Beautiful and Talented Abidemi Adisa is one of the new crops of talent rocking the Yoruba arm of the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood. Within her short entry, she’s been able to carve a niche for herself through her versatility and ability to interpret roles given to her. She let us into her world in this exclusive interview, speaking about her passion for acting, her experiences and plans for the future. Enjoy!
How did you get into Acting?
My passion for the make-believe industry drove me into acting. I always appreciate how great actors interpret roles and make people believe it is a real occurrence. This greatly influenced my decision to take up acting as a career.
So do you have formal training in acting?
Yes I did. I learned the rudiments of acting under my boss Mr Saidi Balogun.
Were your parents in support of your chosen career when you first started?
Yes they are fully in support and have been very encouraging.
So how has the journey been so far?
It hasn’t been an easy ride but we keep pushing for the top.
What were the challenges you faced when you were starting out?
I face a lot of challenges going from one location to another in search of roles and jobs but at the end we give praise to Almighty God.
How many movies have you starred in so far, and how many have you produced yourself and directors?
I have featured in nothing less than 20 films while I have produced 3 films and am still working on another project. Some of the movies I have starred in include: Violence part 1&2, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe, Akete, etc. The ones I have produced myself are: Ota, Ojiji Ife, Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2.
What’s your take on the allegation of sex-for-roles usually leveled against movie producers and directors?
It sure does exist and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. This is not even limited to actresses, but men too are sometimes victims. But we can’t stereotype Nollywood for this because it sure does exist in other Industries as well.
Has any director demanded sex from you in exchange for a role?
No one has ever asked me for sex for a role because I’m not desperate for stardom.
How long does it take you to get into a character and possibly get out of it?
I do take more than enough time to study scripts. Do thorough research about the role and this helps in making it very easy for me to get into a character within a short period of time.
How long did it take before you got accepted in the Industry?
It wasn’t really long because of the personality I trained under, Mr Saidi Balogun and also because of my talents which I’ve been able to be opportune to showcase with the roles I’ve been given.
Your family background and education?
We are just 3 girls from my mother and father. I graduated from Hudegbe North American University in Benin Republic.
What course did you study?
I studied International Relations.
What was it like during your campus days?
It was not an easy journey but it was full of many memorable events. All the same, we give thanks to God.
What is your growing up like!
It’s so lively and I thank God for growth.
Can you share with us some of your memorable moments growing up?
When I was growing up, I played a lot and I usually called on my friends for us to play. I sure had a great childhood.
Let’s talk about style, what is style to you?
It is how you put your fashion together to make an unforgettable statement.
What are your favorite fashion items?
I’m a big fan of traditional clothing. I love putting on native and Aso Oke.
Where do you consider to be your favorite holiday spot?
England, because of her many tourist attractions.
When not on location or working, how do you relax?
I relax at home just lounging.
What inspires you?
Funnily enough, I’m inspired by money. When I see money it inspires me. It drives me to work harder.
Are you a romantic lady?
Yes I am.
What do you look out for in a man?
Someone who is caring and very responsible.
As a celebrity how do you handle male fans and advances from men?
As a celebrity, you just have to tolerate people because there are various people with all sorts of characters. You need to show love to everyone but know when to draw the line especially with male folks.
Can you tell us about the current project you’re working on?
I’m working on a new movie project titled “Iku Ore”. It is a story of a lady that pleases her friend in every way but who doesn’t care about herself. It’s quite an interesting project that is dear to my heart.
Aside from acting, are you into some other form of a business?
Yes, I sell clothes.
What is your indulgence?
I love clothes so much. Whenever I see a great piece, I can’t help but get it and I try to refrain myself from buy buy (lol!).
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
At the top of my career. I’m working really hard to be a household name and also to keep producing great movies for my fans.
