Encomium
‘It’s fascinating, interesting and stressful’ – Tobi Ojediran
Can you please tell us about yourself?
I am Tobi Ojediran, due to the movie I acted, people call me different names, Ajoke, Sikemi, Adeola, etc. I am a lover of God. I love travelling, meeting people, seeking more knowledge. I am a Christian, well brought up by my darling, sweet, talented mother, Funmi Ojediran Ajofubo, a well known traditional Yoruba dancer. I am from Osun State, Gbongan to be precise. I am based in Abuja and a graduate of Business Administration from University of Abuja. I love reading books.
How did your journey into Nollywood start?
My journey started many years ago when I was in secondary school. I was the drama coordinator, but I had a dream which I nurtured day and night, month after month, year after year, until my passion led me to University of Abuja, where I joined the church drama group. I proceeded to High Definition Film Academy, Abuja owned by Bright Wonder. Through him, I featured in my debut movie, Away from home. Shortly afterwards, I joined the Yoruba movies through a brother and a boss, Olalekan Afeez. Ever since then, I have been featuring in most of his movies.
How has the experience been?
I find it fascinating, interesting, stressful and time consuming. Sometimes when I face some challenges, I ask myself is this what I really want? But in a nutshell, my experience has been thrilling.
Can you tell us some of the films you have featured in?
I have featured in a lot of movies I can’t remember all of them. Let me mention a few, Alaafin o se rifin, Alaafin oronpoto, Oba Obinrin, The Circle, Odale, Oga olorun, Omo arugbo, Omo kan soso, Ago warawara, Obakan and others.
Which flick brought you to limelight?
The movie that brought me to limelight was Alaafin o se rifin. A movie centred around one of the greatest rulers of Yoruba kingdom, HRH Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, produced by my boss, Olalekan Afeez.
What are some of the challenges you are facing?
When it comes to the film industry, challenges are some of the things we can’t do without because whether you want it or not, it comes and for me whatever is not challenging doesn’t excite me. So, talking about challenges they are much that I can’t even mention.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself on top of my game, promoting my cultural heritage through my career. A lot of awards, many foreign jobs, international recognition and of course, in my husband’s palace with my children.
-Interviews by OLAMIDE ADEYOYIN
