How do you feel making your debut as an actor in Mokaliki, a movie produced by Kunle Afolayan?
The feeling is so real and unforgettable. I felt great shooting with some of the legends in the industry. It was something I had looked forward to for a long time, so when I heard that I would be part of the cast, I jumped at the opportunity because it was another way of showing the world the other side of Simi that they have never seen in play.
But you have always shown glimpse of acting in some of your videos, how is this different?
You know that when we do the video shoot, sometimes we shoot for about two days before we wrap up. So, that has prepared me for the movie set because I already knew what I was getting into and it was not totally strange to me. As you must have observed that in most of my music videos, there is always some acting and drama in it. So, when I was asked to act for real, I already had the experience but it was not the same all through.
What did you observe?
I observed that the set of a movie shoot and music video shoot are not the same. In the movie, you have to give more. The director of the movie wants to bring out the best in you. He tells you to take it again and again before he gets what he wants. But there are some similarities as well because it is all about interpretation and doing it according to what the director wants. For somebody like me that has always been used to some drama and acting, it got a bit easier for me, except that you need to give more and even a bit more if the director is not satisfied with what you are giving him.
What came to your mind when you got the script?
I was excited and I also felt I have got a real job in hand to deliver.
I was not apprehensive about how people would perceive me about the job. And, that’s the beauty of art because you can express yourself and leave your audience to tell you what they make out of your work. I just felt like if anything, people will see me in a different light and they have the chance to experience me as an actress as against being a musician and performer.
What lessons did you learn from the movie?
I think the movie will alter the belief that children must only go to school. It tells us that your child can succeed in school and other vocations too. I am glad to be part of the project.
Why did you decide to work with Afolayan and not other directors that could have approached you?
I have always thought about working with him and we actually discussed this before the commencement of the programme. I remember he told me some years back that we might soon be working on a project together and my response then was that he should bring it on. It is always good to show the people that you have other skills that could also entertain them as against what they have known you to be doing. So, the idea of working with him on set and learning from others, who have been in the business for a long time is something I truly love and appreciate because you don’t always get such opportunity.
Afolayan said featuring you was not about the commercial appeal that you could add to the project. Did you also see it that way?
Sometimes, you do these things because you are impressed by the people or the project not because of what you want to gain or make out of it. Mr Afolayan is a big player in the movie industry and he has been doing this for some years. Without any doubt, he’s an authority in this game, so when you work with someone like that, it goes beyond the commercial appeal, it is more about learning and exploring new areas that could help your brand and put you on another level. I think that is the motivation for me.
With what you have seen and how you were treated, do you think acting is one trade you might given some consideration again?
I love acting. I love to always be in my natural element, and I think that was what the director tried to achieve with the movie. I truly had fun on set and I am sure that I would be doing more of this again. I am an entertainer, so if another opportunity presents itself and the project aligns with my passion and dreams, I will take more shots at acting. Acting is fun for me. It is something I would love to pay attention to even while my music keeps thriving. It is absolutely interesting.
Congratulations on your marriage to Adekunle Gold…
Cuts in…Please don’t let us talk about that. I won’t talk about that matter. So just drop the question.
How soon are you settling down to have kids and build a family with him?
I am definitely not going to talk about family with the media. You won’t hear that from me. If there are other questions, I will love to speak about them but not about family or marriage. It’s a no!
You have been talking about your album on twitter and people are waiting. What should the people really expect from you this time?
I am releasing my album on April 19, which is my birthday. I am super excited about what is coming that the people have not seen. The name of the album is Charlie Chaplain.
Why would you give your album such title?
I love the name. My dad’s nickname was Charlie Chaplain. So, it the album is just a tribute to him. I love and miss him so much.
There is something about you that likes to play and get her job done. You don’t seem to be serious about anything but you always get the results. Is that a strategy?
It is not a strategy. It is just the natural me. I love to play a lot and crack jokes. I am very light-hearted and I hate stress. But I also like to get my work done.
Do people take you for granted for being playful?
No, I don’t think that is correct. People only care about results; nobody wants to hear about how you got the job done, just do your thing and get the result. So, I don’t see anyone taking me for granted for doing my job the way I feel it should be done. As long as I get the work done, nobody takes me for granted for being playful and getting things done. I think people will take you for granted if you are not bringing in the results.
You are always very interactive on Twitter…
Please I love my twitter family and I like to express myself on that platform a lot.
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