Beautiful and intelligent Nollywood diva, Dayo Amusa whose last film, ‘Unforgivable’ was a box office hit, took us on a journey of her foray into the Nigerian entertainment industry. A successful actress and movie producer, Dayo is spreading her tentacles with her recent musical projects. She recently releases a single, ‘Aiye Mi’ which she featured Oritshefemi and which is rocking the airwaves across the country. In this no-holds-barred interview with our Editor-in-Chief, BIODUN CASTON-DADA, Dayo opens up on many topical issues.
How did you get into acting?
I started in 2002. I’ve always wanted to but that was when I made the move. That was June 2002 and I registered under Wemimo Olu Paul in Ibadan. That was I started.
So you had a formal training in acting?
For the first 2 years it wasn’t really that way because it wasn’t easy for me shuttling between Lagos and Ibadan and I was schooling in Abeokuta. So after like 2 to 3 years I had to relocate down to Lagos and I registered under the Eyiwunmi Ray Caucus where I eventually learnt the rudiments of acting.
Were your parents in support of your chosen career when you first started?
None of them were in support of me going into acting especially my mum. My mum was like, ‘No, No, No! You won’t spend your years going to school and at the end of the day; you want to end up being an actress’. But then, I went ahead without her consent but eventually we were able to sort it out and she eventually gave her consent.
Especially when she starts seeing you on the TV and people starts calling her they say you on TV?
Yes, you know parents how they are. One only needs to prove one’s self for them to accept your choice.
So how has the journey been so far?
It has been an interesting journey so far. It has given me lots of opportunities and open doors for me. It has also given me lots of recognition. It has also placed me one platform whereby my voice is been heard. It’s been nice all the way but of course we do have our challenges when it comes to production, when it comes to piracy and what have you.
Starting as an actress and later gravitating towards movie production with a number blockbuster movies to your credit, you seem to have raised your game to enviable heights, how does it feel?
It feels good and fulfilling knowing that your productions are making a lot of positive impact out there. I feel very proud.
What is your growing up like?
I come from a very strict family, after school lesson, after lesson you have to be indoor for God knows how long and we really don’t have the opportunities to relate with neighbours all that. I grew up been an introvert to some extent because we are always locked up. Mum wouldn’t want us to mingle with the wrong crowd. Then she had to go out, make a living to raise us. She always lock us up, and do give one or two neighbours hints that those kids are inside the house, I have to rush out. So my growing up was a little bit restricted kind of.
Can you share with us some of your memorable moments growing up?
I guess those would be times I spent with my cousins and siblings whenever we are on holidays. I went to a boarding house school which is another experience on its own. And whenever I’m with my cousins, everybody coming back from different schools, we always have the moments to gist about various things that happened in school and at the hostels, that makes it fun growing up.
Your family background and education.
I’m the first child of my parents. I have five siblings behind me. And I went to Kenney T Private School, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos. After which I went for my SSCE at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State. I had my OND at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Hmmn, MAPOLY. Let’s talk about that. What course did you study there?
I studied Food Science and Technology.
Your experience again. What was it like schooling at MAPOLY?
MAPOLY was another interesting experience because people do feel like people going to schools like that doesn’t read or are not serious but it was really hectic with the school’s workloads and the practical we have to do, trying to meet up with various assignments, but all the same, it was a beautiful experience and of course, I came out in bright colours as well despite the fact that the course has nothing to do with entertainment.
Coming back to movie production, what’s your take on the allegation of sex-for-roles usually leveled against movie producers and directors?
Well for me, sex-for-role I wouldn’t say it is not something I have not heard about, I have but I want to believe there is no situation where any producer or director is going to force an upcoming actress to do anything she doesn’t want to do because it takes two to tango. In some cases you will see that all these our young and aspiring youth sometimes even wants to give what they don’t have or what has not been asked for just because they are desperate to get there. Sometimes it is not even the fault of the directors or the producers, this young people can be pushy and desperate at times. But for me I’ve not had such an experience, anything related to such neither have I seen but of course I have heard such goes on in the industry. But like I initially said, it takes two to tango, one just need not to be too desperate. Nobody can be forced to do what he or she doesn’t want to do.
How do you choose the movies you star in?
I like movies whose story inspires people no matter the age group. I like scripts that encourages people, stories that speaks to people’s situations and that teaches morale. And of course that is entertaining as well. So I tried to as much as possible to pick roles that would suit my taste and at the same time appeal to my audience.
How long does it take you to get into a character and possibly get out of it?
It depends on the story and the character. You know there are some characters you have to go on and on studying the character, probably mimicking or you have to be coached for you to be able to get it right and there are some characters that will just come to you naturally with little efforts. So most often times, it depends on the character we are talking about. But I still find it easy going into a character anyway.
What is style to you?
I’m not a fashionista. I’m just a kind of person that wakes up in the morning and put on what I feel suits me and I’m comfortable in. naturally I’m a jeans, T-shirt, Palm Slippers kind of person but you know our work can be very demanding. But I will style my style is all about simplicity.
What is or are your favourite fashion items?
I love shoes. I love accessories generally.
Your signature perfume.
I don’t usually like people picking my smell, so I love to mix and match but I’ve got quite a collection. Elizabeth Arden, Ballenciaga, KV, Fantasy, etc.
Your favourite designers.
I have worked with a whole lot of Nigerian designers in the past but if you are talking of branded designers I’m not really a label freak. I go for anything that looks good, suits me and which is of high quality. I’m not the type of person that will say compulsory I have to rock this brand or that brand.
What is your beauty regimen?
Funny enough, I really don’t have a beauty routine. But I do take lots of water. I’m just a normal person.
Your favourite beauty products.
I love Clarins beauty products.
When not on location or working, how do you relax?
When I’m not working most times I’m at home.
So at home what do you?
I watched movies; I play around; I sometimes read; it’s about the time I usually have to spend quality time with my family. I’m always in the midst of my family when I’m not working.
Do you watch your movies?
Yes I do.
So do you criticize your movies? Maybe see something you thought you could have one better.
You know I might really get to see my mistakes probably because it is my own production but I welcome criticism and I tend to allow people to criticize my jobs and let me see areas where I’m meant to do corrections or step up.
You tend to travel a lot especially for vacations, which do you consider to be your favourite holiday spot?
I love travelling. Well, it is Dubai. It is once city you can never see enough of it and it has so many places of serenity that can help to rejuvenate your soul and creativity.
What prompts your foray into music?
My going into music is not something I said to myself that ‘Dayo this music thing, you must go into it’. I’ve always been doing things that have to do with music way back, even before I got into acting, but it was just that I started out in the entertainment industry with acting and which gave me more prominence and I embraced. It is always good for you to find your feet in a particular field before delving into another thing. I guess after a while I realized that it is time I take up my music career more serious because it something I love and enjoy doing.
How can you classify the category of the kind of music you sing, what genre?
I do more of inspirational and motivational songs that has messages, and which can appeal to the people. But sometimes you need to follow the trend and do a trending song. But I’m quite versatile.
How have you been coping joggling music and movies?
I believe if you fail to plan you’re planning to fail. And I believe anything that has structure you will be able to scale through. I tried to put down my calendar for the year on things I want to do and how to go achieving them and I work towards achieving them after listing them out.
How long did it take before you get accepted in the industry?
It took me a while because many people believe I can’t do it. But I thank God I was able to prove many people who are skeptical wrong by coming out on top.
Which movie will you say gave you the BIG BREAK?
I think my break comes in phases. I had the first phase when I released Ajegbodo in 2006 after which I did some productions before I released Dewunmi Iberu which took me to another level in the industry. After this project, I did some movies in between after which I produced Unforgivable which actually gave me another break in the industry. For me, I do call Unforgivable the game changer.
What inspires your movie, ‘Unforgivable’?
The environment inspires the movie to a large extent. The issue of domestic violence against women was highly on the rise and always in the news. And I had to find out the cause, understudy the situation, read about it, get to hear people’s opinions and comments on the issue and decide to treat the issue using my platform as a filmmaker that’s what actually inspires the story.
You have been able to stay relevant in the industry for years, what is the secret?
I guess that has to do hard work and been consistent.
Are you a romantic lady?
Sure, I would say I am though it is the person you’re into a relationship that would be able to tell.
What do you look out for in a man?
If I should make that open, don’t you think people will dance to that tune for me? Just a joke! On a more serious note, it’s all about simplicity and you been yourself. Been real and been true to yourself.
As a celebrity, how do you handle male fans and advances from men?
It comes with the job for people to appreciate you and you have to try as much as possible to reciprocate that appreciation in your own ways without offending anybody. I just try as much as possible to keep it real.
What would you describe as the craziest thing a fan has ever done to you?
It happened in Maryland, Ikeja. The traffic light stopped us, and there was this woman that waiving at me and I wind down the glass and we exchange pleasantries and she requested for my phone number saying she’s a big fan and would like to call me and want us to be friends, while I was pondering whether to give her my number or not, she just changed and started insulting me that ‘ki lon shele yi?’ (what is doing this one?) And she was so loud about that I was just praying for the green light to come up to avoid her creating a scene. Fortunately the light cam up and I just zoomed away.
What production are you currently working on and what should your fans expect from it?
I have two movies on ground now Omoniyun and That Which Binds Us. But presently we are working on the grand premiere of Omoniyun which is coming up in few weeks time. The story has to do with Human Rights against Tradition. And it also talks about Child Molestation as well. It addresses lots of situations that happen around us. That is what we are working on couple with the promotions of my singles.
So what about your music, what are we to expect?
I will be releasing a 5 track EP alongside the release of my movie, Omoniyun. They are the original soundtrack to the movie done by me. And hopefully before the year runs out, I might still drop some couple of singles too.
What advice can you give to young people looking up to you as a role model and those that might want to take up acting as a career?
The first thing is for you to believe in yourself. And you need to understand that Rome wasn’t built in a day. You might be lucky when starting out, but hardwork and consistency matters a lot. Of course you can’t push aside the powers of prayers.
