27th September, 2013
Dayo Amusa, top Yoruba movie actress and producer, spoke to FUNSHO AROGUNDADE on her new movie project, Unforgivable, relationship with Fuji music star, K1 and why she is still single
Q Tell us about your new movie Unforgivable?
I got the inspiration for my latest movie Unforgivable from a family friend. It centres on domestic violence. I have been worried about the growing rate of abuse in various homes and I felt that l should do something about it. The suspense, intrigue, informative and educative film centres on Damola (Mike Ezuruonye) who is blinded by his pride to see and accept the undiluted love of his wife, Sewa (Dayo Amusa), who sacrifices everything to make her home work, to the detriment of her health with the hope of changing the bad boy to a good one.
Seeing the press preview of the movie, it appears a cross-over project…
Yes, after working on the script and coming up with the story, I needed to get people’s attention to see it. So, I decided not to use regular faces. I chose to do something different by inviting actors such as Mike Ezuruonye and Desmond Elliot. I know that a lot of fans do not know that Mike speaks fluent Yoruba. And with him in the movie, I know it will attract more audience and I will be able to deliver the message I needed to pass across. Unforgivable is a movie that evokes emotion, pity, love and regret.
You played the lead role of a dutiful, courteous wife unlike your typical bad girl role. Are you trying to create a new image for yourself?
The truth is that before now, I have been having a feeling that I am being stereotyped. In my other roles, it has been crime, crime and crime, and I have something inside me that I feel I can do and do it very well. And the only thing is to come out and convince people that I can do it very well. That is why I picked the lead role. I needed to let people know that beyond the hard girl stuff, I can deliver any other role perfectly.
How would you compare your movie, Dewunmi Iberu with the new work Unforgivable?
The difference between the two is very obvious in terms of technical production. This latest work is a masterpiece that took over a year to put together. But I would only say the similarity is that of the cast. In Dewunmi Iberu, I featured some notable Nollywood acts like Uche Jombo, the late Justus Esiri and Bimbola Akintola, while in this one are Mike Ezuruonye, Desmond Elliot and others.
How was it working with Desmond Elliot as the director?
It was a very good experience for me. You know it is one thing to have a picture in your head of what you want to do; it is another to see someone who will help interpret what you have in mind perfectly. That is what Desmond did with Unforgivable.
When did you start as a producer?
I became a producer in 2006 with my first movie Ajegbodo.
How many movies have you produced so far?
Eight films with Unforgivable as the latest.
Within a short time of becoming a producer.
Yes
Can you tell us of your foray into the movie industry?
I got into the entertainment industry in 2002 through Wemimo Olu Paul. And ever since then, I have been going from one audition to the other.
Why the choice of Wemimo Films?
When I wanted to come into the industry, Wemimo Olu Paul was one of the hits then and I just don’t want to get on the scene like that. So, I registered under him. But after a while I realized it wasn’t that easy for me shuttling between Lagos and Ibadan, so I changed back to Lagos.
Unlike in the past, you young Yoruba movie producers are getting your work accepted and screened at the cinemas. What do you think you are doing right?
I don’t think there is anything new we are bringing in that our seniors in the business have not brought. It is just our way of interpreting things that is different.
Who are your friends in the industry?
Everybody is my friend. I have a good relationship with all my colleagues.
What is your take on the perception of people who see you as one of the wayward actresses in the industry?
Well, it is their business. That is the way they want to feel about whoever they feel about. As far as I am concerned, I am being me. Fingers are not equal, the way you perceive me might be different from the way others might be seeing me. I am not going to crucify anyone for seeing me wrongly, but I know if they take a good look at my person properly or take their time to really study me then they will know they are wrong in thinking about me in that way.
How rich are you?
I am very comfortable
You must love cars, as I have noticed you changing cars every other time.
Yes I love good cars but I haven’t been changing cars every time. In my life, I have only used just three cars. Just three cars in 11 years, which I would say is not bad.
You must be lucky though because many do not think movie pays as much. How you doing it?
People need to know that before I got into the movie industry, I have been doing business. I have been into buying and selling. I have been going to Dubai to bring things to sell. So I already had some capital which helped me a lot without relying on anybody when I decided to start producing my own movies.
You once had a party with Fuji star, K1, performing…
I guess that is where my own controversies about him started from. Honestly, I am a kind of person that likes doing things that will make people says ‘what’s she up to?’
What is your relationship with him?
Nothing really special. K1 is an entertainer and a legend in the industry. He is someone we all look up to. So having him to come and play during the premiere of my movie, I feel he is just there to support me in his own way. There is no big deal about that.
What is your take on the fact that you female actresses seem to be getting on ahead of your male colleagues?
But Kunle Afolayan and some others are also doing wonderfully well and he is a guy. Well, it still boils down to perception. This is an individual thing. Success depends on what you have in your head. It depends on opportunities and has nothing to do with gender.
What is your marital status?
I am still single
How soon will you tie the knot?
I don’t know. I am not God.
But why would a beautiful and successful eligible girl like you still stay single?
Truly, I don’t know. Maybe guys out there are feeling intimidated or something. I don’t know what they feel.
Do you think you have what would scare guys away?
Probably the guys that are meant for women like me are not taking their chances and are scared of coming forward. I am a very blunt person. I am a very hard working person and a realist. I live in reality as I don’t hide my feelings. I think to an extent I am a home maker. But like my mom would say: “Ten years broken relationship is better than a day of broken home. So, if the right guy is not there yet for me, he is not there and I am not bothered.
Can you date someone you are richer than?
It depends on what you mean. I can only date a man who is comfortable enough irrespective of figure to stand up to his responsibility as a husband and as a father.
Even if he is younger than you in age.
Younger than my age? Why not? If I see him as someone who is caring and comfortable, I will marry him. But of course, I can’t see myself taking the responsibility of the entire home. Ko jo, it’s not possible.