She is one of the new faces in Nollywood. Her name is Fadeke Momoh and she is fast-rising in the industry because of her acting skills. She recently spoke with Adunola Fasuyi concerning her love life, Nollywood and sundry issues. Excerpts:
YOUR face is popular in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. How did you start out as an actress?
I started out with a group called ASL and Yemi Awomodu was the leader then. After I met Toyin Afolayan popularly known as Lola Idije and she introduced me to one or two people, from there, I started building my own contacts and started doing movies. I have very good human relations and this also helped me to build contacts and harness those contacts to build my career.
What inspired you into acting?
I have a passion for acting right from my childhood days, I love the screens and when I see people on TV, I do admire them. So, I love acting and I love the beauty of the screen.
What challenges did you face while coming up as an actress?
It’s normal to face challenges as an upcoming actress, not even with this kind of economy, but I believe that once you know what you’ re there for, with God, you can’t miss your way. You see, having challenges is not the issue, but being able to overcome them in order to reach the heights of success. This, I was able to do and I thank God.
Talking about making movies, how many have you featured in and how many have you produced yourself?
I have featured in over 25 movies and still counting. Personally, I have produced four movies. These are movies that can stand the test of time. They are movies that touched lives, movies people can draw inspirations from. They are Ese Okan, Idan Ni, which was co-produced with Blessing Adejumo. I also produced Enu Orofo and Ise Wa.
How do you source for funds to shoot your movies?
When I started the first time, I financed the film by myself through my buisness proceeds. I did this with two or three movies before I started getting support in terms of sponsorship from marketers.
How would you rate the industry now and then when you started out?
When I started four years ago, the industry was different from what we have now. The reason being that everybody was working hard to surpass one another and this somehow created competition and you know competition brings out the best in one.
For example, Iyabo Ojo, is in Ghana shooting a very big film called Arinzo and other good ones space would not permit me to mention, but by and large, the industry has indeed improved and it will keep improving.
Can you tell us about yourself and growing up?
I hail from Ondo State from a family of six. I lived all my life in Anthony area of Lagos before I moved to Ogba area of Ikeja where I stay at present. I am a Lagos babe so to speak.
What’s your educational background?
I went to Anthony Model Primary School and Aladura Comprehensive High School, all in Lagos. I later went to the University of Abuja for my diploma. I’m currently acting and producing and I’m planning to enrol at a film school to study more about filmmaking.
If you attained more than a diploma certificate, would you have still been an actress?
Of course yes, even with three Masters Degrees. You don’t seem to understand that it is the passion that drove me into acting, not because I am not well-read now. Like I said, I will still further my studies, but for now acting is still my priority.
Afterall, we have Nollywood acts with two or more Masters Degrees. We have those who read Law, Engineering, Medicine, Accountancy and so on and they are into acting. See, the people’s perception of acting must change, because it is a serious career and profession just as Medicine, Law, Architecture and so on.
What’s your take on marriage?
I’ll wait on God’s decision on whatever He wants for my life. Marriage is sacred. Marriage is holy and should be made so. It’s a bond between two people, a male and a female.
What’s your beauty regimen?
Thanks to God for creating me like this. (Laughs) It’s always good for ladies to take care of themselves. I don’t really have any special beauty regimen aside the normal thing every lady uses. Also, I try to eat healthy food and do regular exercise to keep fit.
You know in this industry of ours, you must keep fit and beautiful both physically and intellectually for roles to be coming. So, I don’t do anything out of the ordinary to maintain my beauty.
How do you ward off advances?
I like to make new friends. So, I would rather have you as a friend than have anything to do with you amorously.
How soon do you plan to get married?
When God says it’s time, no one can stop it. Marriage is planned by God and when it’s God’s time, no man can say no. I am sure every sane woman wants to marry, but when it has not come, what can one do but to wait on the Lord because He, alone can do all things.
Are you in any relationship already?
Yes. I am in a relationship at the moment.
So, how soon will he take you to the altar?
Like I said earlier, everything lies in the hands of God, but we are having a good relationship.
Who’s your kind of man?
My kind of man must be God-fearing, hardworking, caring, he must be very romantic. My man must be dark and tall, you know I am short.
What turns you on?
Romantic moments , surprises from the man I love, these are my turn-ons.
Who are your friends in the industry?
I don’t have friends but sisters. They are Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo. These are my sisters from another mother.
What drives you?
God drives me.
How was the experience of your first kiss like?
I can’t say because I still don’t think I felt anything, maybe because I was so naive and never loved to kiss then.
But now you are fully grown and you love to kiss?
You guys can ask questions! Of course, I enjoy kissing my man because I love him. It’s a way of showing love, you know.
What would you personally consider your major achievements in life?
My daughter is my greatest achievement. Also, I am happy that I have four movies to my credit within a few years of my incursion into the movie industry. I always thank God each day over these. I also have a small nails studio I run in Ogba area of Lagos, what else do I want from God but to continue thanking Him?
What dictates your fashion sense?
What I put on is dictated by my mood. It also depends on the event I’m attending.
What other talents do you have aside acting?
I’m a nails specialist because I can design any type of nails. I can also sing, but I don’t intend to go into music. I can learn anything because I’m a fast learner and thinker.
What are your regrets in life?
I don’t have any regret so far, because I don’t lack anything, even when I’m down, I still thank God.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
When I went to location for almost six days and I just got one scene to shoot. I felt so bad and embarrassed but today, the rest is history.
It’s been a while you featured in a movie; why is that?
That is because I have been busy with my shop lately, but I featured in some movies that recently came out.
What would you not be caught doing?
Acting porn movies or walking naked on the street.
What is sex to you?
In my own understanding, it’s a thing between two people that feel something for each other, it should be cherished and respected, hence it should not be abused. It’s an intercourse between a man and a woman.
How romantic are you?
I’m a lover girl ooh, when I’m in love with you, it’s difficult to take my hands off you because wherever we are, I am always clinging to you like siamese twins. Even when we step out to a big social gathering, I will stick by you, that’s how far I can display my affection towards you.
What was the dirtiest thing you have ever done before?
I won’t say dirtiest thing, but very naughty things I always do with my lover. If I love you, I will always be naughty to you. They are really naughty and crazy, but to us, it’s romantic. But, I don’t want to tell you, laughs!
What part of your body do you cherish most?
My face, like Wizkid’s song “Fine girl no pimple.” I may not be an extremely fine girl, but I don’t have pimples on my face and I cherish that a lot.
Tell us about your life off the screen?
When I’m off the screen, I’m in my nail studio attending to my customers. And when I feel like hanging out, I am always in company with my man. And when I am home, I spend time with my daughter.
