Jumoke Aderounmu is a fast rising Actress who is set to take the entertainment scene by the storm in many years to come. The ‘small but mighty actress’ speaks with JOAN OMIONAWELE on her sojourn into stardom, among other things. Excerpts:
How has the journey as an actress been?
My Journey as an actress has been both interesting and challenging. I wasn’t given anything and it didn’t just happen by luck or chance, I have literally worked hard to come this far with prayers and perseverance. I am probably one of the most resilient people on earth, I never give up on what I want and will always work hard till I get it.
What prompted you to go into acting?
I considered acting when everyone around me in school thought I could make a very good one and a lecturer at Cultural Studies where I took an elective course encouraged me to try it.
So, how did you get on the Cast of Jenifa’s Diary?
I got on Jenifa’s Diary through audition. I had audition for the part.
People know you to be soft spoken, but the character,Esther, was a rough Warri girl, how were you able to align with the character?
Playing Esther was a lot of challenge. When I first got on the show, reason being that I hadn’t done anything like that before then, and Esther and I are two different people, but then I grew into her over time and understood her and who she is. Then I got really comfortable with her and I interpreted her my own way.
What projects have you been up to lately?
I have been working on different projects both movies and series, we all just have to wait on them one after the other but I know ‘Appearance’ by soteeentertainment is premiering on the 30th of Dec, so I’ve been working.
You recently won a scholarship at Afriff, what was it about?
The African International Film Festival,( Afriff) scholarship is such a big deal and I’m very excited about it. It’s a Ford in partnership with Afriff yearly sponsored project, I had attended this year’s Afriff as a trainee to attend the talent development workshop in acting with 39 other actors from all over Africa. At the end of the festival, 5 best students from my class were shortlisted to attend acting workshop and film shooting at the university of Montana, USA and I made the list.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was strict and fun, I grew up with my siblings and it has helped us have an unbreakable bond. My mum would lock us up in the flat from outside and go out with the keys so we stayed indoors, she was so much of a disciplinarian and I think it helped shape me into who I am today.
You once told me your mum was strict and because strict parents have high aspirations for their children, do you think she would have loved you to be an actress?
I think if my mum were alive, she still would have supported me to follow my dreams, she was very particular about our education and made sure we attended the best schools, so if she was alive, she probably would make sure I am not a mediocre and make sure I don’t lose myself in the process but will support me fully as an actress since it’s what I want to do.
What has been your craziest moment on stage?
My craziest experience so far was at Queen Elizabeth hall, University Of Ibadan on the 3rd of Nov , 2016 when they shut down the venue of their cultural night to show me love. It was so crazy someone had pulled my wig while trying to hold me in the crowd, they had 3 ladies act my role as Esther and it was so real they got me in tears. I am grateful to God for everything and I return all the glory to Him.
Who are your mentors in the industry?
I have got a few mentors in the industry and for different reasons, Mildred Okwo, Joke Silva, Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, Biola Alabi, Funke Akindele to mention a few.
What is it like working with Funke Akindele?
Working with aunty Funke Akindele has been professional and fun, she is a disciplinarian and a perfectionist and I already know that so I always make sure I am ready for the job and always listen. We work, we play but most importantly, we learn and grow
Do people look down on you because of your small stature?
I won’t call it ‘look down on me’ it’s more like people under estimate me a lot because, apart from my stature, I’m always really simple. But then, when I open my mouth to talk, you figure out that my brain is the biggest part of me, so it’s okay for people to underestimate me. That way, they never see me coming until I’m way gone.
Critics are of the opinion that new generation actors lack talent, what’s your take on this?
Oh! Critics are of the opinion that new generation of actors are not talented?? That’s a new one for me so I can’t say anything about it because I don’t talk about what I don’t know.