For Wumi Olabimtan, popular Yoruba actress, the journey into the movie industry has not been a rosy one. From being forced to quit acting for some time due to what she described as unpleasant demands from movie producers to having issues with a popular marketer, the actress has weathered the storm in the last few years. Olabimtan, who has produced about 12 movies, speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO about her challenges and success stories.
The movie industry is always a very hard one for new entrants. Some always go though moments they are not proud of before breaking into the industry. How would you describe your journey into the industry?
My journey into the industry was very tough with a weird experience at my first location. We were about five students who were involved but I felt so discouraged and humiliated with that strange scenario. You can imagine a situation whereby you would travel a long distance to the location without getting to play a role despite a long preparation for the production. Moreover, greeting everybody one by one at the location was a bit strange to me then because I’m naturally a shy person.
What made it strange?
I can’t begin to explain the feeling now, but I am grateful to Baba Wande and Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin) for their words of encouragement. Their words lifted my spirit. I remember they called me and encouraged me. They told me to continue doing what I love and that with time, everything will be fine.
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How hard was it really?
I really had a difficult time then, because I could not accept the demands of some people in order to showcase my talent. I only featured in a few productions that didn’t come with any sort of attachment, it was strictly for me to show the world what I was capable of doing.
How did you cope through all this?
At some point, I avoided all productions attached with terrible conditions before I could feature. It affected my career to the extent that I was forced to quit the industry and left acting for some time. I returned to the movie industry when I was ready to produce my ownmovies. It was really hard because I stopped acting and it didn’t help my career. But we have moved beyond that phase now.
The pressure they say is always on the increase the moment you start getting recognition and fame. How have you been dealing with fame?
There has not been much pressure because I have been mindful of not putting myself under any unnecessary pressure. I have not got to the level I wish, but I am getting there by the day and I am controlling the fame. Let us just keep taking it one step at a time.
What led you to this path you chose?
I was attracted by how actors switch from one character to another. That transition was something that caught my attention. I have always been fascinated by the make-believe world and I wanted to see how things are done and experience what it feels to be an actor.
Why did you choose Yoruba films, one would have expected you to be in the English movies?
I’m a Yoruba girl who loves promoting her cultural heritage and I don’t want to see my culture go into extinction because we all want to be in the English movies. If my culture is not well promoted and preserved through my movies, how can I pass the information to those who do not speak English language? At the same time, being a Yoruba actress does not limit my acting ability. The fact that I chose to be a Yoruba actress and producer does not mean I am not competent to act in English speaking movies. It is a matter of choice.
Was this because you found an easy sail in the Yoruba movie industry or you are just not ready for the English game?
It was never about that. It is because I don’t want to abandon my beautiful culture for western culture. I’m good to go for English movies anytime but that would not affect my focus.
How have you managed to stay on top of your game for years?
It has not been easy being on top of one’s game because you have a lot of commitments here and there but God has made it easy for me such that I don’t have to fight for anything. I have been in the industry for quite some time and I have understood the terrain so much that I can’t be pressured by anything. God has been so faithful to me in my career and made everything that seems challenging to be easy.
Is it true that you have to be a producer to be free from sexual harassment?
There is no straight answer to this because some people might not see what you call harassment as such. Being a producer can’t prevent you from such, as you need to feature in other people’s productions as well. I think we just need to do our best to curb such act in our society by helping others without expecting anything in return. People often talk about the movie industry because it is a popular industry, but it is not peculiar to the movie industry. It happens everywhere.
Can you share some of your bitter experiences as an actress and producer?
I don’t want to talk about the bitter experiences I have had. For me, whatever bitter experiences one might have had on the job should be forgotten because God has vindicated me.
What happened to you then?
This incident was between myself and a marketer, which involved one of my productions.
What exactly happened and how did you deal with the situation?
I don’t really want to talk about what happened anymore. We have moved on from that phase. I dealt with the situation carefully without any noise or argument. In any business, we learn day by day. I don’t easily get mad when money is involved. I give the person a long rope for the person to be troubled by his or her conscience. If you think you are smart or wise, God is smarter and wiser than us.
How have you been coping with movie and keeping your home as a wife?
I am happily married and my marriage is doing fine.
Are you married to an actor?
My man is not an actor, but he understands my love and passion for my career. He encourages whatever makes me happy. He is fine with it as long as I deliver my responsibilities as a wife effectively without any compromise.
What has fame cost you?
Sometimes, it could be painful how some people in the name of being your fans would invade your space. You will feel cheated by some people, but you can’t complain as a public figure, as this may be misinterpreted as pride.
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