Encomium
Nollywood actor, Tope Tedela was a relatively unknown face in the industry until recently. When he beat several established names to emerge as the Best Actor in a drama at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. And since, there is no stopping for the Lagos state born role interpreter.
Tope’s screen debut was in the family TV series, Edge of Paradise, where he played the role of Julian. He stopped acting for a while to concentrate on his studies before making a return to star as Lala in his first feature film, A Mile From Home. He has worked as an OAP for radio stations including 96.9 Cool FM and Unilag FM, both in Lagos. Tope was also a one-time news anchor of the NTA. He featured in several notable stage performances. He shared his story with ENCOMIUM Weekly.
You got nominated as Actor of the Year at the AMVCA and you won, did you see this coming?
Every artist wants to get to the zenith of his career and I also want to get there. However, I didn’t see these particular awards and nominations coming, it makes me really grateful.
When the name Tope Tedela was announced as Best Actor of the Year, What was your reaction?
I was dumbfounded when my name was announced. In one second, I thought I heard incorrectly but I realized quickly that it was my own Tope Tedela that was called. I felt a shiver down my spine.
What was the most challenging thing about the character you played in the movie?
The physicality of the character and having to perform my own stunts like other actors did was quite a lot of hard work. A lot of running, jumping, fighting and other things surely made it all the more challenging.
Tell us more about the man- Tope Tedela?
I am just a happy go lucky person who is pursuing what he loves. I was born and raised in Lagos. I am the first of four male children. I attended K. Kotun Nursery & Primary School, Surulere and Lagos State Model College for my primary and secondary education respectively. I have a degree in Mass Communication from University of Lagos.
What are the targets you set for yourself and how are you playing along with the targets?
Targets are awesome and I think everyone should set targets. I missed the mark a couple of times, but I try not to be too far off.
What really propelled you to take up acting as a profession?
Some things cannot really be explained and it’s not because you don’t want to but because it can be inexplicable. I caught the acting bug, I just wanted to act, to become another person. I didn’t see myself doing anything else. I think it’s quite an amazing thing to become different, experience different worlds and lives in this life I am told that I have.
Who are your early influences?
My father, I’d say. He was (and still is) one of the most humane people I know. He’s a very sacrificial person and I learnt that nothing lasts forever.
Who among top actors have you always dreamt of working with?
I look forward to working with RMD…that will be an experience.
Which movie script have you rejected that you are sill regretting?
I don’t think there’s any script I have rejected that I regret. You don’t just reject a script for nothing. The reasons should be plausible.
How much were you paid for your first movie role?
If I remember correctly, I think it was between N2,000 and N5,000.
You are a good looking man, how do you cope with the females admirers? Do you ever get distracted?
Every human being gets a fair share of the opposite gender’s attention. You need the fans, especially the female ones. The idea is to be responsible all through.
Are you in a relationship at the moment?
I am pretty much relating with my screenplays and giving them all my attention, as much as I can.
You would know when I’m getting married.
It was said that you never got paid for your role in A Mile from Home, the movie that won you an award. What is the true story surrounding that?
The true story is that sometimes you reach an agreement about how fees will be gotten. Under the circumstances, we had a good script with limited funding and we had to make the film. You can decide to forgo your salary to get a film made. That’s what happened. That’s the true story.
Which other movies have you featured in?
I featured in Moses Inwang’s Torn, James Omokwe’s Awakening, Jimi Odumosu’s In My Father’s House, James Omokwe’s Apostates and a couple of others.
What new projects are you working on at the moment?
I just finished filming a TV serial called Oasis produced by Zik Zulu Okafor and directed by Abay Esho. I’d be making a feature film with Imoh Umoren shortly.
Most actors usually tell how they either slept under the bridge, how they hawked plantain or borrowed a night bus to Lagos before attaining limelight.
What was your own story?
I was born and bred in Lagos so, I didn’t board night bus to Lagos. I took the audition route, really. I auditioned my shoes out. I didn’t know anybody but I kept attending auditions and maintaining a professional attitude whenever I got and a job. Sometimes, you get promises from producers/directors about getting paid after a job and you don’t. Other times, you get a script and you’re told you’d commence production at a certain time; you eventually don’t hear anything and then you realized that what you were waiting for is already showing on TV or any other platform.
Do you see yourself delving into modelling in the nearest future?
I take that as a compliment. Thank you. If the opportunity comes, why not? If it’s within my power, I’d give it a shot. The truth is that, I pursued modelling for a while but acting welcomed me with open arms.
Mention your top 5 movies of all time both local and international that have inspired you?
It is hard to pinpoint top 5 movies of all time. Great films are released every other year. I like films that stay with me, that touched me. I won’t mention any film I’ve been in. I enjoyed Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo, Confusion Na Wa, Warrior, The Godfather series, the list is endless.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading, playing guitar, a bit of writing, watching movies.
What do you like to watch on TV?
When I get to watch TV, I watch news, crime channel and music channels, apart from movies.
How do you feel watching yourself on TV?
I cringe when I watch myself but I don’t shy away from it totally. A lot of times, I lose the guts to myself so, I just take a walk. I’m very hard on myself so, I’d always see something I can do differently.
Finally where do you see the brand, Tope Tedela, 10 years from now?
Tope Tedela will be associated with quality productions that one can be proud of, both in front of and behind the camera. Tope Tedela will also be a name recognizable at the global stage.
-FOLUSO SAMUEL
