Tosin Adeyemi is a young actress who seems to know where she is going and takes steps daily on that journey. She shares her interesting story with Assistant Life Editor, TERH AGBEDEH, in this interview.
Aside stage acting, have you tried others like television and the big screen?
I have featured in short films and skits, but nothing yet on the big screen. I’m positive though that I’ll be part of some projects on the big screen soon.
How are you finding acting; is it what you had hoped for?
Hmmm… Acting has been interesting and fun. It’s what I hoped for and more. But I’m nowhere near (my destination) yet, I’m growing in my craft every day.
How did you get into acting?
I always loved acting. So when I wanted to write my JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) examinations the first time, I chose law; then I changed to mass communication. One day, my dad called me and said: “You like acting, dancing and singing. Why don’t you study theatre arts?” That was it for me. While in school, I started attending auditions, then the shows began.
Have you tried acting in productions outside the country?
Yes, I have. In 2013, I was selected to perform with Kininso Koncepts Productions in Istanbul, Turkey for the 4th International “Prof. Cuneyt Gokcer” Theatre Festival. In the end, the team was unable to attend due to logistics issues.
How would you compare working here and on productions outside the country?
What I would say is that the amount of energy, time and resources put into a production varies; so you cannot compare both. For every production, the location and audience matter a lot. If a production is to hold in East London, the crew and cast going there from here will have to study and understand the type of audience they’ll be performing for, what the location area is like, and how their performance will be received. Same for some productions here in Nigeria. But there are some that you already know what to expect.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
At the moment, I’m working with B-rated Productions and they are cooking something real good that you’ll hear about pretty soon. I guarantee that you’ll love it.
Would you say that acting is working for you?
Yes, it is; though it could be better.
Which actors or directors do you really love working with?
There are a lot of directors I like working with, a few of them are Kenneth Uphopho, Wole Oguntokun and Israel Ebo. I’m looking forward to working with Emem Isong and Kunle Afolayan on the big screen.
Which crowd do you prefer: the one at the MUSON Centre, National Theatre, Freedom Park or elsewhere?
I cannot actually take a pick because every audience is peculiar and different in its way. I’ve performed in all three and I must say that each of the performances were awesome with great turn-out.
What part did you play in this year’s edition of the Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) at Freedom Park?
I was an actor in one of the curated plays titled Dialling Love written by Paul Ugbede and directed by Joshua Alabi. I played Bosede, the daughter of a very rich man (Otunba Tunji Sotimirin). It’s a story about love.
Would it be correct to say that being a female actor has its drawbacks; for instance, do you feel that you are being exploited?
So far, I haven’t been exploited or victimised because of my gender. It’s possible, but I haven’t experienced it.
What brings you the greatest joy; theatre or something else you would like to talk about?
Well, not just theatre. I’m also a model and I do radio presenting. They also bring me joy.
Who are your heroes?
Who else but my parents. They were able to bring stubborn me into the world. Yeah, they’re my all-time heroes.
What do you wish someone would have told you earlier in your career?
I think that will be, “Do not underestimate yourself; there’s a lot you can do”.
Are you into acting until you decide what you really want to do or this is it?
Acting is what I love and want to do. I have other plans too because it’s not just acting I’m passionate about. Don’t worry, you will know about them when the time is right.
What do you love most about yourself?
I am never intimidated, no matter who you are. I’ll still do what I know how to do best and probably beat you at the game. That’s what I love most.
What would you say sets you apart from other actresses in Nigeria?
I like to be corrected and like to listen to what my colleagues and bosses think about how I’m playing a particular role. Not a lot of people can handle criticism.
What are some of your best moments in your professional life?
I have so many good moments but I don’t think anything beats the I-am-proud-of-my-daughter look on my mother’s face every time someone tells her they saw me on television or at a show performing. Also, there’s this on-top-of-the-world feeling when you are acknowledged, recognised and appreciated for the work you’ve done.
How old are you now and how long have you been acting?
I’m in my 20s. I’ve been acting professionally for over six years.
What else did you try your hands on before acting came along?
Yes, though it’s related to theatre. I was and still am a singer.
Does acting leave you time for your man?
It depends, sometimes it does and at other times it doesn’t. But we still make out time despite tight schedules.
How does he feel about you playing romantic roles?
I really can’t say, but I know he understands, because he’s also into the business. One thing he always does is encourage me.
Or do you pick your roles carefully, so as not to cause friction?
No. My relationship doesn’t affect the roles I play in anyway.