Gbubemi Ejeye recently caught the attention of the entertainment industry with her seamless transition from major television commercials to establishing herself as a leading voice in Nollywood’s competitive landscape by captivating audiences in the Netflix series Far From Home and now FilmOne original Farmer’s Bride. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE, she speaks on her journey to becoming Nollywood’s New Voice, evolution in Nollywood and other issues.
What do you think sets Nollywood apart from other film industries globally?
Nollywood is inherently Nigerian and we embrace our identity with pride. The amazing projects emerging from Nollywood reflect our stories and offer others a peek into our society. Just as Bollywood represents India, Nollywood showcases our unique culture. Being part of Nollywood was once just a dream for me, but now living that dream feels like being part of a legacy. I love how we make dreams come true,
Nollywood is evolving rapidly. As a fast-rising actor, how do you see your role in this evolving industry?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the industry at this moment. Creativity is thriving, and it’s amazing to see how much we can accomplish when we strive for excellence.
Looking back, what would you say has been the most defining moment in your career so far?
I wouldn’t say there’s been one defining moment that stands out. Instead, my journey has been a slow and steady ride. During the lows, I’ve found that certain events and experiences have emerged to help propel me forward.
Was acting always your dream, or did you stumble upon it unexpectedly?
I’ve always been drawn to movies and the way they made me feel. My first experience with acting was in primary school when I joined the drama group, and I instantly loved it—it was just pure fun for me. Even though I went on to study law at university, I didn’t find the fulfillment I was looking for. Eventually, I decided to follow my passion for what truly brought me joy, and that’s how my acting journey began—and here I am now.
How did you land your breakthrough role in the Netflix series Far From Home?
I had worked behind the scenes with Inkblot, one of Nigeria’s top film studios, doing production, administrative tasks, and even some extra roles. When they posted an audition call for a young adult series, I didn’t think much of it. The age range listed made me doubt I could land a part, and at the time, I didn’t understand the concept of “playing age.” So, I didn’t bother applying.
Then, out of nowhere, I received an email from Inkblot asking me to send in a self-tape. After that, I went through a few more rounds of auditions. Eventually, I was invited for what I assumed was chemistry read, only to walk into a welcome party for the cast of Far From Home. It was an incredible surprise, and easily one of the happiest moments of my life.
How did that success change your career, and how did it feel to be part of such a widely watched show?
Far From Home felt special even while we were filming, you could sense that it was going to be something remarkable, and it turned out to be even more than that. It gave me the exposure I needed at that point in my career. Playing such a complex character like Adufe alongside an incredibly talented cast and crew was a true blessing, and it’s an experience that continues to open doors for me.
Do you have any aspirations beyond acting, such as producing, directing, or writing?
Absolutely! I’ve dabbled in various aspects of filmmaking, and I plan to harness every talent and ability I possess to create films that resonate with me and others who share a similar vision.
Who or what inspires you the most as an actor and as a person?
I find inspiration in people. Hearing real-life stories makes me curious about their motivations and the reasons behind their actions. I love exploring these characters and connecting with their emotions. I’m especially inspired by those who bravely share exceptional narratives that defy norms.
How do you balance the demands of a rising career with personal life? What keeps you grounded amidst the growing fame?
What brings me immense joy is collaborating with talented individuals on meaningful projects; work truly feels like fun to me, and that makes everything easier. I have a small circle of friends and family who form my support system, keeping me grounded. I prioritize choices that bring me happiness in the moment and benefit my long-term well-being, which helps me maintain my sanity.
What do you hope audiences take away from the roles you choose and the stories you tell?
I hope to bring them out of their bubbles and realize that, despite our unique qualities, we are all fundamentally human. We all make mistakes from time to time and it’s crucial to own up to our choices, regardless of the outcomes. I hope they get kinder.
You recently starred in Farmer’s Bride, a film set in 1980s Ibadan. What drew you to this project, and what was the experience like?
I first met Jackenneth Opukeme (Writer & Co-Director of Farmer’s Bride) at the premiere of Adire, and we had such a lovely conversation. I can’t quite recall if he mentioned Farmer’s Bride at the time, but that was the start of us talking. A few months later, I found myself reading the script, completely amazed at the brilliant chaos Jack had created. That script pulled me in instantly—it’s such a rich story full of human complexities. I’ve always been drawn to stories about everyday people, and I’ve always wanted to do a period piece to get a sense of what life was like back then.
Can you share a memorable story from the set of either Far From Home or Farmer’s Bride that had a significant impact on you?
I wasn’t initially meant to attend the last audition for Far From Home, but they needed more candidates to read for the characters, so I was brought in to fill that gap without knowing it. The audition tapes were sent to Netflix, and that’s how I landed the role of Adufe; they saw her potential in my tape. Jack then watched Far From Home and recognized Funmi in my performance, which ultimately led me to Farmer’s Bride today.
How did you prepare for this role, and were there any particular challenges in bringing this character to life, especially given the historical setting?
The only slight challenge I faced was with the Yoruba language, which reflects the era we were portraying. My proficiency wasn’t strong, so I had to put in some extra effort to improve. Aside from that, I was eager to understand Funmi deeply and authentically convey her story, showcasing her as a relatable human who simply made some misguided choices.
What kind of roles are you most interested in exploring moving forward?
I am particularly drawn to unconventional roles; characters that may seem ordinary at first glance but possess a profound depth that might not be immediately visible. I believe these roles illustrate the duality of human nature, where we are equally capable of both good and bad. It’s all about the choices we make and how we respond to people and situations. Embracing our mistakes and moving forward is essential.
What advice would you give to young aspiring actors in Nollywood?
Believe in yourself, even if you’re the only one who does, and back that belief with tangible evidence. Seek out the individuals you want to work with and give your utmost in everything you do. Commit to showing up, even during challenging times. Foster strong relationships and never stop learning.
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