Beautiful Nollywood Actress and young entrepreneur, Adebowale Kehinde popularly known in the movie industry as MassKennyD is one of the rising stars doing Nollywood proud with their beauty and acting prowess.
The graduate of Accounting from the Esa-Oke College of Technology, Osun in this exclusive interview speaks on the challenges she faced while starting out and how she remained unshaken because of her passion for acting.
How did you get into acting?
Right from when I was in primary school, I always enjoyed performing with the Drama & Cultural Group and this continued even in secondary school. After my O’Level education, I met with Aunty Laide Bakare who I looked up to while growing up. I used to call her Aunty Idowu, I told her about my passion to do what she does and officially, she started taking me along with her to film locations.
So do you have formal training in acting?
Working with Aunty Laide was so fun and it really fueled my passion to act the more. However, she didn’t have a formal training academy. I shared my desire to be trained formally with her, then she took me to Late Dejo Tunfulu who had an academy then.
Were your parents in support of your chosen career when you first started?
Yes, my parents were fully in support because I participated in entertainment both in school and church.
So how has the journey been so far?
Honestly, the journey hasn’t been easy but I give God the glory.
What were the challenges you faced when starting out?
The truth is, there is no profession without challenges. People have misconceptions that because you appear on their screen, you must be extremely rich and comfortable. But one major challenge is not being as free as I would have bearing in mind that some people might recognize me.
How many movies have you starred in so far, and their names?
I can’t mention all their names but I can name few: Owo Ma Go, Inu Ji, Omoge Jemila, Ago Kan Oru, Omo Meji, Temilade Oniyepe, Secretary, Iwa, Akuko Oru, Itele, Oga Google, Kakaki, Jomiloju among others.
So do you criticize the movies you starred in? Maybe see something you thought you could have done better.
Not really thou nobody is prefer but I know I always do my best
Your family background and education.
I am from the Adebowale household, a large family due to the fact that my father had two other wives aside from my mom. So, my family tree can be a bit complex.
I was born and raised in Mushin and my educational background started within this area. I started my education in Adeleye Primary School, Mushin. Then proceeded to New State High School, Mushin.
Afterwards, I completed my OND degree in Accounting at Esa-Oke College of Technology, Osun State. I combined school with working in the industry at that time.
Can you share with us some of your memorable moments growing up?
One vivid memorable moment I had growing up is the evening get together with my house friends. I am an outdoor person, so I always looked forward to those evenings we all would gather outside the house till late at night. A moment of fun, laughter, friendship, support and so much more.
Your experience again. What was it like during your campus days?
Asides from the normal school activities, I enjoyed volunteering especially singing in church.
What is style to you?
To me, style is about embracing individuality and self-expression. It’s a way to showcase my personality, values, and attitude through my appearance and behavior.
What are your favourite fashion items?
I love bags and shoes. You know they are every ladies favourite.
Your signature perfume.
I’m much into Versace perfumes.
Do you have a particular beauty regimen?
Yes, I have a skincare routine every day and night. I also have a makeup routine few times a week.
What part of your body do you consider as a selling point?
My face. I do receive lots of compliments about my face that it’s beautiful and take good care of my face and skin in general.
What’s your take about bullying in the industry, especially by senior colleagues?
I have never liked the feeling of being bullied. This is something almost every last child can relate with. For this reason, I have a strong aversion for bullying. So, I try not to overstep my boundaries so as not to create issues with senior colleagues because I like to fight for what’s right and just.
Have you been bullied by anyone before and how did you handle it?
There was a certain time I was spoken to rudely by someone I didn’t recognize while at a shoot location. I didn’t respond in the same manner I was treated. I was quite calm about it, not until one of our coordinators heard about it and had to reprimand the fellow.
Your take on Sex for Roles in the industry.
It’s should never be an option for any aspiring actress in the industry, it’s a dangerous path to thread.
Has any director or producer demands sex from you in exchange for a movie role?
No, not at all. On that, I will say I’ve been lucky.
When not on location or working, how do you relax?
I love to take a lot of rest while chilling. Sometimes, I visit old friends or get visited. I am a people’s person.
Are you a romantic lady?
It’s tricky. Probably…
What do you look out for in a man?
A responsible handsome man with tall, maybe average height. He should love family a lot and be willing to keep pushing even when there is storm.
Can you tell us about the current project you’re working on?
I am working on producing ‘Okinni’ which should be out soon.
Aside from acting, are you into some other form of business?
Yes I am. I’m into music production and Makeup retailing.
Who are your role models or senior colleagues that you admire in the industry and why?
I have great respect and admiration for both Sola Sobowale and Funke Akindele. Sola Sobowale because I love how she carries her role with action,
and Funke Akindele because she inspires and lets us know that creativity is key in this industry.
What’s your take about the current status of the Nigerian movie industry?
I can confidently say that a lot has changed in the movie industry, and how the Nigeria movie industry is also using technology to enhance itself in this digital era. I believe we can always do better and more.
