By Damilola Fatunmise
Nollywood actress and producer, Adunni Ade, renowned for her exceptional quality productions, has carved a niche for herself in the industry. This stunning, light-skinned mother of two has amassed an impressive filmography with over 200 movies and self-produced the acclaimed ‘Soole,’ which enjoyed commercial success in cinemas. Since ‘Soole,’ Adunni Ade has continued to be a driving force in Nollywood, actively involved in numerous film projects. In this interview with The Entertainer, she discusses her passion for the industry, her role in the Netflix project ‘Tokunbo,’ and her experiences navigating the challenges of the entertainment world.
The movie, SOÓLÈ, of which you were the executive director, was one of the top-grossing-rated movies in 2021. What was the experience like?
Just like anyone would feel, it was seamless. I really cannot stress how determined and focused I am. I let my actions do the talking. One of the things that made me create the roles was the fact that I wasn’t getting the roles that I wanted. So, I said, you know what, I’m going to create my own production company. I’m going to write a script, and I’m going to hire anyone talented, regardless of your background, your tribe, your colour, whatever the case, I’m going to give you a shot. As long as you can deliver, and there are a lot of folks in my film who pretty much were their first time being on screen. Some may have even worked behind the camera, but I gave a whole lot of people that shot to express themselves, and I was just happy to see everyone’s delivery. You know, when an actor decides to produce, there’s this uncertainty from the viewers, like it might not be good. Maybe that’s what I kind of got, but I pushed it with every being of myself to make sure it got to where it did, and when it came on Netflix, a lot of people were even apologizing for not seeing it in cinemas and waiting until it got to Netflix to watch.
What is your role in the new film Tokunbo; how did you get it?
My character’s name is Iya Mulika. A.K.A Iya Muliks. That’s what Chidi Mokeme calls me. Now, Iya Mulika is just like it sounds, a street woman, or that woman in the hood that you can always go to. She sells ‘wosi wosi’ – local drinks, beer, things like that. She’s that woman who is bleached out, washed-out woman, sunburned, and he didn’t want just anyone. When you watch it, you will see the physical transformation that was given to me to look like what Iya Mulika should look like based on the character.
Why should anybody watch ‘Tokunbo’ the movie?
The project was done with so much love, blood, sweat, and tears. We gave it our all in producing this and making this film. It’s an action film. There’s suspense, there’s drama, and if you know anything about Ramsey Nouah, you know he delivers anytime and you know Chidi Mokeme is top notch too, you know Gideon Okeke is not backing down from delivering his roles, and you know Adunni Ade will give you the best.
How did you get back into Nollywood, because at the time you came, Nollywood was not as structured as it is now?
I’m a very strong-minded person, and where I’m heading is where I focus. There are no distractions. Even if there are bumps on the road, I will skip right over it and just keep moving. I don’t let anything distract me. Maybe because of where I’m coming from, and whatever I might have experienced in the past, it has kind of groomed me to know how to deal with the situations that are presented before me.
Having featured in over 200 movies, does that mean you have acted over generations and witnessed the rise of Nollywood over the years?
With Nollywood, you can film every single day from one set to the other depending on how your body can handle this. Yes, and that used to be me. I would work every single day except on my children’s birthday, both of them and my birthday. Additionally, on any Islamic holiday, I will not work. Call me New Year, if I’m free, I’ll work. So, I was always on set. In a month, let me say, for instance, with the Yoruba movie industry, they might need you for a minimum of three, four, five, or six days. Now imagine you doing that for a whole month. How many films will that be?
Streaming platform Netflix has been showcasing a lot of African talents; what are your thoughts on this collaboration?
I love it and I’m so grateful for Netflix. They gave me the first huge platform to showcase Soole, and it was one of the movies that have been watched so many times. I feel so humble and thankful and I’m grateful to them for what they did. The experience is good, and I believe that a lot is coming to Netflix. The collaboration came at the right time. The industry was yarning for a global presence, and we have been able to get with the coming of streaming platforms.
Having been in the industry for a while, what are the qualities that have made you stand strong?
I’m a very focused, determined person because my focus and drive have been the same from day one, and that is all I see: attaining greatness. The truth is I don’t even think I am where I should be, but my journey is still on. You have some stumbling blocks here and there, but that is part of life, and we just keep moving.
What is that thing that is working for you that is important to the growth of your brand?
You have to understand that not every film or character is meant for you. For someone like me, a lot of films are not made for people who look like me. Sometimes it might be difficult to cast someone like me if you understand what I mean, but whenever I’m being cast, I am just grateful and thankful. Many directors differ the odds and look past my skin colour and still give me good roles to act in.
What would you say prepared you for this career in the movie industry?
I guess my passion for acting. My passion for wanting to interpret roles even if I don’t have any experience or I don’t see any similarities with the role in my everyday life, I will imagine what I would do if I were in that situation. So, I enjoy being someone else.
Tell us a little about your audition days. Were there days you felt like giving up?
Auditions, you hear a lot of ‘No’ before you hear a ‘Yes’. Those times were challenging. I didn’t go to many auditions. A lot of the roles I got were by recommendation or from a movie I did that they watched and liked. Auditions are tedious and we thank God for where we are today.
What words of encouragement can you give to young Nigerians out there?
People do things out of desperation and what I will tell them is to give themselves that chance to make it. Don’t quit easily. Don’t give up on life. Challenges will come, but it is how you handle them that matters a lot. Make sure that whatever you are doing, you love it, and that you have passion for it. Once you have passion for it, every other thing comes easily. And never compromise your standards to suit somebody else’s lifestyle. Work hard and everything will work out with God’s time.
