Nigerian actor, skit-maker and record label owner of Timanzeh entertainment, Akin Lawal, who is also known as Timanzeh in this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA speaks about his career, lifestyle and major challenges he has faced in the industry. Excerpts:
How and when did you find yourself in the entertainment industry?
It all started back in school during my first year in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 2015. I started as an artiste manager then, an event planner and also a fashion designer. I made clothes for celebrities and all, so it all started from there. At that point, I created a platform for myself and built my brand so that I could host events and it also gave me a chance to showcase the talents (artistes) I was managing at the time. As time went on, I developed an interest in acting. I saw something in me that made me realise I was flexible and I could take on acting roles. Then, opportunities started coming up and I started working with a brother of mine, Yinka Salau by name, who happened to be an actor. He would take me to locations and sets and that was the beginning of acting for me.
How many years have you been operating in the industry?
I’ve been going to movie sets since 2015, so that makes it 8 years officially. I started with two, three scenes and then I graduated to making skits
Did you ever have family members or friends who were against your choice of joining the Nigerian entertainment industry?
I did not have friends or family members that were against it. In fact, I can say that I was lucky because on a normal day, my parents would have kicked against the idea because I studied Law in school. However, my dad was very supportive; sometimes I go to set with his car. I always say that my parents are part of the greatest gifts I’ve received and I thank God for that always. They knew that it was my hobby and I loved doing it and I wanted to pursue it and they supported it hundred per cent.
Entertainment is a wide field. Which areas do you specialise in?
I specialise in acting, that’s the movie industry, content creation, that’s skit industry, and music business, I have a music brand of my own.
There must have been challenges? What kind of challenges have you encountered and how did you overcome them?
Yes, there have been challenges. Challenges will definitely come and it started from the beginning back when I was in school. It was hard because I had school on my neck, I had to make good grades and make my family proud and I still had my ambition, my choice by the side to pursue. After school, it got wider because I had a lot of things going on then. I was organising and hosting events, I was managing artistes, I was acting and doing all those things together, which made it wide. Also, everything boils down to finances because you can’t be in entertainment without finances and even when you have the money, you have to worry about spending it tightly. I remember my first production in 2020, when I first co-produced with someone and I remember that the movie didn’t come out till like almost two years later for reasons I couldn’t even explain. There is also the problem of extortion, people always try to extort you and take advantage of the fact that you’re a newcomer or you are not popular yet but we thank God for how far I have come with that.
Even in the skit/movie world right now, it still boils down to knowing the right content, right story and right skit to promote. So, to be honest, it has been a rollercoaster so far.
How would you describe this year for yourself in the industry so far?
It’s been an eventful year; the first half has not been bad at all. I’ve done lots of skits and featured in beautiful movies, some are out and some are coming soon. I’ve got projects coming , events, short movies , I can’t wait to announce them, in all I have been grateful so far.
What is your favourite thing about acting?
Well, my favourite thing has to be the challenge that comes with each role/ character. Getting to switch from yourself to another character is fun.
Do you have someone who motivates you to be a better person?
Oh yes, that has to be my brother, not blood related though but he is my biggest fan and supporter.God bless him.
How well do you like to encourage ideas in others?
Trust me, I so much love to see people’s bright ideas come to life, people around me know this.
How do you get to feature other celebrities or influencers on your skits?
Well, it’s usually based on personal relationships in the skit industry, because we don’t get to pay each other conventionally, it’s always about returning kind gestures you know , so it’s about the relationship you have with a person or someone close to them.
How do you stay motivated and energised in your work despite the ups and downs that come with it?
Well, eyes on goal you know, there isn’t proof that one has put in the work if there are no results , so the goal has always been my biggest motivation personally.
What is one thing people always misunderstand about you?
I think I’m mostly misunderstood as being proud, and in reality, I’m the coolest person to know , I just love self respect and I love to maintain my lane, so my carriage is often misconstrued as pride.
Have you ever had to handle online crisis about yourself?
I’m naturally not a controversial person; I have never had to deal with online saga or drags.
When you’re now working, what do you spend most of your day doing?
Enjoying and relaxing. I love good times, so, if I’m not working, I’m chilling out, catching up with friends, or enjoying my time.
How do you balance your personal life with your professional commitments?
Well, I’d say discipline and the grace of God , you know sometimes they can intertwine and all I do is put everything in God’s hand.
What do you consider to be the most important qualities for success in the industry?
It’s quite subjective but I would say consistency! Very important, discipline and foresight.
In your journey so far in this course, who are the person(s) you’ve worked with?
There have been a lot of them. It goes back to school days, like I mentioned it before that I use to have an entertainment company since school days, I’ve been part of so many act’s journey, another funny thing, I was once a fashion designer, they used to call me celebrity designer back then, I clothed the likes of Terry Apala, Oladips , 9ice, Yhemolee, Pepenazi, Asake, Jaido p, Fireboy to mention a few. I used to host concerts in schools, then creating platforms for upcoming talents, some of which have blown now. The Blaqbonez, Yemi Elesho, Jaido P, Asake. I also held school tours for artistes too. It’s been quite the journey actually.
Who are those you are looking forward to working with (producer or directors)?
I really look forward to working with Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Biodun Stephen and also Ruth Kadiri.
Moving forward, what are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond?
Well, I have projects coming up, a short movie is coming soon, I’m excited about this, I have an event coming up in Lagos as well, and a music project is coming too.
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