Oluwafemi Adekanye who goes by the stage name, Big Z is one of the young actors in the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood. The highly talented actor who is a graduate of Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin is poised to make a name for himself with his skills in Nollywood. And his growing fan base is a testament to his growing popularity.
His quest and passion for entertainment, especially movie production has been his driving force despite all the challenges he encountered while starting out in the industry. Aside from acting, he is also a director and a script writer.
In this exclusive interview with ACADA Extra, Big Z speaks about his foray into the acting world, the challenges and resistance he faced while starting out and his plans in turning his name into a household name. Enjoy!
Can we get to know you? Your name, stage name, etc.
My name is Oluwafemi Adekanye and my stage name is also Femi Adekanye or Big Z.
How did you get into acting?
I started acting in church when I was a teenager. And that was how I got interested in acting and polished my skills more in it.
So do you have formal training in acting?
Well, I studied Performing Arts in the University of Ilorin where I majored in Acting. After graduating, I also went for a three months’ class in Directing and Script Writing at Royal Arts Academy before my youth service.
What was the first TV show/movie/commercial you appeared in?
The first movie I ever featured in was titled, Okon Goes to School, and it was produced by Royal Arts Academy in 2011.
My first television commercial was a Globacom advert tagged, G-Bam High Five, and it was directed by the popular cinematographer, DJ Tee.
So how has the journey been so far?
The journey has been an interesting one, even though there’s a lot of ups and downs but so far so good it’s been challenging and fun. I can’t complain. I’ve worked with literally everybody in the industry, especially in the Yoruba movie industry. And it’s pretty much amazing. I now have fans in and outside Nigeria who love my movies. So the journey has been wonderful so far.
What were the challenges you faced when starting out?
One of the challenges I faced when I started was not being able to speak Yoruba properly. But over time I was able to polish my Yoruba. Now I can speak it properly. Another challenge that I faced was trying to convince the directors of my acting skills because they didn’t know what I’m capable of doing at the time. Another one was because I speak more English and some of the directors and the production managers felt I may not be able to speak properly, but I was able to prove them wrong. And lastly, I had issues traveling across the state then to act because I was not mobile (no car) so it was difficult for me moving from one place to the other but now things are different.
How many movies have you starred in so far and their names?
I have featured in so many movies that at some point I lost count. But if I’m to count it, it’s over 80 movies. Some of the names I can remember are as follows; African Magic – Dear Future Me, Itura, Venge and Ajoche. YouTube Movies – Till The Dust Settles, Love Intentional, AFESONA, Ibasepo, Adehun (Agreement), Ile Aiwo, Baba Kekere, Ife Airotele, Nifemi, Elege, Baddie of Lele, Ire Ife, Asoni, Temisan, Alaya Pupo, Different Stroke For Different Folks, Oba Koshoro, Ife Oju, My Perfect Man, Cracks, Against Creation, Quick Sand, just to mention a few.
Have you produced any that are yours? If you have, what are their names?
I have not produced the movie yet, but I am working on producing my very first movies pretty soon so you guys should watch out for it.
So do you criticize the movies you starred in? Maybe see something you thought you could have done better.
Every time I feature in a movie, I tend to criticize myself in a positive way because I’m my own best critic and this thing helps me to grow. There is a particular movie that I did recently called Osunfunke Erujeje. I played a very bad guy like an armed bandit, and there were some lines that I felt I should’ve said in a different tone than I didn’t. So each time I appear in a particular movie, I tend to correct myself and work better on interpreting the role more.
How long did it take before you get accepted in the industry?
Well, I was lucky enough to get accepted easily in the industry because I have what it takes as an actor in terms of good physique, stage presence and most importantly respect. Because the Yoruba movie industry is based on respect and I gave respect to everyone I met there regardless of whether I am older than you or not. So it was easy for them to accept me.
In your opinion, what are the qualities an actor needs to possess to be successful?
I believe that one must have three Ds. The first is determination. One must be determined to make sure that every role given to one is well interpreted.
The second is dedication. One must be dedicated to make sure that the character one is portraying and all the scenes one is featured in are well executed.
Lastly, one must be disciplined, which is the vital quality an actor needs to have. Without this, one cannot even get referrals or be successful at one’s craft.
Which can you consider your toughest role so far?
I think my toughest role so far would be AFESONA because it’s an epic movie and I had to play the role of a Prince who turned king. It was tough because I had to speak all my dialect in typical Yoruba language which was tough for me. Because it has a lot of incantations, adages and serious ancient Yoruba language. But after much practice, I was able to interpret it well. Even the producers and the directors were impressed at the end of the production.
Your family background and education.
Well, I came from a family of seven and I am the last child. My dad is late but my mum is very much alive and well. She lives in America now. I was born into a Christian background where everybody was involved in one sport or the other. Me and my brothers played basketball while growing up and we played professionally till we stopped playing. I went to Federal Staff School, Ilorin where I got influenced to play basketball and by the time I got to secondary school I had tremendously improved.
What is growing up like?
I attended Saint Anthony secondary school and Mount Camel College in Ilorin, Kwara state. I played in Milo basketball championship. I played in all college basketball championships and I did exceptionally well in it. Then when I entered the University of Ilorin, I played at the Nigeria University Games and West African University Games. So it was really fun and exciting growing up.
Can you share with us some of your memorable moments growing up?
Growing up was fun because I was literally doing nothing because we have a full house, my sisters and cousins who are mostly women do the chores in the house and I just relax and watch the TV with my brothers. I hardly go to the kitchen which later made me not know how to cook properly lol. But I later learnt it and I can cook what I will only eat. I grew up with my brothers who are very competitive with each other in everything they do which later helped me to also compete in anything and mostly aim to be the best at anything I get to compete on. I am always my mum’s handbag, following her almost everywhere. That’s why me and my mum are still very close till date. She gave me everything I needed because I lost my dad early so I didn’t enjoy the fatherly love but my mum gave me everything and I am forever grateful to her.
I remember how my mum will take me back to school to return anything that’s followed me home that is not mine especially pencil, eraser, crayon, my mom knows my stuff so once I bring in something that is not mine, she forces me to return it. My mom used to discipline me a lot when I do something wrong, but she’s loving and caring. I used to go to church with her. Growing up was fine when my brothers and sisters pampered me as the last child.
What course did you study?
I studied Performing Arts at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Your experience again. What was it like during your campus days?
My experience on campus was well planned. From class to basketball and then church and back home. That was my routine most of the time and then from 100 level to 400 level I was the face of my department, which means I was cute to a fault lol. Got lots of ladies’ attention but always running away from them because my mum used to say it will take your glory if you go close to them and that scared the shit out of me, so I’m extra careful whenever I used to go for my class as well during exam period.
You are also a model. Tell us about the commercials and other projects you have been involved in over the years?
I have featured in a lot of commercials by brands such as Fair Money, Wow Lotto, G Kala by Glo, MTN, Bet Bonanza, Clearline HMO, Dreadlock Real Estate, La Casera, Portell, Rocket ginger drink, PJ Connect and many more.
When not on location or working, how do you relax?
I relaxed by sleeping most of the time. I watch movies and also spend time with my 4 years old son. Sometimes we love to go swimming and just eat. Most importantly, I sleep a lot.
What inspires you?
What inspires me is my thirst for success and my hunger for greatness. I want to be the best in everything I do. And my mom also is a form of inspiration for me because I really want to make her proud.
Who are your role models in the industry?
I don’t have much of role models in the industry but these are the few ones I have, in no particular order; Denzel Washington, Tyler Perry, Idris Elba, Richard Mofe damijo, Francis Duru, Olu Jacob’s, Ramsey Noah, Odunlade Adekola, Muyiwa Ademola, Itele, Lateef Adedimeji, Ibrahim Chattah, Wumi Toriola, I am saying this name because they inspire me with their tenacity and hard work and they have proven that hard work pays.
As a celebrity, how do you handle female fans and advances from women?
I think I’ve been able to handle the female fan well and also set boundaries for the women who are fans. I appreciate them all, but you have to be principled because you have to be careful so you don’t push them away because they are the one that supports you. One needs to apply lots of wisdom in dealing with them.
What is that thing that is most embarrassing a fan has ever done to you?
The most embarrassing thing some fans did to me is just coming to meet me that they love watching my movies and that I should give them money just like that and I didn’t have any cash on me that day. It was not funny o.
Can you tell us about the current project you’re working on?
I just recently concluded a project on African Magic called Dear Future Me. I played one of the major characters and I am pretty much excited about it. I played the character Boma who is torn in-between love for his sweetheart school girlfriend who left him but returned and his wife who he wants to divorce at all cost.
Aside from acting, are you into some other form of business?
Well, I am an entrepreneur. I make shoes and I am also a tourism/cultural officer.
What can you say is currently the biggest challenge facing the Nigerian movie industry?
Piracy is a big menace to the movie industry. It’s sad enough to see people trying to copy what you’ve used your hard earned money to produce. It has always been a major challenge for us in the industry. I just feel people should stop this piracy of a thing because it’s killing the craft and making people’s effort and sweat to be in vain.
