My work is more than a career, It’s a ministry of storytelling — Oluwapelumi Arameedey

Nollywood actress, film producer and content creator Oluwapelumi Arameedey Kayode, popularly known as OAK, speaks on her career in Nollywood, her transition into film production, and the work of her production outfit, OAK Productions. In this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, she discusses the inspiration behind films including Oba Opoor, Okete, Kudeti and Ija Erinle, the role of Arameedey TV in expanding the reach of Yoruba-language content, the realities of filmmaking, and her views on the growth of the Yoruba film industry. She also shares her perspective on love and family, among other things.

You’ve built a career as an award-winning actress, film producer, content creator and brand ambassador. Looking back, what defining moment made you realise that entertainment wasn’t just a passion but your life’s calling?

I don’t think there was one single moment; it was a journey of discovering myself. Every time I stepped on set, every character I portrayed, and every story I helped bring to life, I felt a deep sense of purpose. Seeing how films could inspire, educate, heal, and connect with people made me realise that entertainment wasn’t just something I loved—it was what I was created to do. Today, I see my work not just as a career but as a ministry of storytelling that touches lives.

Your journey from acting to producing films like Oba Opoor, Okete, Kudeti and one of your latest projects, Ija Erinle, shows remarkable growth. What inspired you to step behind the camera and tell your own stories?

Producing was a natural progression for me. As an actress, I appreciated great stories, but I also began to see stories that deserved to be told differently. I wanted to create projects that celebrate our culture, challenge perspectives, and leave lasting impressions. Oba Opoor and Ija Erinle represent that vision. They are stories rooted in our heritage while addressing themes that resonate with today’s audience. Producing allows me to contribute creatively beyond acting and gives me the freedom to shape meaningful narratives.

Many people know the actress on screen, but who is Oluwapelumi Arameedey Kayode away from the cameras? What values keep you grounded despite the demands of fame?

Away from the cameras, I’m a very simple, family-oriented, and God-fearing woman. I value humility, integrity, kindness, and continuous learning. Fame is beautiful, but it is temporary. Character is what truly lasts. I constantly remind myself that every opportunity I have is by God’s grace, and that keeps me humble. I also cherish genuine relationships and try to remain accessible and respectful to everyone, regardless of their status.

You’ve built a growing audience on Arameedey TV. How has YouTube changed the way you tell stories and connect with your fans compared to traditional Nollywood?

YouTube has opened up incredible opportunities. It allows us to connect directly with audiences across the world without limitations. The feedback is immediate, and it creates a closer relationship between creators and viewers. Through Arameedey TV, I can experiment with different storytelling styles, reach younger audiences, and showcase authentic Yoruba stories to a global audience. It has become an important extension of Nollywood rather than a replacement for it.

The entertainment industry can be very competitive. Have there been moments when you wanted to give up, and what kept you going?

Like many people in this industry, there have been moments of disappointment, uncertainty, and exhaustion. There were times when opportunities didn’t come as expected or when projects didn’t deliver the results we hoped for. But giving up was never an option because I believe every challenge is preparing me for something greater. My faith in God, the support of my family and colleagues, and the passion I have for storytelling kept me moving forward.

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Many people see the glamorous side of success, but every journey comes with challenges. Can you share a difficult period in your career and how you found the strength to overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the realities of filmmaking—raising production funds, managing expectations, and ensuring quality despite limitations. Those moments tested my resilience. I learned that patience, consistency, and adaptability are just as important as talent. Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser, and today I appreciate the journey because it shaped the woman and filmmaker I have become.

You’ve been open about relationships in some of your previous interviews. Has your perspective on love, marriage, and building a family changed as your career has grown?

Absolutely. As I’ve grown personally and professionally, I’ve come to appreciate that love is built on friendship, trust, communication, mutual respect, and shared values. Success is wonderful, but having peace, understanding, and genuine companionship is priceless. I now believe even more strongly that two people should support each other’s dreams while building a life together. Marriage should be a partnership where both individuals inspire each other to become better.

Who has had the greatest influence on your career and personal growth, and what lessons from them continue to shape the woman you are today?

First and foremost, God has been my greatest source of strength and direction. Beyond that, I’ve been blessed with mentors, senior colleagues, directors, producers, and family members who have invested in my growth. They taught me discipline, professionalism, resilience, and the importance of treating people with respect. Those lessons have remained with me throughout my journey.

If you could change one thing about the Yoruba film industry today, what would it be, and why do you think it’s important?

I would love to see greater investment in film production, talent development, and global distribution. The Yoruba film industry is filled with extraordinary talent and rich cultural stories, but we need stronger structures that allow our filmmakers to compete internationally. Better funding, improved working conditions, and stronger collaborations will elevate our industry and create more opportunities for the next generation.

As someone who writes, produces, and acts, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave in Nollywood?

I want to be remembered as a storyteller who made meaningful contributions to African cinema. I hope my work inspires, entertains, preserves our culture, and opens doors for younger creatives. Beyond awards and recognition, my greatest desire is for people to say that my films made a positive impact and that I used my platform to uplift others.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors and content creators who want to build successful careers without compromising their originality?

Believe in your uniqueness because your authenticity is your greatest strength. Don’t chase trends at the expense of your identity. Keep learning, remain disciplined, embrace constructive criticism, and never stop improving your craft. Success rarely happens overnight. Stay patient, stay consistent, build genuine relationships, and let your work speak for you. Most importantly, never allow temporary fame to replace good character.

Finally, what exciting projects can your fans look forward to this year? Are there any new films, collaborations, or productions coming to Arameedey TV that you’d like to exclusively reveal to our readers?

This year is packed with exciting projects, and I’m incredibly grateful for what lies ahead. My team and I are working on new productions that will continue to entertain, educate, and celebrate our culture. Viewers can expect more original films, compelling stories, exciting collaborations with some of the industry’s finest talents, and fresh content on Arameedey TV.

We’re also investing in higher production quality and exploring new storytelling formats that I believe our audience will truly enjoy. While I can’t reveal every detail just yet, I can confidently say that the best is still to come. I encourage everyone to subscribe to Arameedey TV and stay connected across my social media platforms because we’re preparing something very special for our viewers.