Olayinka Lateef is one of the young actors in the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood, who is showcasing his skills and talents and fast gaining prominence in the industry.
With no formal training in acting, he gained experience by participating in community theater, workshops, self-study, etc. “I’ve learned a lot by participating in various productions and collaborating with other actors. I believe that practical experience is just as valuable as formal training, and I’m always looking to improve my skills.”
Olayinka studied Business Administration at the Lagos State Polytechnic and furthered his education by earning a Diploma in English from Shakespeare Institute in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. He started his acting career in 1998 by joining a drama club. He has since starred in movies like Betrayal, Kadaramini, Affection, Family Code, Aimokan, Darasimi, Kararamini, Okiki Onilu, Police & Thief, Bisola Peperenpe, Ota Olorun, Officer Benjamin, etc. He has produced his own movies. Among them are: Oogi, Ere Aiye, Oro Odi and Sege Tailor.
Speaking about his foray into the make believe world, “My journey into acting began with a deep love for storytelling at my young age. I remember watching my first play in school and being captivated by the characters and emotions on stage. After that, I joined the drama club in 1998 and participated in several productions, which ignited my passion for performance.
One memorable experience was auditioning for a lead role in a community theater production. I was nervous but thrilled when I got the part. That performance taught me the importance of vulnerability and connection with the audience.”
When asked about what he considered to be the biggest challenge facing the Nigerian movie industry, “I believe one of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian movie industry right now is access to quality funding and production resources. This limits the ability to create high-quality films that can compete on a global scale. However, I see potential in increased collaboration between filmmakers and investors, as well as more training programs for emerging talent. There’s so much creativity in the industry, and I believe we can overcome these challenges and achieve great things”.
Speaking about how he connects with his fans and how he handles his female fans and advances from women, he stated that, “I truly appreciate the support from my female fans; it means a lot to me. When it comes to advances, I believe in being respectful while also setting clear boundaries. I try to keep interactions friendly but professional, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable”.
He’s currently working on a film called ALE (NIGHT), which is a thrilling drama about a single mother who is raising her children alone. The movie is directed by Fatai Isiaka Dynamic and stars popular faces such as Rotimi Salami, Seilat Adebowale, Onijo, Otunba Ajibike Lubulubu among others.
