…Says, ‘Odunlade Adekola influenced my career’
Babatunde Aderinoye
From the studio microphone to the silver screen, Babatunde Aderinoye has charted an inspiring journey, trading ambitions of becoming one of Nigeria’s leading broadcasters for the vibrant world of Nollywood.
Distinguished by his calm charisma and eloquent delivery, Aderinoye embodies a story of resilience, purpose, and self-discovery.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, the Abeokuta-born actor speaks on his training under Nollywood star Odunlade Adekola, embracing constructive criticism in filmmaking, and managing the often intense attention he receives from female admirers in the industry
How would you describe your journey to Nollywood?
Nollywood is just not easy, there are always ups and downs and challenges here and there; I think the fact that one can ensure that you do not let the challenges overwhelm you to the point that they keep you down. There is need for resilience and I think that is the hallmark of every success because there will always be challenges. I think challenges will serve as motivation, and if you have a challenge, you should know that the end is usually success at the end of the day. It’s not been easy, but I think God is good for where I started from, for where I am today and where he is taking me to.
Did you at any point train under any drama school to become an actor?
To be candid, I feel that there is no successful person in any field today that did not undergo a form of refining. When I started I saw myself as a raw material that needed to be refined and the next thing for me was to look for where I would be refined and I did not just want to go anywhere. There were certain qualities I was looking for, certain beliefs and I did not want anything to taint those principles. So, I sat down and looked for where I could align, and I eventually saw Odunlade Adekola as a very good actor. Not just as an actor, I saw him as someone who has discipline and personal principles as well, and I realised that this is the person to go to, to learn from. One thing that I told him when he asked me why I came to join his movie was that I saw myself as raw material that needed to become a finished product, and he was the best person to help me.
In which year did you join the industry?
2017.
What were you doing before joining the movie industry?
Before now, my dream was to become the best broadcaster in Nigeria. I’ve had garnered some experience in broadcasting, here and there’ I’ve worked with Diamond FM in Ibadan, Rock City FM in Abeokuta, OGBC in Abeokuta and OSBC (TV and Radio) in Osun State. Eventually, man proposes, God disposes. I think God had something different for me. But then, I really enjoyed my time in broadcasting and that was what brought me here. There are certain things I’m able to do easily because of the experience that I have in broadcasting. It doesn’t mean that part of me is gone, I still have it, and there are certain plans that I still have to ensure that that part of me is still there.
Was there ever a time you wanted to give up on acting and go back to broadcasting?
Plenty of times! The thing is, when you’re passionate about something, it’s usually like a spirit. When you see someone doing it and doing it well, you get motivated. So, there were several moments like that but then, where I am currently, I am enjoying it. There is time for everything and I feel that where I am right now is sufficient enough for me for now.
Why did you choose the Yoruba sector of Nollywood and not the English-speaking part, considering your fluency?
I think it was the closest to me at that time. I was born in Abeokuta, had my primary and secondary school there, except for my university education, which was at the University of Ibadan, where I studied Psychology. So, the closest to me was Odunade Adekola Film Production (OAFP) and to me, it was the best.
Did you at any time use your influence as a broadcaster at that time to gain access to the movie world?
He (Odunlade) didn’t know me so it wasn’t a matter of influence or connection. I had done a couple of articles and other jobs for film organisations, too, and helped them review movies before I came into the movie industry.
Talking about movie reviews, some of your colleagues frown at reviews that are not completely in their favour. What do you have to say about that as a film reviewer yourself?
In life, you need to be criticised; there is a need for criticism. Where some people get it wrong is when they are not constructive with their criticism. I cannot just tell you your mistake without telling you where to improve on it. So, it’s not just about telling people their mistakes, tell them what to do to get better. I think that’s where some of my colleagues don’t embrace certain criticism.
You are obviously a good-looking man. Do you also get sexual advances from female folks?
Well, it’s good to be acknowledged, it’s a privilege and so far, God has been faithful when it comes to that. Every man gets attention but then I really do not like a situation where you exploit negatively because you are a celebrity. Some people just love you unconditionally, and you wonder where the love is coming from, but it doesn’t mean you have to exploit it and misuse it. Why don’t you think about impacting the person who loves you? It’s not just about receiving love but I’m also in the position to give love.