By Damilola Fatunmise
Olushola Akinwunmi Michaels is a businessman, actor and producer who has been in the limelight for a while.
Olu Michaels, as he’s fondly called in the movie industry, has featured in over 20 movies both in English and Yoruba.
In this rare interview, he opened up like never before. Excerpts:
How did your journey into entertainment begin?
I was on a business trip to the UK when I met Biodun Sofuyi (Omoborty) on transit to France. We exchanged pleasantries and I told her I would like to be an actor, and she said if I’m really interested I should contact her when I get back to Nigeria. As soon as I returned, I contacted her and she invited me to different movie locations.
How was your first time on set/stage?
It was strange and, of course, there was ‘take one’, ‘take two’ till I was able to get it right on ‘take five’. With time, I was able to conquer my fear.
What were your initial challenges when you started and how did you overcome them?
Fear, distance and my busy schedule were my initial challenges. But whatever you put your mind at, especially when you are passionate about it, you will overcome.
What lessons did you learn from your days of humble beginning?
Never forget the small beginnings. I didn’t, I won’t and I can’t because they made me who I am today. Just be humble, generous and have the fear of God.
How did your parents find out about your choice of career and what were their initial reactions?
I was born as a Jehovah’s Witness and, of course, it was frowned at. I did try to convince them, but till date, they are still not buying into it.
Did you see yourself becoming this popular from the onset?
Honestly, not from acting, but I knew I would be famous in life. I didn’t just know how.
What do you think you did right to get to where you are today?
I kept my head down, respected the elders and did as I was told. I am passionate, disciplined and with a dogged spirit of never giving up.
Do you still keep your old friends?
I never had friends, only acquaintances.
Who were those you looked up to while growing up?
Unfortunately, none. No uncles or aunties; just my immediate family.
Some celebrities are popular, but not rich, where do you belong?
None of the above.
What has fame deprived you of?
Being human. Having freedom to do business and not be threatened with my popularity of going to bloggers if anything goes wrong, or owing debt and not sending your name to bloggers.
How do you think the society perceive you as an artiste?
Unfortunately, an incident happened in 2020 during the pandemic, I owed some people my company had business with. And so, I am being seen as a debtor or con artist. I can’t wait to pay all my debts and return to Nigeria.
Can you still eat freely at a buka or buy roasted corn on the road?
No.
Has fame opened doors for you or shut doors in your face?
It has opened lots of doors and made lots of things easier for me, after which it all became an issue.
What would you describe as your most embarrassing moment as an artiste?
During my first movies, I was on set of Omo Ghetto the Saga, and everyone was praying we get it done and over with. But I kept having ‘take one’, ‘take two’ till we got to ‘take five’; and by that time, every eye was on me. But they ended up not using that scene in the movie.
Have you ever been sexually harassed by anyone in the industry?
No.
Do you consider yourself a role model?
Yes, I am.
Now, everyone wants to be seen on TV, what’s your advice to young aspiring artiste who wants to be famous like you?
Be ready to be backlashed, backstabbed and bullied. But be positive and keep your eyes on the prize. With God, all things are possible.
What would make you more fulfilled in your career?
I’ll be more fulfilled with directing and having my own movie studio. Also, I’ll be more fulfilled being one of the best producers, directing my own movies.
Looking back at your life and career, what do you think you did wrong that you will like to make right given the opportunity?
If I had paid more attention to my business, I won’t be a debtor now and I won’t be in exile, which I loathe. I have been to over 15 countries and I prefer Nigeria, and I miss home. If given the opportunity, I would like to pay off my debts and return to Nigeria. I have learnt so much while in exile in terms of movies, I can’t wait to make it come to reality.