No regrets keeping my certificate in the wardrobe —Arikegold

Folorunsho Adeola Arike, (a.k.a) Arikegold, has carved a niche for herself in the Yoruba movie  industry. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, she speaks on her career, among other issues. Excerpts:

You seem to be busy with filming lately. How has it been?

Honestly, it has been God. Going from one location to another is not an easy task, but God has been helping me through all the hustling and bustling. It is an awesome experience going to locations and giving my best in what I love going. Sometimes, I will not see my bed for a month, but because of the love I have for the job, I cannot complain. I would say location is like a second home for actors: we work, we play and gist. It is just like when you are at home with family and friends. I enjoy locations’ experience so much.

What can you say about some of the ‘dirty things’ that happen at movie locations?

It happens everywhere, especially in the gathering, but as for me, I have never experienced any such act and I cannot really say much about it.

It is said to be common among producers to take advantage of female actresses, especially the up-and-coming ones. What is your take on this?

I think it is a matter of choice. If you believe in your talent and you work very hard and pay your dues, I believe you will go a long way. I can only talk about what I have experienced and I can authoritatively say that I have not encountered such since I came into the industry 10 years ago. To state it clear, I have never been sexually harassed in my acting career.

What has been your experience this past 10 years?

It has not been an easy experience for me, I must say. I was a fresh graduate from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, when I started acting in 2007. I joined Mr Latin School of Arts in Abeokuta and I later proceeded to the University of Ibadan. I remember our rehearsals were on Thursdays and I must meet up. I usually shuttled between Ibadan and Abeokuta every Thursday. I didn’t see it as a challenge because I just love the job. Fortunately, I have a body that can speak for itself. To get work, you need experience. To get experience, you need work. Another crucial thing is that to get people to call you for jobs is another problem and the only secret to this is that one must be nice and ready to take responsibilities.  As I said earlier, I graduated from Mr Latin School in 2013 and to the glory of God, I am here today. I count every experience as a blessing.

If not acting, what would you have preferred?

Maybe, I would have owned a fashion outfit or restaurant, even become a banker. It is not as if I really have passion for them, but they are the kind of businesses I would love to venture into.  I studied Mass Communication and Philosophy in school. But if I didn’t fall in love with entertainment. Definitely, I will prefer to work in the bank or obtain any office job. If I decide not to take a white-collar job I will start up a fashion outfit or a restaurant.

How do you feel dumping your certificate for acting?

I feel good, because I have to go for what I love. My certificate will always be in my wardrobe, because I don’t need it unless I want to go into politics in the nearest future.

Do you have a political ambition?

Maybe yes it is a 50/50 chance. I am still thinking about it. I love politics and I am always passionate in giving back to the society.

How many movies do you have to your credit?

I have worked and featured in several movies and I just finished my work entitled: IKE, which will be premiered in July.

Do you feel threatened among other female actresses?

No. I don’t. I live my life the way it is and I don’t compete or follow a clique. There is always time for everything.

Who are your friends in the industry?

Everybody is my friend and I have a few close ones among them, but I won’t want to mention their names.

Do you support the idea of actors and actresses dating one another?

Why not, are we not human beings? It happens in other industries or sectors too. Personally, it is not a good idea, but it might be for others. I didn’t say I don’t support it. I cannot do it not because of the rampant breakups, I just don’t like it. I have never dated any actor, but anybody can date each other, and it is not only in the movie industry we find breakups.

What is your advice for those that have fallen victim?

I have never been there; I have never been married, but what I can only say is that people should do anything that makes them, happy, irrespective of family, fans or friends complaints or castigation. This is applicable to either married or single; That is my candid advice for everyone.

A number of popular actresses prefer to stay single. How would you react to this?

I don’t know about that, because I cannot speak for others. I know myself and I know what is good for me. I am pleased and enjoying the way I live my life.

Which role or script you won’t ever accept as an actress?

Going nude on set; this is because of the fact that my culture as a Yoruba person will not accept it.

It has become a trend among actresses to give birth abroad. Would you also join the band in the future?

Haa! I don’t think I have something to say about that.

Who is your favourite male actor?

Ramsey Noah. Not that I have a crush on him, but I love the way he acts. I will love to act with him some day. I met him  him four years ago, and just I as, I will love to meet again even share a role with him.

What is your kind of man?

He must be God-fearing, hardworking, responsible, and romantic. I want a man that will take me like his sister and treat me like a queen.

How do you handle your male admirers?

I treat most of them as my friends; not all, some of them can be stubborn, but I love them and all thanks to them for loving me.

How do you unwind?

I stay at home if I am not at a location and sometimes, I go to the cinema.

Who are your role models?

Omoni Oboli and Omotola Jolaade.

What is your greatest physical asset?

I think it is my smile. Are you expecting something nasty? No, my smile is the killer.

Growing up

Growing up has not been easy for me, especially having to move from one place to another, and changing one school to another.  It was not easy at all. Only people in my shoes will understand better how a polygamous family looks like. On the other hand, I had the good side, because I was able to learn about the strength you can get from a close family life. I also learnt to be strong, even in bad times.