Adetutu Adesoji is one of Nigeria’s fastest rising actresses. In this interview by ROTIMI IGE, she speaks about her passion for acting and why she is one of the ones to watch in 2024.
Why did you choose acting?
Acting for me is more than a profession, it is my happy place. I have worked different professions in my years but none comes close to acting. I have wanted to become an entertainer since I was a child. I remember being involved in social activities such as cultural dance, choreography, drama and the likes back in primary school. However, taking a course in theatre in my second year in the university grounded my interest in acting.
How long did it take you to break into the industry?
It didn’t take long for me to get into the industry. Right after NYSC, I got a job as an entrainment reporter with one of the leading newspaper companies in Nigeria. Having worked as a reporter prepared me and somehow paved a way for my launch into the industry.
Does it pay the bills or do you have a side hustle?
Acting is financially rewarding, however, I own a beauty business on the side.
What have been some of the major roles you have played?
One of the major roles that I have played is on a project which we recently wrapped principal photography on. I played the role of a talent manager and best friend to a superstar singer portrayed by the talented Kehinde Bankole. It is one for the books and also one that I’m very proud of.
With a body like yours, one would assume you’d only be cast in just ‘fine girl’ roles. Do you get other roles offers?
Yes, I get roles other than just ‘fine girl’ roles. I have played the role of a doctor, teacher, newscaster and even a fraudster.
What stories about the industry have you heard that proved to be untrue when you got into the industry?
That will be the narrative that a woman has to be promiscuous to get opportunities in the industry. Also, that one needs to pay their way through in the industry. I have found these narratives to be certainly untrue.
What was the most challenging role you’ve had so far?
I’m yet to take up my most challenging role. I have found the roles that I have played thus far rather easy for me to interpret. I will love to play the role of a wicked person or one that will require for me to cry a lot, I feel like roles such as these will challenge me a little.
If you had the opportunity to meet your younger self, would she be happy with how far you’ve come?
Absolutely! Up until very few years ago, all I had was a dream to become an actor and being able to have come this far is something I’m definitely proud of. Although I’m yet to attain the peak of my career as an actor, the future looks bright.
How prepared are you for fame?
Can one be really prepared for fame? It’s like growth, it’s going to be new and one can’t be fully prepared for it. The thought of fame scares me sometimes but when it comes I pray for grace to be able to manage it well.
What do you believe is your biggest asset as a screen star?
I will say my acting prowess, sense of humor and work ethics.
Will you always be an actor, or is there some endgame?
I believe time will tell whether or not I will always be an actor but what I know for certain is that I will always work in the film industry, be it as a director, a producer or on the business side of things.
Any wierd DMs especially on social media?
None that I have taken note of.
Streaming platforms are all the new rave. Do you think the era of cinema is over?
As much as streaming platforms are the new television, in my opinion, they can’t take the place of cinema. The cinema is here to stay and there are numbers to back this claim up. The consistent high grossing of movies in the cinemas till date can’t be ignored and as a people with constant thirst for entertainment, it is safe to say that the cinema won’t be going out of vogue anytime soon.
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