Opeyemi Sowunmi has become a force to reckon with having featured in more than 20 productions within three years. In this chat with TOPE OLUKOLE, she revealed the best secret she ever kept. Excerpt
For the purpose of those who don’t know you, can you introduce yourself?
I’m Opeyemi Oluwaseun Sowunmi; I am the only girl in the family of Mr. Akinpelu Sowunmi. I studied History and Diplomatic Studies. I’m an actress and producer. I have been in this industry for three years now.
What does acting mean to you?
To me, it’s a thing of the mind. It’s what I really want to do from childhood. When I was young, at least I watched four movies in a day.
Which actress really triggered your interest into acting?
Shola Shobowale triggered my interest because I love her way of interpreting roles.
How many movies have you featured?
I’ve starred in over 20 movies.
Do you see yourself going farther in acting than in movie production?
I see myself going far in both, because I have passion for them.
Since you can act, why did you also delve into production?
For an upcoming actress, you have to use what you have to get roles, because that’s what some of the male movie directors and producers request for before giving you roles in movie. That’s why I delved into producing myself because I don’t want to do what others are doing.
We learnt that you featured Mercy Aigbe in your debut movie, Eti Keta, because she won’t collect much money from you. How true is this?
That is not true, for you to involve Mercy Aigbe in your movie, you need to pay her very well. She does not collect cheap money from anybody. Moreover, she is not my close friend.
When was the movie released into the market?
It was released two weeks ago.
Is the movie a true-life experience?
Not really, it’s just what is going on within our environment. At least ‘yahoo-yahoo’ is not hidden.
Tell us your antecedent in the industry?
I went through the rudiments of acting with Don-Richard.
What are the challenges you went through while training?
Series of challenges, it’s pretty tasking, most times on locations. The star artistes receive special treatments while upcoming receive ordinary treatment.
Have you been sexually harassed in the industry?
Sexually harassed? No.
Even having featured in 20 movies, are you a saint?
I’m not a saint, but I got my roles on a silver platter.
What makes you so unique that movie producers and directors want to work with you?
I’m the humble type and I respect people so much. This encouraged producers and directors to work with me.
We heard that you’ve sold the regents of your movie to the marketer, is it true?
To be sincere with you, the marketer is the copyright owner.
From your own point of view, what does sex mean to you?
Sex is something that should be done between two adults.
How long can you wait without having sex?
It depends; I can wait for months as long as my lover is not around, even for a year, once I love him
At what age did you see your first menstruation?
I was so ashamed of myself and couldn’t tell my mother at home.
Where did it happen?
It happened during the school hours and it embarrassed me.
When did she get to know about it?
I told her about it after a year.
Are you dating anyone in the industry?
No, I don’t like dating from the industry.
How romantic are you?
I’m very romantic.
What part of your body do you cherish so much?
My hips
What part does your toasters comment much on?
In most times, they used to comment on my hips.
Apart from Yoruba movies, have you featured in any English movie?
No, but if I’m invited to their location, I would perform.
At what age did you have your first kiss?
I had my first kiss when I was still in secondary school. My mother noticed it when I got home on that day.
How did she get to know?
She got to know about it when she saw that my lips were red.
Did that first kiss lead to another thing?
Not at all.
How can you describe your first sex experience?
It was bitter-sweet.
How?
It was painful but as well, I was enjoying it.
Are you still with your first love?
No, we are no longer together again.
What are the qualities you want in a man that will be your husband?
He must be good looking, caring and Godfearing.
But we heard a rumour that you once dated your boss,
Don Richard? That’s not true. We never dated, what was between us was strictly business
