Encomium
BABAJIDE AWOBONA is one of the fast rising Nollywood actors. He has featured in lots of soaps and movies including Family Ties, Champions of our Time, The Ransom, Tinsel, Edun Ara, Eku Meji, Igbinmo, etc. A couple of weeks back, it was rumoured that the dude is in hot romance with actress Ayo Adesanya. ENCOMIUM Weekly took him up on this and more in an exclusive chat.
How and when did the journey into the movie industry start?
My journey into the movie industry started in 2003, when I found myself at Jovies Perfection Press, Surulere, Lagos. I trained in acting and presentation. Jovies Perfection Press was also running a campaign for the awareness of HIV/AIDS. Aside the training, I was also part of the representatives and volunteers who went to schools to educate pupils on the deadly disease. So, we did a movie, that was my first major movie. It was not for the market, but we premiered it in almost all the schools in Lagos State. That was how my journey started, after which I did my first major TV soap in 2004 with Wale Adenuga Production, Super Story, Last Honour.
What has been the pains and gains?
No pain, no gain. Many pains and lots of gains and still counting. There is discrimination, bad remuneration from some producers. And for the gains, the fact that you are doing what you really enjoy is enough gain.
What are some of the challenges as an actor?
The challenges are just natural with the system here.
How will you describe the experience so far?
My experience so far in the industry has been fulfilling, adventurous, interesting and challenging.
How fulfilling is the profession?
If you enjoy what you do it is enough fulfillment. I love my profession, I’m always happy doing it.
You act Yoruba movies and soap operas, which do you prefer?
I even do stage performance. Irrespective of the platform, I love them all. I have been there and I know what I enjoy in them.
Which brings more money?
They are all making me smile to the bank, but with the level of piracy, I would say the remuneration is not so friendly. So, I would say for now in terms of remuneration, TV soaps are friendlier.
You are also on Tinsel, can you tell us how you joined them?
Most TV productions get their actors through auditions and some actors by reference. I was fortunate to be part of the first season. That was when they were shooting at the former studio, about four years ago. Recently, I got a call to play another important role in this current season.
We learnt you are in deep romance with Ayo Adesanya, how true is it?
Romance! How on earth can I be in any form of romance with my own sister. Ayo Adesanya is my sister.
It was alleged that you are romancing her?
You should expect anything from rumour peddlers. I feel they need to dig deep before concluding any rumour. Apart from the fact that Ayo Adesanya is a sister, we are in the same industry. We work together and anytime she’s on her own project, you will see me playing a very crucial role in all the stages of the production from pre-production, production and post production. I can’t just stop laughing. I can’t even imagine it happening.
We learnt since you started dating her, she has been spoiling you silly?
Spoil me silly with what? The luxury car she gave me or the mansion she built in my name?
Tell us some of the movies and soaps you have featured.
Several Wale Adenuga Production soaps, I am currently on the present Super Story on air (The Secret). Family Ties by AK Media Production, Valley Between by Tunji Bamishigbin (Rockview Production), Champions of our Time, The Ransom, Basiratu Baseje, Teniola, Awa Okunrin, Eku Meji, Edun Ara, Amope Alasela, Eku Ida, Igbimo and so on.
-AJOKE ONITOLO
