BIMBO ADEMOYE: I’ll never lobby to win awards

Versatile rising actress Bimbo Ademoye is one skilled actor that can put into action any character given to her. Having acted different roles from a spoilt brat, to village bella, and sophisticated lady, the actress, who is also a model and entrepreneur, speaks with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI on her journey so far.

How did it feel like being the fans favourite at the just concluded AMVCA, considering your outfit and your entry into the event?

It felt thrilling. Sincerely, I am blessed and I really appreciate everyone that put the price together from the designer (Ada Kamsie), stylist (styled by Seun), the hair by Tony Aigbokun, Wow Accessories and even the make-up. Nigeria is truly blessed with a lot of talents.

How and when did professional acting start for you?

I started acting at age seven but I got into the big screens in 2015. I went to several auditions, and got my big break when I featured in a movie titled It’s about your husband, by Uduak Isong Oguamanam, and to think I actually gate crashed into the audition.

So far, what movies have been your highest points?

I would have to say Back up wife, It’s about your husband, All shades of wrong, Diary of a crazy Nigerian woman and a new project titled Rofia Tailor Loran, where I play the illiterate tailor Rofia.

Have there been any moments when you felt like quitting before the break?

There have been moments of doubt but I only see them as challenges to make myself better at what I do. I get inspiration for acting from my daily life. I’m a whole different person in real life than I am behind the cameras.

Ladies in the entertainment industry often lament sexual harassment in the course of exploit, have you encountered any?

I can’t say I haven’t. But the major challenges I have faced, however, would be, being under priced. I’ve had a producer tell me once that he didn’t know me, he just wanted to help me by giving me a role and this was because I asked him for a certain amount.

If yes, kindly discuss with us how it was for you and how it happened?

It’s a daily encounter but it’s more appalling when supposed veterans in the game try to take advantage of the younger ones. These are people I believe should know better and do better especially with directors and producers. Awards organisers also have their own share of these assaults. I will never lobby to win awards, talk more of using my body; I trust my fans to vote for me.

How do you handle advances from men in the entertainment industry and your male fans at large?

It actually is difficult but the truth is, once you set boundaries and you are able to establish what you want and do not want, people would respect them.

How does it feel like, exploring a career in a male-dominated industry?

Sincerely, there is enough space for everybody to shine. Give me mine, I would give you yours. It’s never that easy though, we still push through. I won’t call it intimidation. More like motivation. Sometimes I see other actors who are doing really great and I am inspired to do just as good, even better.

Who are your role models in the Nigerian movie industry?

My role models would be Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic and Uduak Isong Oguamanam.

As a film-maker, have you ever considered directing or screenwriting?

Yes, I have. But I am taking baby steps. I do not want to rush into anything right now. But I definitely see myself being the producer of a blockbuster movie in the nearest future.

Can you say this year has been your biggest so far considering the amount of award nominations you have gotten?

This year has been a blessing. I’ve been opportune to see a lot of things from different angles and one thing that makes me really glad is when someone sees value in what I do and decides to appreciate me for it, that’s a push to do more.

Asides acting, what else should we be looking forward to from your brand?

I am an entrepreneur. I’m currently working on rebranding my fashion line and making it more encompassing so we can serve a lot more people.

I am also a brand influencer for Tasha Collectibles, a hair empire and many more to come. I plan to also double my efforts in acting, so expect to see Bimbo Ademoye on the bigger screens alongside Jackie Appiah, Taraji Henson, Leon Schuster and Viola Davis, amongst others.

Any endorsements yet?

No endorsements for now. There are a few in the pipeline and we are open and hopeful for more.