Presenting Gabriel Afolayan of Nollywood

Gabriel Afolayan, one of the children of late theatre icon, Ade Afolayan popularly known as Ade Love is an upcoming act and a final year student of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan. The Kwara State born actor and musician reveals in this chat why girls are measure of achievements.

Relationship with other children
Basically, it’s been fun all the way. We are one as far as I’m concerned because we all answer the same surname, Afolayan. I relate with my brothers and sisters very well. After all, I have Kunle Afolayan and Moji Olayiwola (nee Afolayan) as brother and sister and we relate nicely, encouraging each other.

Acting, family business ?
I can say yes and no. Yes, in the sense that my father was an actor my brother is one and my sister too. My interest in making a change without my dad’s name really moved me into it. That my siblings are in the industry means nothing as I have got my own life to live although dad’s goodwill works but the passion drove me into it. I don’t work with my dad’s name as I see myself as myself.

So you are making yourself by yourself?
That’s it. Talent is the keyword to this thing called acting. What my dad’s got in him can be transferred to any of his kids but because some are talented just as he was they started acting. For me I have got the talent and I trained myself. Talent without training is useless. Talent is a one way kind of thing but training makes you expand. I don’t know anyone in the industry and I tell people every time that I know no one but it all depends on my talent.

Filmography ?
Sincerely, I started acting in 1990. My first work was in a commission film produced by Baba Sala, whom we used to live together in the same area, but which little I have forgotten. I was in Diamond with Baba Sala, in 1994, Behind the Siege (2004) Madam Dearest (2005), Ife Ewe (2006), Super Story ‘Because you Loved Me’ (2007), Akorede, Itusile, Harmony Estate (soap open) 2007. And a Lagos lottery advert (2005).

But your actions in Madam Dearest brought you into limelight?
It is true at least I’ve been on two to three productions before then, but it happened that Uncle Tade Ogidan organised auditions to get a perfect match for the role. I was picked for the role in U.I and was called up to Lagos for another audition, from which I was finally picked for the role. He never knew who I was until we were on with the production. I did not know him at all and neither did he.

What was it like working with OGD?
It is quite an awesome experience working with Uncle Tade as I was able to set a pace and interpret lines to the standard it’s supposed to be. As I said earlier, I was called up through the audition. It was after that I started my homework to make it work out well. I made researches about Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of Benin, in other to create a real scene. Ever since, it’s been good for me as an actor.

But your face ought to have been prominent on posters?
I get a lot of invitations from various producers but I have discovered that they all believe I am good at crying because of my action in Madam Dearest so all their scripts showcases hysterical scenes which I don’t like anyway. I love to change roles. Ife Ewe, for instance, created Bada, a bad boy. What I just do is to make sure I prepare for my role very well before any movie.

You talked about music? Anything cooking
Yes, the love for music prompted me into it and I started as a back up in the choir way back in the 90s until I became professional in 1995. I play the guitar and I’m still learning. I love listening to all kinds of music. My own style, however, is African Soul, and I’m sure my single’s dropping, by God’s grace, December. I am just like taking after Will Smith who combines both stuff.

Remuneration, highest and lowest fee, so far?
Basically, it depends. I have a manager who manages me and I charge per scene at an affordable price but my lowest and highest sign on fees are strictly confidential. I got good pay from Madam Dearest, Ife Ewe and others.

Dating Tolu Babalola?
People just can’t help being funny. Tolu is my younger sister, she used to be in my department before she left for Manchester, U.K and also, we were together on set of Madam Dearest. Dating is too far from it.

Role models and views about the music and movie industry
I don’t have a role model except for reputable Indian actors like Amitabh Bachan, whom I respect so much. In the music industry I respect all those who sing well and are good. My view about the movie industry is that we are far from it but dedication, hard work, perseverance and God we will get there. It might just take a period of time but the music industry is near getting there at the pace with which the industry is going.

Handsome dude, where are the girls?
As you can see, I am a cool guy. It is undisputable that I’m handsome but I manage girls the way I’m supposed to. To me, girls are measure of achievements because girls calling you and complementing and appreciating you are a sure way of joy. I am single as I have said earlier, because I have had series of failed relationships and the coast is clear for competition.

How do you unwind?
I listen to music and socialize and mingle with my colleagues. I don’t smoke or take alcohol.

Upcoming projects
I’m organising a reality show where audience can be and will be the judge and I’m also working on some stuffs in the music and movie industry. I write good songs and score movie sound track so expect something great from Dosu, the actor.

Recent attack on celebrities
You can never be good to everyone but whatever you do always remember the law of Karma. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not troublesome or a gate crasher of sort as I pick my companions. I fear no evil as I believe in Psalm 23 and 91.

Last note
My fans, I love you and God bless us.

Culled from Tribune Newspaper

I'm reading: Presenting Gabriel Afolayan of Nollywood

From Banking to Nollywood -- Yomi Fash-Lanso

Mr Oluyomi Fash Lanso

ADDRESS: - Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos State.

DATE OF BIRTH: June 7, 1968.

MARITAL STATUS: Married

STATE OF ORIGIN: - Ogun State

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Yoruba, English and Pigeon English



EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND -

1). U.A.M.C (Eleja), Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta
2). Jubril Martins Memorial Grammar School Iponri
3). University Of Lagos Akoka.


Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up, parents, brothers and sisters?

My growing up was fantastic because I have a good childhood upbringing. Playing dirty at times, with my age mates was one of the interesting fun I can remember. My family consist of my parents, 3 boys and a girl. Being the last child, I was really dotted on. My brothers introduced me to the cinema house and movies. I became a film freak, and despite my father objection to film watching became an ardent disciple thereby becoming interested in film and motion picture as a whole.

What was the first paying job ever that you had?

I worked in a Bank as a Banking officer.

How much were you paid per month and what were the responsibilities?

N2,500.00. I was only taking care of myself, mother and supporting my siblings.

What other jobs did you do outside Acting?

I invest in honest, viable and profitable businesses. I am what so others will call a business tycoon.

What made you go into the Acting career and when did you start Acting (year)?

The world of ‘film making’ got me hook, line and sinker, coupled with inner talent that was struggling within me then. I went through vigorous self teaching research on what acting was all about, via film watching, review magazines, flipping through articles that bother on film acting or film making, and when opportuned, visited film sets/locations. I started acting professionally in February 1995.

Who were your Idols/Models (Actors) in those days?

Whow! They are so many of them from different continents. My Nigerian influences were Moses Olaiya, Ade Love,, Hubert Ogunde, Lere Paimo, and Jab Adu. I also liked watching Jim Kelly, Jim Brown, Franco Nero, John Wayne, Leon Green, Fred Willianson (American actors); Fu Sheng, Cheng Sei, Carer Wong, Jackie Chan, Lo Lei, David Chang, Chen Kua Tai, Chen Kua Chun (chinese actors); Amitabh Bachan, Dhamendra, Pran, Vinod Khanna. Vinod Mehra, Ferozkahy, and Sunil Dutt (india actors).

What was your first role in Theatre, TV or Movies?

My first role was lawyer Tunde Smart, in the movie titled Bekunpe.

What was your major break-through role and in what film, series or play? My first major breakthrough role was as ‘Akintunde’, in the film Omolade.

What were the constraints you had to face and overcome as an up-and-coming young Actor ?

The first was not been able to negotiate my fee because the producer sees you as somebody he or she is trying to helping. They see the talent but no justification for negotiation.

How many films have you been involved with as an Actor to date?

15 FILMS OMOLADE (1995), TWISTED CONNECTION (1997), ORO MA SOKO (2002), ALE ARIWO (2003), OPA AGEMO (2004) and the very recent one TENI NI TENI (2004-08-12).

As a DYNAMIC, OUTSTANDING, 'A'-List Actor, how have you managed to adapt to the different range of roles you have played in your career?

By doing my homework, a lot of research and studying people of different occupation and lifestyle I meet closely. Most importantly, I demystify myself before taking a role.

What is the most awkward or strangest role you have had to take/play in your career and why?

Playing a disabled persons role in Kunle Alajeseku. I wanted to be in the disabled peoples world and feel what they feel every time. The pain and agony they go through silently in my opinion can never be measured. I know because I have had a glimpse and believe me they deserve our care, attention and love.

What film have you been most proud to be involved with so far, and why?

JOMBO. I was proud to take the lead role in the film Jombo because it gave me the avenue to play a bad guy in a really sadistic way, far from how some actors have played the role in the past.

As an 'A'-List Actor yourself, what other 'A'-List Actors or Actresses have worked or collaborated with?
Dele Odule, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Sunday Omobolanle, Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Funso Adeolu, Antar Laniyan, Yemi Solade, Saheed Balogun, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde, Faithia Balogun, Poyemi Ayeola, Babatunde Omidina and Sola Sobowale.

Did you at anytime want to quit your Acting career for something else or for a reason, and why (if any)?

I thought of quitting when I was ban from acting by my association (A.N.T.P) for having the effrontery to query the executive committee of non-chalant attitude towards artist welfare, and questioning the reason for the association (A,N,T,P) collecting money from producers before he or she could role camera without any support from the association. I basically felt that the executives in the association ‘ruled’ and didn’t ‘Lead’. The issue of members taking work permit before acting was also inclusive.

What is the motivation for you or what keeps you interested in this career every morning you wake up?

Firsly, because I enjoy what I am doing and its challenging. Secondly, because I strongly believe that better and brighter days are coming soon.

How important are our Nigerian roots, morals, values, knowledge and sense of wisdom to you and your works? Everything that has to do with my roots and culture is very important to me because it is what tells the outside world that I have an identity, and I try as much as possible to show that unique identity and wisdom to the outside world through films.

On the stories, scripts, or screen play of your films, and its impact on the Nigerian/African cultural values (home and abroad), how do you manage to harness, keep and pass them across in your films?

Basically, the three element of entertainment are to inform, educate and entertain, which we so much keep in our works (films) that anyone from any race would not want to learn. The way we dress, the way we speak and the way we relate to our fellow human creature is important to me.

What projects are you working on at the moment and with whom?

JOMBO II, with Binta Ayo Magaji. Another with Dimeji Ijaduade, and another with Bolaji Amosan (Mr Latin) friends with alpha vision.

Where do you see yourself in this career in the next five years?

Highest height with God’s support.

Where do you see the Nigerian movies industry in the next couple of years?

If all various fractured associations could come together under one umbrella then the sky will be a stepping stone not the limit to our peak. fractured When you are not working (Acting, producing, directing or making a film), what do you do or how do you pass the time?

I do a lot of thing, for example visiting places, hanging out with my friends, playing games, visiting the gym, writing, watching films and praying.

What kind of music do you listen to and who is your favourite musician?

Various forms of Music that suits my mood at the time, from High Life, Juju, Fuji, Gospel, R&B to Jazz. Some of the Artists I listen to are Yinka Ayefele, Lionel Richie, R Kelly and Remilekun Amos.

Is there an International Actor (American, British, Australian, African, etc.) you will want to work with if the opportunity presented itself?

MORRIS CHESNUT, DENZEL WASHINGTON, SHEMAR MOORE, MARTIN LAWRENCE, JAMIE FOX, SAMUEL L JACKSON.

What message do you have for your international fans in America, Europe, Africa and its Diaspora?

They should all keep spreading the good news now in the film industry, the emergence of Nollywood, and to stay tight with one another. Remember no matter where we go (Nigerians, Africans, Afro- Americans, Jamaicans, etc), we are brothers. I love you all.

For any reason at all, how would you personally want your fans to remember you?

I just want them to remember me for my good works, what more can a Man want!

I'm reading: From Banking to Nollywood -- Yomi Fash-Lanso

From Banking to Nollywood -- Blessing Effiom-Egbe

Blessing Effiom is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar. Apart from being a Model, She is also an actress and a producer.
After the collage picture is an interview she granted Nigeria Daily Independent Newspaper. Please enjoy....

Tell us something about your life as a model and how it all started for you?

Life as a model was fast and fun, short-lived but got to a reasonable and fulfilling stage. I started out in Nigeria in 2001 with the Silverbird International Fashion show, shortly after, I was chosen to do the Ghana celebration 2001 and right after that I won the ECOFEST best model competition and things took-off from there.

How did your foray into Nollywood begin?

After graduating from the University of Calabar in 2001, where I studied theater arts, banking was the first job that came calling but I obviously didn't last six months in the industry. Full time modelling took over and then subsequently, a film role here and there, it wasn't until I furthered my studies in film making in South Africa that I decided to indulge fully in the business, writing, producing and starring in my works.

Which movie gave you your break?

As a writer/ producer, it would be Before the Vow, as an actress, I wouldn't really know.

How long have you been in the movie industry?

Off and on, five years.

What are the challenges you have faced since you took to acting?

Switching from modelling to acting may seem easy as they are all interwoven but the reality is different. In modelling, you are kind of robotic. Whereas, in acting, the key word is relaxation and complete involvement, so I would say that has been my major challenge.

What was your first professional fee?

It was N8, 000 in the movie Bleeding Heart, where I did four scenes as a barmaid to Ngozi Nwosu.

What separates you from other actresses in the industry?

My ways, my lifestyle, my person, my entire morphology.

What has been the high point of your career as an entertainer?

In modelling, apart from earning the top dollar jobs, it would be me representing Nigeria at the top model competition in Lebanon in 2003 and then working with Tyra Banks for the America next top model competition. Sound cheesy, but at the time, I thought these incidences were the highest points of my career. In the moviedom, I'm yet to get to the peak, but for now, my movie The Rivals winning the Best International Drama at the New York festival will suffice.

What do you look out for when you accepts movie scripts?

As a scriptwriter, I'm taught to always have interesting and inviting things in my story that would make any actor want to play the role. So, for me, that is what I look out for in a script; substance if it's a serious story and if it is not then I'll go for the fun content any day.

You seem to operate on a low profile, why is this so?

I've always been one to operate that way, it's just the way I am, I don't think there's anything to it really, but I have my loud moments and definitely my crazy moments.

What is your unique selling point?

Just being open and plain and telling it like it is, transparent in my business and social dealings and somewhat time perfect.

Outside entertainment, what else does Blessing do that takes most of her time?

Before now, travelling and exploring life took the cake, but in the past year, settling down, pregnancy and now nursing has taken over.

Do you have any regrets going into entertainment?

No, but I do have regrets working with a replicating company called Ecomax Technologies.

They made a silly and unprofessional blunder of running a Yoruba film titled, Taiwo Taiwo over The Rivals, a movie which I produced with Omoni Oboli. Having gone through so much and spent so much money, the company had to ruin it by their mistake. We are in the process of sorting that out now and will make it known to the public what happens. But the good copies are now in circulation so people can buy copies now. Other than this I have no regrets coming into the industry.

Give us a peek into your private life?

I have always and I'm still enjoying a relaxed and happy private life and I am not about to make it chaotic by giving you a peek into it so you can hound me.

What was growing up like for you?

Interesting. I grew up in the barracks in Port Harcourt, enjoyed the simplicity of life where everyone had a close-knit life and family was key. There were no problems of fear and insecurity and uncertainty of the government and economy. Life was good.

Recount some childhood experiences you cherish.

At about four years of age, I used to be the dance champion in all parties so much so that I had a little showcase at the governors' party then.

What informed your decision to do what you are doing at the moment?

Destiny and plenty of brainstorming and planning.

Who is the man in your life?

My hubby.

When did you meet him and what is the latest on your state of health, you know what I mean?

We met, we got married, I got pregnant and now we have a baby.

Informed from your experience in the movie industry, where do you think we are heading?

To the rocks if we are not careful.

What is your philosophy of life?

Plan, plan and more plan.

What does friendship mean to you?

Trust, truth and dependence.

What should a person do to win your trust?

Be truthful and transparent.

I'm reading: From Banking to Nollywood -- Blessing Effiom-Egbe