Why every family should have ‘Animal Farm’ – Bimbo Manuel

Weekend Magazine: You are a known face in Nollywood. What is the negative impact it has had on your personality? Bimbo Manuel: I love my freedom; the liberty to roam free, walk free and be me is very dear to me. Being a role model to so many who aspire to be like you isn’t […]

Weekend Magazine: You are a known face in Nollywood. What is the negative impact it has had on your personality?

Bimbo Manuel: I love my freedom; the liberty to roam free, walk free and be me is very dear to me. Being a role model to so many who aspire to be like you isn’t an easy task. All this imposes responsibilities on you that you cannot ignore. Sometimes I do wish I can just let go, but that is not to say I am not appreciative of the attention. It is the bigger payday all actors aspire to and the least you can do is to let the fan know that he/she is appreciated in return.

What is that one thing you would love to change about your past?

Nothing, because nothing happens by chance. It is always a part of some scheme that you usually are not in control of. If you control that which you have influence over, what happens to that which is out of your hands?

How far would you go in your quest for fame?

Nothing extraordinary. Just work hard. Constantly improve myself. Learn new skills, hone old ones…I am not desperate really. I just want to make a living enjoying myself.

You are a father. Name one book you consider a must read for all adults, especially parents.

There is a lot of reading always going on around my home. My wife is a university lecturer. I am an eclectic reader. I found one series on Positive Parenting among my wife’s pile. I have read everything and I think everyone parent or aspiring to be should give that series more than a cursory glance. I also think George Orwells’ ‘Animal Farm’ should be on every family shelf. You see, most of us know of those simple principles of proper living, those points of morality but we rarely ever admit that applying them to everyday life is a challenge. ‘Animal Farm’ I think just takes some of those abstract issues and gives them form. I think parents should read it, encourage the kids to read it and together see that there is a wrong in oppressing the weak, honor in hard work, hope in perseverance, strength in unity and victory if we all pull in the same direction.

What do you think of today’s trend in the Nigerian entertainment industry?

Incredible things that those who went before us…even my generation could not have dared dream about. Look at the music industry. Nigerian parties don’t need foreign music anymore! Radio stations can survive on Nigerian music alone unless they choose to play foreign music. Young talented men and women of different competences are making assured living just on their art. That is solid development. Hopefully, more will happen in the other areas of entertainment…movies, television and so on that will ensure that not just a few but the generality of practitioners can make deliberate choices to be artistes and not just because they have failed in everything else. We see the impact of cable channels, the growth of good quality studios. Really I think things can only get better from here. Let’s just hope that the people in charge of erecting structures that give confidence to genuine investors will take their responsibilities seriously and let the industry deliver on all the promises it holds for everyone.