A FAN ONCE TOUCHED MY BREAST TO KNOW IF THEY’RE REAL-Actress Foluke Daramola.

Heavily ‘endowed’ star actress, Foluke Daramola reveals in this chat with DAVID AJIBOYE how she has been coping as a mother, housewife and actress. She also  recalls how a fan touched her boobs just to be sure if they are real. Excerpts:

How did you find yourself acting?

I started out on DBN before I went to the university . Later I moved to AIT on Our Time. It was while I was at AIT that I met Uncle Tunji Bamishigbin, who took me into Palace. He actually introduced me to acting. It wasn’t so strange or difficult for me, as I had always appreciated movie actors. Besides I used to speak to myself in the mirror while alone in a room and from there, I concluded that I can actually express myself and expand my talent.

How many movies have you produced or directed on your own?

It will be difficult to mention all the ones I’ve been part of because they are very many, both the English/Igbo and the Yoruba ones. But for the ones I have produced and directed, we have Oriojori, Emi, 50/50, Ta ni ki n fe, Nkan Meta, and a whole lot of them. I also write and sell scripts.

Which of these brought you into the limelight?

I wouldn’t know, but I will say with me, my acting came with fame. I am just an ordinary girl walking on the street as Foluke Daramola and when I was in the cast of Palace, the same Foluke bacame celeberated. All of a sudden people from Encomium just picked some of my pictures from Uncle Tunjiand splashed them on the pages of the magazine. So you see, my acting actually came with fame. But sincerely I was lucky to have been brought up by Uncle Tunji, who wouldn’t allow me minor roles like my peers.

What are the pains of fame?

A whole lot. For instance, one is deprived of privacy You have to act as a role model, learn how to comport youself at all times. All the same I think it has helped me to build my life into something worthy of emulation. Though one can’t be perfect, I still try as much as possible to be myself.

Besides acting, do you do other things?

Yes, I produce, direct, present and do business like baby dresses and jwellery.

From your own assessment of the returns from television soaps and home-movies, which one will you say pays more and is actually worth all the pains?

Both have their pros and cons. Then, I’ll say the soap -opera came with fame, while the movies came with more money. But now, both are almost on the same level because the soap-operas, the good ones I mean, are currently offering better money.

Have you won any awards before?

Yes, about three. I won the Upcoming Actress, Afro-Dublin Awards in 2003/2004 and the Afro-Nollywood Awards in London in 2006, I also won awards while in school. For instance, while in the university, I was the best students’ Union Government, SUG, Executive as the Director of Socials. And as Youth Corps member, I won the most sociable corper award. It could have been more, but for my marriage and its dictates.

Is it true that you are the second wife of your husband?

In a way, it is true.

How do you mean?

His first wife is dead. But that happened before we got married. I have never dreamt of being anyone’s second wife in my life. It has never been my idea of fun. Myself and my husband grew up together. Both families are friends. He was like my older brother and we attended the same church until we moved from Anthony to Ogba. Then, we lost contact.

Along the line, he got married and lost his wife. We met again in 2001, dated briefly, but not very seriously. He and my elder brother, now deceased, were close friends. It was in 2004 that we became more serious and got married. Being a second wife is actually against everything I believe in life. To me is like living in a fool’s paradise. My mother lost my father when she was only 36 years old. She had the chance to remarry, but she did not. She stayed single to take care of us and this she did maintained till date. Some may have their reason for doing it, maybe for their lack of interest in younger men, for some religious belief, but for me, its not my idea of fun.

Have you been combining your role as a wife and the demands of acting?

Well, it has been very challanging. It has also been exciting as I see my kids and husband. It has actually not been rosy, but it worth all the pains. A lot of time we artistes fail to realise that we should bow out when the ovation is loudest and go backstage. Many cannot differentiate between real life and showbiz. The life is the real life. You can’t always be the star, and everyone has their time for fame. For instance, the way they call Bukky Ajayi is not the way they call Foluke Daramola and the way they call Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Jacobs is not the way they call me. It goes on like that and it is, therefore imperative for us all to prepare for the backstage very well and promptly.

This is why you see me spending more time with my family than what I spend out there. I try to build my home now, so that I’ll be able to say I enjoyed my showbiz and also enjoy my home.

Now, my family life takes about 70 percent of my time and my job takes only 30 percent. It is simply all about having to balance the two. The experience has helped me to be more realistic and of course it has made me to be more matured and focused. I wouldn’t have been able to cope, anyway, without God’s strength and the understanding of my husband. But I wouldn’t want to take this for granted.

To what would you  ascribe your swift rise in acting?

Humility and respect aside, my acting talent has been my potent asset. My mother being a teacher, always told us to be respectful. Again as a Yoruba girl, who also respect our culture, I relate to people with humility and respect. God also wants it and preached it in the bible. It helps me to get along with people and to retain me in the minds of people, especially those relevant to my success. This doesn’t mean I don’t aspire to be better, I’m also ready to learn and to take correction.

Uncle Yomi Obileye, one of my godfathers, once instructed me to always put a smile on my face even in the worst of situations, just to continue to appeal to my fans. You can imagine how difficult this can be, when you are just having a row with somebody beside you in a car and a fan screams your name on the street. But it is just part of the game. This is also required for my husband, a politician gunning for councillorship seat, needs me to get along with all cadres of people.

Do you extend your humility to your husband and to people at home?

I sure do, but you know that a woman will always be a woman. He is a caring man sometimes, I take this for granted. I would tell him sorry only when the situation gets very, very bad. In most cases, I want him to offer the apologies. We both can be stubborn at times.

Do you still go for auditions?

Not anymore, only when I have double-cast roles.

Have you ever been harrassed sexually and what is your opinion about its association with the industry ?

Sexual harassment is everywhere. It is not exclusive to the movie industry. As far as I am concerned, If you don’t want to be harassed, you won’t be. I have said it before that when I started showbiz, it came almost with stardom, but not with money. And by the time I started home videos, I had paid my dues. Once you see that you are not getting jobs, you go home.

You need not to hang around there as if your whole life depends on it. You don’t have to present yourself as being desperate, otherwise people will take you for an unusual ride. You need to carry yourself with dignity. That does not mean you cannot have emotional attachment to people in the industry. Your decision to date somebody is not the same thing as being sexually harassed. People should know that it is not every role they can play.

When was your happiest moment?

It was the day I got married. Whenever I remember the day, I easily forgive my husband for whatever offence he has committed. You know a woman’s wedding day is highly appreciated. Even when I remember what you press guys did on that day, I usually let go of your bad side after the event.

And the saddest time?

It was when my elder brother died. He was my husband’s friend. This was in 1991, 10 years after my father died. The day my father died should have been my saddest moment, but I was only two years old, and hardly knew anything.

What is the craziest thing a fan has done to you?

Touching my boobs. He felt he had to find out whether they are real or not. Well, I also tried to slap him, but he ran away.

Would you like to comment on some of the negative stories about your marriage?

Yes, the first one came two weeks after my wedding. They said, Faluke’s husband beats her up, and by then we were on honeymoon at Ibadan. We were actually supposed to be at Abuja, but I had a production I had to finish. We were lodged at D-Rovans Hotel in Ibadan when the headline came. You can imagine how hurtful this could be. Aside this, there was another one that came from Encomium, saying I had a misunderstanding with my husband and that he had moved out of our home. Immediately we read it, we went to the publisher and my husband told him that if it ever repeat itself, he wouldn’t hesitate filing a suit against them. They apologised and we concluded it was the price of stardom. It is paindful because it never happened.

Where do you see yourself in the nearest future?

I see myself in Nigeria, becoming established in my talk-show. I also see myself as a role model like Joke Jacobs, Olu Jacobs, Tunji Bamishigbin, Yomi Obileye, Jide Kosoko, my mother and my father.

How fulfilled are you in your choosen career?

So far, I’ll say it’s been good. I enjoy what I am doing, but I wish to be back in the corporate world to actually practice what I have read.

AFRO HOLLYWOOD AWARD HOLDS IN LONDON, NOVEMBER: Patience Ozokwor, Van Vicker, Uche Jumbo, Yemi Solade, Saidi Balogun, Mike Ezouruonye etal bag awards.

African Film Awards  also known as Afro Hollywood Awards  will hold at the Indigo-02 Arena in London, on Wednesday 12th of November 2008 with a-list actors and actresses from across the continent of Africa scheduled to receive honours.

The event is structured to showcase and celeberate execellence in Africa’s best film talents. Entertainments during the awards ceremony will feature performances from screen icons, cultural dances, musical performance and comedy.

The African Film Awards is also a highlight of the growing film industry, music and dance in Africa. The red carpwt event also has the support of Black British television and screen personalities adding glitz and glamor to the occasion.

This very special event will witness the presentation of Africa’s most prestigious film industry awards to deserving individuals and organisations. Expected to top the list of recipients of this prestigious awards are actors and actresses from Nigeria’s Nollywood, the third largest film industry in the world, after Hollywood and Bollywood.

Mike Abiola, publisher of African Voice Newspaper, and organiser of African Fim Awards said, “Nollywood has come of age with over six sky digital channels showing its films daily to over 16 European countries while over 12 African television stations rely on Nollywood for contents. It is time to announce the arrival of African Film at the centre stage. There is no better place to celeberate excellence in the African Film industry than at the 02 Arena”. Also expected at the event are African American actors as well as those from Ghana, Aouth Africa and Senegal.

While announcing the winners of this year’s prestigious awards, Mike Abiola, founder and CEO of Afro Hollywood said, “The image of Africa is beginning to change in the minds of Europeans and amongst the diaspora, especially among the British Africans and Carribean communities.

Nollywood is uniting Africans and Carribeans, and also presents a good vehicle for corporate communication. Afro Hollywood Awards celeberating excellence in the film industry is a platform to exhibit new products and services .

Some of the winners of this year’s awards include Patience Ozokwo, Van Vicker, Uche Jumbo, Yemi Solade, Saidi Balogun, Mike Ezurruonye, Yibo Koko, Lilian Amah-Aluko, Pricess Adekoya and Faithia Balogun.

Award categories range from: Best English language film Actress, Best actresses in supporting roles, Best Actor-Native Language Films, Best Actress-Native Language Films, Best Crossover Actress, Best Musical Act, Best Artiste-Comedy, Best Film Director-English Language, and Native Language Films and Best Producer.

“The Afro Hollywood Awards  over the years has been the platform and occasion where African movie icons and fans come together under one roof. It also provides the opportunity for the actors and actresses to know their works are highly appreciated with an excellence award. This is the icing on the cake for all African-oriented film enthusiasts,” added, Alistair Soyode-BEN Television founder.

Very important guests including the general public are invited to come and experience spectacular out of Africa dance troupe, 50 most delectable, charming and angelic  ladies on the ‘runway’ and UK’s creme de la creme in attendance, to celeberate Africa’s film, arts and culture in the mult-cultural city of London.

“I did not, you can check my profile” , Mercy Johnson

Actress Mercy Johnson joined Nollywood not too long ago and like a meteorite, she shot up even higher than those before her. But within a short period of time, she recorded more scandals than any of them. Could all the stuff they say about her really be true? She gives David Ajiboye the answers in this interview. Excerpts:

You seem the rave of the moment; you’re virtually in every movie. What’s magic?

I am not in every movie. But I am trying. I tell you it is just hard work, and there is nothing more to it. I don’t know anybody; I am just on my own. It is only God that I have. It is awesome. I don’t even believe it myself. I can only say it is a favor from God.

So the long months of countless auditions have paid off now…

Yes. I tell you I attended countless auditions. I didn’t understand what was happening anymore. I woke up early in the morning and I was at the National Theatre going through many auditions. That is why I tell you, my success now is basically hard work. I was dedicated.  I knew what I wanted and I had to go for it. I was all out for it.

When did the big break come?

I tell you, it came with the first movie I was featured in. The Maid by Kenneth Nnebue was a hit and I played the lead role.

So you never played any waka pass role…

I did not. You can check my profile.

When did you come into the industry?

I came in 2001. But I started acting professionally in 2002. I am now into it fully.

What made you take up acting?

I would say ‘who’ and not ‘what’. I wanted to be like somebody. I saw Genevieve Nnaji on screen when she acted Sharon Stone and I just wanted to be like her. It wasn’t as if I was so much in love with the acting profession. Genevieve was just like the motivating factor. I saw her and I was tripped.

Do you think you are like her now?

I am nowhere near her. I am still learning.

So you don’t  even have any intention of leaving the industry since you are aiming to be like Genevieve…

I may move. I have other things on my mind now. I would want to go into some other things later. For now, I am still concentrating on my career. I have not gotten to the level I would want to be.  I am being focused right now. I want to go higher than where I am now.

How high do you want to get?

Very high. It is not as if I want to be Hollywood star. I don’t even want that. Nollywood is blooming and expanding. I want to be a part of that progression.  I want to learn more in directing, acting, and every other thing. I want to be here when we get to the zenith in the entertainment industry.

How many movies have you featured in since you joined?

They are not that many. I think I have done well over 25 or  30 movies.

These days you don’t have to lobby movies…

In fact, they are even looking for me right now.

Everybody wants you to be in his or her movie, you must be feeling ahead of others because of this…

I am just like the girl next door. I come from a very humble background. I am an Igbira babe. I am very down to earth. Any time I want to do something, I look back. I remember where I am coming from. I thank God for everything. There is no change in me. I am still the same person I have always been. I lost my privacy but it is fine.

You lost your privacy, yes. But you should be happy with the razzmatazz in your profession…

Not really. There are things I cannot do anymore. But I see it as a sacrifice.

Will you swap acting with any other profession?

I will not. Even for the whole luxury in China.

How much were you paid for the first movie you acted?

I did it for free. But when the movie came out, the producer called me and gave me N50,000. According to him, I did so well. So I see it like a gift and not payment for a job.

How much do you pocket these days?

Come on! Why should I tell you? I will tell you later but not now please. But all I can tell you is that I am very comfortable.

How do you cope with the challenges of being an actress?

It is not easy. People expect so much from you. They seem to forget that you are a human being. They see you as a superstar. But in any case, I just believe in being myself. I try not to embarrass my fans; at the same time, I try to live my life. Come on, this life is meant to be lived.

But what are those things you can no longer do because you are an actress?

I don’t think I should tell you.

Just tell me…

Hmm…It is so annoying. Well I and my friends used to go somewhere in Shitta (Surulere) to eat amala. I can no longer do that. I can no longer eat boli (roasted plantain) on the road like I used to.

Is that all?

These days I have to go to Shoprite to buy things and I even have to be careful the way I walk. I cannot even go to Yaba anymore.

So you used to go to Yaba (Okirika) market to shop?

Ha! Why are you doing this to me? I didn’t say I shop in Yaba.

I know. But at least you used to buy some things there.

I have told you. I buy things in the boutique. I don’t buy them at Yaba market.

How old are you?

I am a very young girl.

Can you give me a figure please?

Do you know what I am scared of?

What?

If I tell you I am 22 right now, by the time I spend another ten years in the industry, people will now know I am 32 and I don’t want that.

So you are 22 years old?

I didn’t say that. Let’s just say I am in my early 20s.

Since you are this’young’, marriage shouldn’t be on your list.

It is. Ha! Are we friends at all?

But you claim you are ‘very young’…

I don’t know what to say again. Okay, I am not yet 25, but just take it I am in my early 20s like I said before. It is not as if I am thinking about marriage right now. But it is an opportunity every woman would not want to give up  or allow to pass by her. The earlier you begin to get serious with  a particular relationship, the better for you.

So you are in a relationship…

Oh! yes. I am in a serious relationship.

Will this relationship lead to marriage?

Oh! Have you not seeing my engagement ring? It is white gold!

What if he tells you to stop acting?

He loves my job. Peradventure he tells me to quit, I will beg him and I will beg him, and I will beg him. If he insists, I will quit but I will still be in entertainment industry.

Is the guy in your industry?

Hell no!

Hell no? Were you not doing something with Nonso Diobi back then?

Ha! Nonso is my very good friend. I just finished speaking with him now. I don’t have any relationship with him. I even know his girlfriend.

What of Benedict Johnson?

He is my friend. People even think we are related since we share the same surname, but we are not. He is an Igbo guy. We are very close. I am not dating him.

So you are saying you have not dated an actor…

Eemmm…can I tell you later?

Why not tell me now?

No.

This ‘no’, is it for me or for the public?

You really want to put me in trouble. My answer is, no.

But what of the guy who bought that Toyota Rav 4 jeep for you?

Ha! I bought my car by myself.

What!

I said I bought my car myself.  But I am working. I am making my money. No matter how small, it is still my money.

You are a student of Lagos State University…

Yes.

But we hear you are no longer there.

Did you?

Yes. We hear your G.P was less than one point, so you were asked to withdraw from the school.

Well, I saw something on the net with the caption ‘An Illiterate Star’ with my picture on it. I really felt bad. People had to comment on that.

Since you think it is just a rumor, where do you think it came from?

I don’t know and I don’t intend to find out.

So you are saying you are a bona fide student of LASU…

Yes. I knew when I was coming into this industry there might be some scandals. But I tell you, this ‘Illiterate’ thing really got to me.

Did it get to you as much as it got to you when they said you sleep around with different men?

It is still better than somebody calling me an illiterate star. I felt bad.

Do you think these scandals will affect you in any way?

I make mistakes. I am human after all. I am not perfect. But what makes me a person is the ability to fall and stand up again. Even if I am an illiterate, I still have time to buckle up. Once there is life, there is hope. I am not going to fight anybody concerning this scandal. People have their right to their opinion. I am still going on with my work and doing all the things I should do. I am not going to allow such rumor to affect me. I am living my life like Mercy. That I felt bad about that didn’t mean  I had to stop doing my work.

Since you said you are still a student, how are you combining your studies with your career?

I would be lying if I told you I go to school all the time. It has been pretty difficult. But I just try to do my best.

Which of the actors do you love working with the most?

I love working with all of them. They all have their weak points and their strengths. But I do enjoy all the actors I work with. I don’t have any problems with them.

How come people say you are wild?

Do you mean ‘wild’ as in the roles I play?

No, they say you are wild even in reality.

I don’t know. I can’t judge myself. But I know I am not wild.

What do your parents do when they read and hear such bad stuff about you?

They just encourage me. My family has been great to me. They all knew it is part of my job and they try to encourage me all the way.

What is the toughest role you have played ?

I see the entire role I play as a challenge. I always try my best in all of them. I give each and everyone of them the same dedication and all that.

Since there is a heavy rivalry amongst actresses, who is your own rival now?

I don’t have any rival. The industry is too big for me to have a rival.

Okay, who do you envy?

I don’t envy anybody. I only admire Genevieve. She is my idol. I just can’t compare her with anybody.

Have you had an opportunity of working with her?

Yes. I have worked with her twice. She is wonderful. I didn’t even work; I would just say I was learning. While she was acting, I was just looking at her. When I met her it was like a dream come true.

What is your vision?

I want to get to the zenith of my career. In the nearest future, I think I would like to give back to this society that has given me so much. I am going to go into charity. I may not need to give anybody millions, but the little I can do, I hope to do it.

By David Ajiboye/staff reporter.

PHOTOS FROM THE UNVEILING OF THE TERRACOTTA NIGERIAN FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS HELD AT THE JOGOR CENTER ON SATURDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER, 2008. –By David Ajiboye.

Left to right: Chief (Mrs) Anike Agabje-Williams, first woman to appear in television in Africa; Ambassador ‘Segun Olusola, first Television producer in Africa; and Ms. Tayo, a popular broadcaster at the unveiling of the Terracotta Film and Television Awards held at Jogor Center in Nigeria on Saturday.

Chief (Mrs) Anike Agabje-Williams, first woman to appear in television in Africa.

Ambassador ‘Segun Olusola, a guest and Chief (Mrs) Anike Agabje-Williams.

Ola Ibironke, CEO, Dudu Heritage Promotions, foremost entertainment promoter.

The Terracotta Award after its unveiling.