Tolani Aderinto Adesoga is one actress cum movie producer set to take the entertainment industry by storm. This beautiful lady who cut her teeth under Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, in this encounter, revealed how she started acting, her happiest and saddest days and many more

When did you start acting?

I started in 2004. I was trained under Saheed Balogun for two years after which I switched over to music. I do R‘n’B and hip hop and have a seven-track album right now yet to be released into the market. I also did a gospel single which is also not yet released.

What is delaying the release of your musical works?

I was advised not to do too many things at a time, that was why I dropped it for now. In fact, I recorded one video out of the album entitled Boyfriend. I will still pursue my musical career but I want people to know me as a movie producer and actress first.

What is your education background?

I attended Ogbomoso Nursery and Primary School, Oke Elerin, later Ogbomoso Grammar School and Ilorin High School where I finished my secondary school education. I later attended Kwara State Polytechnic where I studied Business Administration and obtained an Ordinary National Diploma, after which I did my industrial training in Ibadan. I went back to the school to obtain a HND after which I came to Lagos and started making movies.

What motivated you to go into acting?

My elder sister I stay with in Lagos has a friend called Wale Fadulu, who works in a studio and because I told her that I love to sing, I started visiting Wale in his studio. Later, I met Artquake and one of them, Adex, introduced me to Saheed Balogun after I told him I will love to go into acting and I was asked to register. As at then, Saheed didn’t have a place for rehearsals around Ikeja, it was in Ikorodu. I can say that I was the person that initiated Saheed Balogun’s rehearsal centre in Ikeja. All these happened between 2004 and 2005.

How many movies have you featured in?

I featured in Gbewiri produced by Saheed Balogun, Olori Ole produced by Soji Eweade and a couple of others.

How many movies have you produced?

Two. The first was Esin Obinrin in 2009 but released in 2010. It features myself, Kelvin Ikeduba, Lola Alao and Dupe Jayesinmi among many others, while the second one, to be released this month is A Je L’oju On’ile, featuring myself, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Mide Funmi Martins and Lukman Raji, among others. Directed by Adeolu Daniels, it is a film centred on love, betrayal and the law of Karma.

Have you ever had a crush on a guy?

The person I have ever had a crush on is my one and only husband, who has always been my pillar of support.

When was your happiest day on earth?

That was when I finished my second film because of the stress involved in it. A fight broke out when we were in location, it was a serious fight but thank God, it didn’t get out of hand. The job was an all-round success at the end of the day.

Your saddest day?

That was on 24 September, 2002, the day I lost my mother.

What is your target in Nollywood?

I wish to feature Genevieve Nnaji or Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde in my next movie because I want it to be very big and to be known as big-time producer in the industry. Apart from the fact that people call me to be a part of their productions, I want to be known as a good and successful Yoruba film producer.

You love wearing tattoos?

Yes.

On what parts of your body do you have them?

My right arm and my chest. The one I’m having on my arm is a combination of a cross, heart and rose, while the one on my chest is a combination of crown and love.

Why do you love wearing tattoos?

I see it on people’s body and I admire it, especially the one that has a cross symbol. Before I did it, I asked the person I was dating then who is now my husband and he didn’t have any objection to it but warned that I must do the one that really makes sense.

As a married woman, can you take romantic roles in films?

Yes I can. For example, in my last movie, I played the role of a husband snatcher where I displayed some extent of romance. But I have limitations to the romance I can do. For example, I will not allow a guy to touch me in places that are considered not proper.

Who is your role model?

Joke Silva, I like her so much.