Encomium
– Actress Kikelomo Kuojo
Kikelomo Kuojo is one of the fast rising actresses in the Yoruba movie genre. And she is really serious about her craft. Since she started out some years back, the Ijebu Ode, Ogun born thespian cum master of ceremonies has not looked back.
ENCOMIUM Weekly cornered Tetisimi, as Kikelomo is also known, at a movie location in Omole, Lagos, recently where she spoke on issues bordering on her life and career, including her marital status which has been in doubt for long…
What is the latest thing about your career?
There are lots of new developments concerning my career but I will just limit everything to one, that’s Asabi in Lagos, my new movie which will soon be completed.
How would you rate the public acceptance of your first movie, Tetisimi?
Very high. People really appreciated it. I got a lot of commendations from my fans. I thank God for that.
But we learnt you’re duped by the marketer of the movie?
No, I don’t want to discuss anything about that. It’s one of those things that can happen between the producer and marketer but I was not duped.
Okay, did you make any profit from the amount invested in the movie?
I don’t want to discuss anything like that, please.
What’s your take on the impression that movies are no longer selling due to piracy?
Yes, piracy is killing the business piece meal. We don’t really make any profit again. To break-even is a serious problem. The reason for the worsening situation is that people now go for the pirated copies because they are very cheap.
If you release your movie today, before you know it, you find its pirated copies flooding the streets. So, how do you now make profit? Those who didn’t sow are the ones reaping the fruits of our sweat.
What is going to be the major difference between Asabi in Lagos and Tetisimi?
Asabi in Lagos is more of a comedy but with a message. Tetisimi is not a comedy movie at all. It’s full of tragedy, romance and passion.
Who are the stars in Asabi in Lagos?
I have a lot of them, including Antar Laniyan, Ogogo, Sisi Onigarawa, Shakira, myself and others.
Is it a high budget movie?
Yes, of course.
How much have you spent in it so far?
I can’t really say the exact amount now because there are lots of other things we’re trying to inject into the movie that will involve a lot of money. So, for now, I can’t really talk about that.
You’re a single mother, how do you cope?
Yes, being a single mother is not really easy. But with God on my side, I am coping fine. There is not a problem whatsoever.
What actually led to the break-up in your relationship?
I don’t want to go into that now. Please, I will appreciate it if you can spare me that question for reasons best known to me.
Okay, can you unveil the identity of the father of your child?
I don’t want to for reasons best known to me.
That means you’re not sure of who his father is?
No, my son has a father but I won’t mention his name for now.
What’s the name of your son?
His name is Abdulakeem Ayomide Akinwunmi.
Are you aware there are lots of love children in the industry that can’t be linked to their biological fathers?
I am not aware of that, please. That’s not true.
So, that’s why we consider it necessary that you mention his name and what he does for a living and finally why you parted ways?
(Cuts in) I have told you, all these things are not necessary for now. When it’s the right time, I will let you know.
Is there any likelihood of you coming together again as husband and wife?
Please, let’s close that chapter for now. I don’t want to comment further on that. Thank you.
Are you not going to remarry?
Not now.
But you’re in your early 30s, why not consider giving marriage another shot?
It’s not necessary for now. After all, I am a mother already. For now, I am married to my work.
Are you saying men are not making passes at you?
They do but for now I am not interested in anything like that.
Lest we forget, were you formally married to the father of your son?
Yes.
If you intend to remarry, can you marry an actor?
No, not at all.
Why?
Very simple. Some men are like warriors or killers who will not want anybody to raise a sword against them. And a lot of things happen on movie sets that if you’re not a tolerant man, they can easily break your home. And so far I am in the industry, I already understand the nature of the work, I wouldn’t want a situation that will scatter my home.
Although, we have a lot of happily married couples in the industry. For example, we have Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko and Henrietta Kosoko, Ojo Pagogo and Moji Afolayan, Afeez Owo and Mide Funmi Martins and others who are really enjoying their marriages.
What else do you do apart from acting?
I am also an MC and that has been paying off as well.
– TADE ASIFAT
