Nigerian actor, Yomi Fabiyi lost his mother recently but much as he still feels the agony of her demise, he still takes solace in the advice she gave him while alive.
In an online chat with the thespian, he talked about how his late mother’s advice has continued to sustain him in his career – he also speaks about the day a desperate female fan offered him free $ex.
See below:
What really inspired you into acting?
I was inspired by the words of encouragement and advice I received from friends and family members. They would not allow me to have rest of mind and would always ‘force’ me to go after filmmakers and act in their films. That way, I discovered myself and I thank God for having them in my life.
As an actor, producer and director, what are some of the challenges you face?
I face a lot of challenges among which are financial, competition and acceptability. There is always competition among actors and actresses in the industry, and I am always on the look out so that I am not too far behind. I work so hard and try to ensure that the audience accepts my brand and works. Also, without adequate funds, it is hard to make any impact. Filmmakers till date do not draw from the same sources or pool of funds. Therefore, no matter the scripts, techniques and film education one has, if there are no funds to execute them, one’s history in the industry will still be recorded with slow pace of success story.
Tell us about growing up. How many are you in the family? Were you born with a silver spoon?
I was born and brought up in Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos State. I am the second child in my family. I was born in a family where we were taught the value of both the silver and gold spoons. My parents made us realise that having these spoons earlier is not as good as being taught about the values beforehand. They knew that at a point, we would have either of these spoons if they raised us well. I’m very grateful to them.
Before you came into Nollywood, who were your role models?
My mother was and still is. Though, I have a few acts that I respect and admire a lot. I could not make them role models then because I knew next to nothing about them as at that time.
Can you recount your first time before the camera, were you jittery?
Yeah. The one I can recollect vividly was in ‘Obelomo’ by Baba Suwe. Of course, one will be jittery.
What movie gave you your first break?
I don’t know if I have the break yet, but my breakout moment was with the movie, ‘Ona Abayo’.
What set that movie apart and what role did you play in it?
It was actually hi-powered in terms of filming equipment and props. I also played a dual role: a car washer with a sick mother and an armed robber. I created a mortuary with real humans, and above all, it became the first movie any Super Eagles star, either former or current, will feature. A super star like Mutiu Adepoju (Headmaster) was also featured in the movie.
You are young, handsome and work in an industry where there are so many beautiful women. Are you in a relationship?
I am married.
How about this report that a popular Nollywood actress broke your marriage. Is it true or was it just a rumour that was cooked up by haters?
It was misconstrued. I guess the reporters deduced a different meaning to what I said. In this job, such is expected.
How do you feel when you read or hear such reports about your marriage and how does your wife take it?
It hurts sometimes and the best I can do is to ignore such reports. You can only see me fight back if I notice any direct pull down, especially when I know I have done nothing to warrant such. Be that as it may, one must accept such news about us whether positive or negative. It is part of the game. I accept most in good faith. I read or ignore, then I move on.
What is the craziest thing a female fan has done to you?
A young lady once walked up to me that she wants to be my slut for free. She dragged me to a dark corner and gave me a kiss with her body shaking.
How do you handle such situations with women and what are the things you do to protect yourself? Doesn’t your wife get jealous or think she might lose you?
Maturity is needed to deal with women. The best way to protect one’s self is to be liberal-minded. See friendship in all of them even if the advances are so obvious. Not everybody that comes to my street must enter my door. I really don’t know if my wife gets jealous, but of course, she knows it is not an easy task if she tries to wade female fans off me. That could hurt my brand as well. Moreover, I need them more.
