Eniola Badmus as a kid, possessed a sense of gravitas unused for her youth. Her choice of roles in films exhibits a mature approach to establishing a gradual film career. She has embraced challenging roles especially in Funke Akindele’s JENIFA, where she showcased the range of her craft. She spoke her ant with BIODUN KUPOLUYI and EMMANUEL OMENE JOHNSON that behind her veneer tough look is a lady with a pure heart. Eniola admitted that she only fake comical of what could simply be unlikeable characters, their common humanity and inner strengths.
What are you doing right now?
I’m on a movie location, an English speaking movie.
Are you comfortable on the set with English speaking actors, considering that fact that Yoruba movie is your space?
I’m very comfortable working on the English movies ‘sets, besides, English is our lingua franca. So why not, it flows with me.
Is there any complex issue?
No, because I’m working with professionals. Besides, this is not the first Nigerian English speaking movie I will be shooting this year. I’ve got some credits in English movies. My job has been speaking for me. I really do not have a link when it comes to English production but I feel the marketers in the English genre have seen what I can do and they have been convinced and they feel I should bring some of my flavours down to their own production. Besides, I started with the English session before I switched over to the Yoruba genre, to be with my people, the Yoruba people. And to God be the glory, I have been doing so well. Right from December till now, I have shot over five English movies. And one of it is Fashion Parade by Pressing Forward Production. I also have done some other movies with Simony productions and other production houses.
Can you give the titles of these movies?
This is the fourth English speaking movie I’m doing this year. Miss Fashion/Fashion Parade, Blackberry Babes, Swagger Pastor and Madam Ibu.
You mean you were on the same set with Mr Ibu?
Yep, it was fun and I really enjoyed it.
Is there any difference between the Yoruba side of Nollywood and that of the English session?
To me I feel there is not much difference. But the most difficult one is the Yoruba genre of movie making, because it is not easy for you to use a dialect to act a movie. I must say the truth; Yoruba speaking in a movie is more difficult than English language, which is just one lingua franca. And I feel to some extent, that it is so easy to act with. Yet, that has become very easy for me, maybe because I have been doing this for a long time now.
Is it true that the English movie production pays more than that of the Yoruba?
I see no difference. What I’m paid here is what I collect from the Yoruba producers, too. I have got a standard, I have got a fee. If you cannot pay me, then you leave me.
And you have been able to manage yourself in all these?
Everything in life is all about packaging. The way you package yourself, is what is more important to me. Another important thing is the way you charge and your ability to understand the script.
Has the the name Gbogbo Bigs Girls, come to stay with you?
Basically when they say Gbogbo Bigs Girls, the word ‘Gbogbo’ in Yoruba, means ‘all’; so it means all the big girls; all the big girls in town or in campus. It says that they have all arrived. It connotes that the girls that have seen it all.
Do you feel different about it?
No, I don’t. That is Nigeria for you, when you play a role well; they see it as your style.
How long have you been in Nollywood?
I have been in the industry for fourteen years.
What are your major challenges in Nollywood?
Obviously there are challenges in any career a man chooses. Besides, you must pay your dues. There were a lot of challenges when I started. I only give thanks to God that I did overcome them all.
What are your views on the many troubles with the ANTP, the umbrella body for the Yoruba session of Nollywood?
I learnt that there was a meeting called on the 14th of April, 2011 at Ibadan to settle the issues with the ANTP. I did not know until I heard about it from you. As a matter of fact , I am not part of the troubles. I do not know anything about it. But I am a member and we all voted for the person we wanted. That person is Dele Odule. However, at the end of the day, we noticed there was mix up somewhere and they have been going to court. That is all I know about it. I have not been in the country. So I do not know much about what has been going on. Now that I am back I will have to review it all. But for me, I want Dele Odule.
Has your stature helped your growth in the industry?
Wow! A whole lot, it has helped in no small measures such that I cannot be ignored.
Can you say being fat has added value to your person?
Yes, I’m phat but not fat. I’m big and a true PHAT woman. I mean PURE, HARD AND TERRIFIC!
What are your specs when it comes to men, do you like them fat too?
No, fat men are not my specs. I like tall, young, slim and intelligent men.
You said you are pure, what’s pure about you?
My heart is pure, not polluted, very clean and open but not to be toyed with.
What’s hard and terrific about Eniola?
I’m hard physically as a person and terrific in size.
What do you mean by physical person?
Being hard in my physical person does not mean I’m a bad person. I’m only hard in my doings, tough and also, I think like a man. I don’t reason like a lady. Also, I’m mostly seen in the midst of guys. Since hard is mostly used for men, so I feel I’m hard too.
What trips you?
Anything good trips me. Things that add value to life. I appreciate valuable gifts.
What’s your love life like?
My love life is beautiful and I’m enjoying it.
Is he an actor or a marketer (producer)?
No. I don’t go there.
I notice that you have never stepped out with a male companion to any event?
I don’t feel it’s necessary.
Are you afraid to flaunt your man?
No.
Do you fear he can be snatched from you?
My God, who fit? Not on this earth. Maybe Pluto or Mercury. The guy is mine for keeps.
How much did your childhood shape your life as an actress?
My childhood was fantastic. Basically, let me say thanks to my late mum. May her soul rest in peace. She is the strong bone behind me and she encouraged me so much right from childhood. I used to be in a drama group in my secondary school days and I was an executive leader then. She liked drama that educates, teaches morals and promotes language. She would have given me her nod to go into acting especially when I followed my passion for acting with education at the University of Ibadan where I studied Theatre Arts and my Second Degree in Economics in Lagos State University (LASU).
Your dad was a well known politician, are you thinking politics too?
Yes, I’m involved already. I belong to Oshodi-Isolo LG Area Ward E.
What’s the synergy between you and Funke Akindele?
Funke is a good person to me.
Could it be that it is your personal relationship that influences your regular feature in her movies?
When it comes to that, Funke don’t cast based on sentiments. I think my job has been speaking for me. I have been working hard for anybody to judge me and consider for roles without sentiments. It’s the producer’s choice.
You have starred in many movies produced by fellow actors. Are you coming with one soon and if yes, what will be the theme of your movie?
I will be shooting my film soon and believe me, it’s been a long way coming. I’m leaving no stone unturned to make a movie that will blow your mind. It’s a movie that will talk to everyone. You will see a bit of you and of course the larger society, in it.
