Femi Adebayo: The lawyer, the actor

Weekend Magazine: What was it like growing up in a house full of actors? Femi Adebayo: I could not actually identify the difference between growing up in the midst of actors or as an actor or growing up in the midst of ordinary people but I was opportune to grow up in the midst of […]

Weekend Magazine: What was it like growing up in a house full of actors?
Femi Adebayo: I could not actually identify the difference between growing up in the midst of actors or as an actor or growing up in the midst of ordinary people but I was opportune to grow up in the midst of entertainers. My father has been in the industry for so long and always have people around him who are entertainers which makes it so much interesting to me. I think my growing up was extremely fun. I developed the interest from there because as a kid what you see around you will automatically trigger your fancy which many will like and will want to do it. Growing up in the midst of actors I will say actually triggers and inspires me to have more interest in entertainment.

WM: Which movie gave you your break?
Adebayo: ‘Owoblow’ by Tade Ogidan in 1996. I was very young and won the role on merit. Acting is inborn. On set of ‘Owoblow,’ Tade Ogidan had several encouraging words which turned out true. ‘Owoblow’ gave me the breakthrough which won me several international and national awards even though Law was the career I was pursuing.

WM: Was it after Owoblow that you went back to school or how did you do it?
Adebayo: I just finished secondary school when I did ‘Owoblow’ and was awaiting admission. I was later admitted into Kwara State polytechnic for a diploma in Legal Studies but gained admission into University of Ilorin to study Law and graduated in 2001. I was called to Bar in 2003, got a Masters in Law from the University of Ibadan in 2006 and I have just applied for a doctorate degree in Law at University of Ilorin.

WM: How many movies have you produced, which one is your favourite movie and why?
Adebayo: As a film producer, I have produced no less than 15 movies and my favourite movie is not where I played my favourite character. My favourite film is ‘Adunmadeke’ because it actually focuses on the various consequences of sexual misconducts. I see that youths’ attitude towards sexual relationship is worsening – which was why I wrote the movie. When you ask about my best character in a movie, so many people would expect me to say ‘Jelili’ but sincerely, my favourite role is ‘Sonto Alapata’ (Sonto the Butcher) and not ‘Jelili’ because comedy comes naturally to me. It was the first time most people saw me in comedy role. But as a versatile actor, you should be able to interpret any role at any time.

WM: While on set do you sometimes experience a conflict between yourself and the character you are playing?
Adebayo: Yes, a lot. Many times, we experience conflict between our real selves, and the characters we play  because such characters are not the real deal. An example is ‘Sonto the Butcher’ that I liked so much because it is totally different from Femi Adebayo. But the ability for you to resolve that conflict amicably is what makes you a good actor.

WM: Do you think you would have done as well as you are doing in Yoruba film industry if you were in Nollywood?
Adebayo: As far as I am concerned, the  Yoruba film industry and Nollywood are the same. Nollywood is derived from Nigerian actors. Be it Yoruba, Hausa, English or Igbo actors are all Nollywood. The general belief is that English movie actors are Nollywood but I want to use this opportunity to say that they are not only the Nollywood actors we have. Nollywood comprises of all movie actors in Nigeria regardless their language. Basically, I love my culture so much and am a promoter of culture. If I’m imbibing other people’s culture, and not promoting mine, I’m killing it. This is why I engage more in Yoruba movies than the English ones. If today I choose to stop acting Yoruba movies it does not reduce my performance in the English movies. I have acted a number of English movies and if you take your time now to see what is happening, so many of our Yoruba movies producers are now producing English movies just to tell the world that we can do the two. It does not affect our performances but because I love to promote my culture that is why I don’t delve into English movie. I am of the view that we should not allow other people’s culture to kill ours because our culture is our value.

WM: Now that you are in government, is this the end of acting for you and have you been on a movie set since you took up the appointment?
Adebayo: Taking up this appointment is a call to serve my state.  When I’m done, nothing stops me from going back to my field as an actor. I have not dropped acting. But for now, occupying this seat I give 85/90% of my time and attention to execute my duty.

WM: Away from what kind of person are you?
Adebayo: I am an extremely reserved person. I am not the outgoing type and anytime I have to face the public, I put on my actor face to be able to handle it. It is easy for me to say I’m not a shy person because I can start acting anytime without rehearsal. I love my private life which I lost being a public figure. But I am the indoors type. I don’t enjoy partying.

WM: You have an institute where you train people in moviemaking techniques. Could you tell us about it?
Adebayo: J15 School of Performing Art is the name of my institute, and has been in existence for eight years now. We started from Ibadan and we have graduated five different sets of about 250 students. Many of them are into behind the scene works like costumier, script writers, property managers, set designers, directors etc. A few of them chose to go into acting and they are doing well as behind the scene workers. Becoming a movie star is from the Almighty. I can say that no less than 10 of them are doing extremely well behind the camera and as actors and have won several awards to their credit acting both Yoruba and English movies. Our students before they get admitted must have at least school certificate with a credit in English and Literature. Aisha Lawal, Lola Awe, Bamitale, Jide Ajanaku are all known faces who graduated from my institute.

WM: Which has been your most difficult movie, role?
Adebayo: It hasn’t come. I am actually waiting because I love challenges. Many people saw ‘Jelili’ to be the most tasking but honestly, it was not. However, I can say the most tasking for now is ‘Owoblow,’ maybe because it was my first major lead character.

WM: Would you allow your children to become actors?
Adebayo: I will follow my father’s attitude and way of life. He never forced any of us to go into acting but he ensured that we are all lettered and educated. Whatever your ambition is, he is always supporting and giving us encouragement. He knew I had an interest in acting and Law and he encouraged me. I am going to follow his path for my children’s career and will make sure they are properly educated. I still look up to and follow my father’s footsteps. He is my role model.

WM: How do you relax?
Adebayo: I’m a boring person when I’m not working. I prefer to sit down at home, gist with my family and watch television.