model to many and a force to reckon with, I see a brighter future for myself.