Since her return to the country barely three years ago, Diana Yekinni has been on a rollercoaster ride in the industry she has pitched her tent with appearing on stage, television and the big screen. In this interview with Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH last year she shares her journey.
Are you thinking about starting a film production company or maybe one for stage productions?
I have no plans to but maybe in the future. I know I am still in the process of building my acting career and still have a lot to learn as an actor so I will focus on that for now.
What brings you the greatest joy at this time in your life?
My family and friends always bring me joy. They are indeed a great support system for me and I am blessed to have them in my corner.
You were part of the first Saro: The Musical but did not take part in the follow up editions. You want to talk about that?
Yes, I was part of the first production of Saro: The Musical – an amazing experience by the way. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do the second due to scheduling conflicts.
For someone who has been part of productions in the UK and Nigeria, what difference(s) would you say that you have observed?
Comparing productions here and abroad would be unfair because the obstacles against us in Nigeria are way greater – power is the biggest. The major difference would be the timeframe in which we shoot our movies and television shows.
What would you consider to be the best advice that you have ever been given?
‘Let your talent speak for you’. I was told this by a mentor and not everyone is going to like you as a person but never allow that affect the work you put out.
Who are your heroes (or mentors)?
Joke Silva, Nse Ikpe Etim, Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson and Kimberly Elise.
How have you changed since you returned to Nigeria?
I have a lot more patience and have learnt not to lose sleep over things that are beyond my control.
What do you love most about yourself?
I love my honesty even though it gets me into trouble.
What, in your wardrobe, won’t you give away?
My Trainers; I love all of them.
What movie project or any other project are you working on right now?
I played Banke in Seyi Babatope’s movie Lunch Time Heroes. It is Nigeria’s first family movie and I’m very excited about it. I am on Funke Akindele’s set at the moment shooting Jenifa’s Diary. There are other projects that I am not permitted to speak about just yet.
Which is easier for you to do, the big screen, television or stage drama?
I think stage comes naturally because the bulk of my training is in theatre and I appreciate the process, I remember my first screen experience shooting the movie Ije. It took a while to wrap my head around the idea of doing multiple takes despite all the training I had in film and theatre but I now have a hang of it.
What would you say is the most important life lesson you have learned so far?
(That would be that) no condition is permanent.
Which actors would you say have had a great influence on your acting career?
Angela Bassett, Nse Ikpe Etim and Viola Davis.
What steps do you think an up-and-coming actor should take to make headway in the Nigerian movie industry?
Auditions are very important, so keep going. Opportunities don’t just come, you have to work hard for it.
Invest in your craft and you will reap the fruits of it.
If you had to live your life all over again, what would you change about it?
I would choose to live in the moment and not stress about the unknown, it always works itself out.
Some actors also do a bit of singing; would you venture into singing, too?
No, I will not be venturing into singing anytime soon.