Mojisola Olaiya is one of the children of the famous highlife musicians, Sir Victor Olaiya. But while her father took to music, she decided to be an actress. Moji, a pretty actress with one of the sexiest figures in the industry came to the limelight while starring in Wale Adenuga’s television soap: ‘No pains, No Gains’: and she had since been making waves in Yoruba films.
But her journey to stardom was not without challenges as revealed in this interview with Akin Sokoya.
Known for her attractive smile, the Ijesha Isu Ekiti State gap-toothed Moji Olaiya is reputed for her versatility to perform any given role. She spoke on diverse issues including her newly released film: “Isese” (Tradition), which was adjudged as the Best Traditional Film at the last Yoruba Movie Academy Award held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She also spoke on her married life and the controversial issue of actresses who sleep around with men of diverse backgrounds.
Excerpts:
Let’s start with your film, “Isese”, how did you come about the title?
Isese is a film about tradition. It sells a story about our tradition, how we behave and how we can sustain our tradition. You see, a lot of things are happening, which are now eroding our culture and tradition. So, I believe we need to come back to our culture and let our children not believe, that we don’t have a tradition or culture.
It is alleged that actresses are fond of dating ‘money bags’ simply because they spend a lot of money on them?
I don’t know what you mean by that. But for me, I am not dating any of them. I can’t speak for any other persons. And if you say we actresses, what gave you the impression that these people are dating any of us? See; let me tell you something, you journalists are the ones who always write all these stories. The moment you see an actress with a man, you start writing falsehood.
But some of your colleagues are dating them; or should I mention their names?
Please, don’t mention any name here. But I can tell you that I am a saint. I am not dating any ‘money bags’.
But you agree that actors and actresses sleep with each other on location?
It is possible. Sex is an adult game that requires both parties to agree. Since no one has ever complained of being raped, there should be no complaint about that. Other people in other profession also sleep with each other; so it is not a new thing.
But you will also agree with me that there is sexual harassment in the industry?
I don’t know, since I have not been sexually harassed before.
But that does not mean that actresses are not promiscuous?
Actresses are not promiscuous. The only thing is that they don’t enjoy privacy like other professionals. What a banker or journalist will do and get away with, an actress will never escape unnoticed. The problem we have is that we are celebrities; anything we do is always seen as news.
Have you ever dated anyone in the industry?
Dating someone from your profession is not supposed to be a new thing. Even you as a journalist, can you tell me you have never dated your colleague before? Bankers and lawyers date themselves; so, the question of dating a colleague of mine should not arise.
But you have not answered my question? Have you dated any of your colleagues before?
The answer I gave to you has answered it all.
Who is that person you dated?
Did I tell you I dated anybody? Please don’t put words into my mouth.
How is your relationship with your colleagues?
I have a very cordial relationship with my colleagues.
But I learnt you are at logger heads with one of your female colleagues?
Who?
Are you having an issue with a co-actress?
I am not having an issue with anybody. On what ground should I be having an issue with a colleague of mine?
May be on a man’s issue?
I don’t know where you got that story from, I am not having an issue with anybody over a man.
Who is Moji Olaiya?
Moji Olaiya is just like any other girl next door. I am an actress and businesswoman.
How did you join the industry?
I actually joined the industry through Wale Adenuga Productions. I went for an auditioning and I was chosen to play the lead role; so, I can say it was through him that I joined the industry.
What’s the title of the first film you featured in?
The first film I acted in was through my performance in Wale Adenuga Production. The producer of ‘Sunmibare’, Dimeji Ijaduade, came for me. I didn’t even know how the deal was made, because it was done by Wale Adenuga himself. It was him that bargained on my behalf, he just called to tell me that he has a job for me, and I went for it.
How was the experience like?
It was beautiful; it was the first time I would be doing the home video stuff. The one I did before that time was soap, a weekly drama. So, it was a wonderful experience mixing with who is who in the movie industry.
Tell us your bad experience on location
It happened two years ago. I was robbed at an hotel. I lost a lot of cash and important documents. I just arrived from abroad when the incident happened. What made it so painful was the fact that I was the only artiste that was there, other cast members had finished their own part and left.
Have you at any time regretted being an actress?
Not at all, I have not regretted being an actress and I will never be.
Let us speak on your marriage. There have been a lot of stories about it. Some say you are no more with your husband, others say both of you decided to pack it up because you could not have a child(ren). What is really the true story?
I have promised myself that I am not going to speak on that issue. When the time comes, I will say something on it.
But people will continue with the damaging rumour if you don’t talk about it now?
Let them continue with the rumour. I don’t care whatever they say about me. I have developed a thick skin for such a rumour.
Are you still with your husband?
I have told you I will not answer that question. When it is time, I will speak out.
Your marriage was—
(Cut in) see can you ask another question? I don’t want to entertain any question concerning my marriage again. That is more reason I put an embargo on press interview.
What is your plan in the next two months?
I want to go to location again, and come up with a good film that my fans will be proud of. I also want to achieve all my set goals this year.
A word to your fans?
I love them all; they should continue to support me. I really appreciate them, they made me who I am today. And I am not going to disappoint them.
Culled from Global Excellence
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