Omowunmi Dada is a powerhouse of talent, seamlessly blending her skills as a voice-over artiste, presenter, and model. With a reputation for delivering emotionally charged performances, she has become a driving force in redefining the narrative of the Nigerian movie industry. In this revealing interview with SEGUN ADEBAYO, Omowunmi delves into the triumphs and trials of her career.
You have been in the industry for a long time. What opportunities has being an actress brought to you?
Being an actress has opened countless doors for me, and I’m deeply grateful for every one of them. Most notably, in 2023, I was honoured to serve as the Global Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan in the United States. This recognition came because of my work as an actor, and it provided an incredible platform to showcase not only my craft but also the richness of African culture, storytelling, and filmmaking. During my time there, I had the privilege of engaging with students, delivering lectures, and connecting with people who became curious about their African roots and the wonders of the continent. I even created content in Yoruba and Swahili, allowing me to bridge cultural gaps and highlight the linguistic diversity of Africa. This experience was a remarkable international opportunity that my career as an actress in Nigeria made possible. Additionally, one of my films screened in Michigan, drawing a 90 percent white audience who became captivated by Nigerian cinema. Moments like these affirm the power of storytelling and the influence of our film industry on a global scale.
How did you rise to stardom?
My rise to stardom was God most importantly. But then, it has been a gradual process. Right from my university days in University of Lagos (UNILAG), I would go for auditions, I was also in mini soap opera like Tinsel, I attended a lot of auditions and got a lot of no’s, but one thing was that I never stopped, even when it was extremely challenging. It’s been a long time coming. I was through with National Service in 2012 and got my first major acting in 2013. It has been over 10 years of being professional at it and never an overnight success. But the production that really put me in the faces of the people was Jemeje. I remember that I was auditioned for a few productions for a film production in 2019 and I did not get the role. But in 2016, when the audition was rife, and someone sent me an invite and I got cast for Jemeje, and someone remembered me when I came for audition for the role of Folake, the director remembered me and my performances. So, Jemeje was a 260 African Magic original episode series and I did it for a year and which means I was on people’s TV screen every day for a whole year. That to a large extent made people to see me more often. Though not a one-day thing. It’s a lot of hard work, consistency and diligence.
You are intentional about how you take up your role, how were you able to develop this passion?
I have always been passionate about the art. I have always said that it’s not just about talent for me, it’s a ministry. I’m very intentional about the kind of scripts that I take on, the kind of stories that I’m part of. I turn down a lot of scripts but the truth is when you don’t know where you are going, everywhere will look like the way but when you know where you are going to, from the beginning of your career, you channel your path and you are very intentional about it. Sometimes it looks like, ‘what are you doing’, but if you have a bigger picture in mind, you will definitely get there. Nothing good comes easy.
Are there roles you wouldn’t take up and why?
I avoid roles that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or lack depth and authenticity. It’s important to me to portray meaningful and positive characters. I also steer clear of roles that don’t align with my values or could negatively affect my well-being. My goal is to be part of projects that inspire, educate, and entertain.
You’ve maintained a profile devoid of controversy in spite of your success in the industry. How do you pull that off?
I’ve always believed in staying true to myself and maintaining a strong sense of professionalism. I just drink water, focus on my work and mind my own business. Surrounding myself with supportive friends and family also helps keep me grounded. Most importantly, keeping my private life private.
What are the things that keep you going or drive you?
The major things that drive me are passion, love for humanity and wanting to always put smiles on the faces of people. Love for God also keeps me going and the fact that I know that no matter what happens, God got my back. No matter what happens everything would end in joy. Also, the big picture keeps me going and the quest to see things around me becoming better.
As a leading brand, what do you stand for in the industry?
I stand strongly for professionalism, quality, discipline, integrity and consistency because at every particular time; keep working as nobody wants to work with a lazy actor
Don’t you think marriage can stop you from acting?
Never!!! Not even marriage can stop me from acting because I want to be old with all my gray hairs acting because this is what I am born to do. It gives 100 percent fulfillment.
As an actor, which will you consider the most challenging role you have ever played?
I will say when I acted in the movie titled ‘Moremi’ where I played the role of a boxer. For me to be able to deliver on the role; I had to go train as boxer for two months. I equally just rounded up on some projects. I don’t run away from challenges and hardwork.
How did life as a young Lagos girl shape the Omowunmi Dada we know today?
Growing up in Lagos instilled in me resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. My parents taught me kindness. Command school taught me discipline. Taking buses, trains and bikes from Iju to Oshodi for six years of secondary school taught me hustle and working hard towards a goal. The energy and diverse culture in Lagos fueled my passion for storytelling and the arts while teaching me the value of community and diversity.
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