Entertainers must prepare for life beyond fame — Ijebu

Actor Olatayo Amokade, widely recognized as Ijebu, embraces his comic roles, asserting they have been instrumental in his career's success. He views his primary identification as a comic actor not as a limitation but as a significant asset that has opened numerous doors. "Comedy is an important aspect of filmmaking," Ijebu stated, explaining that it provides essential moments of relief for audiences, balancing intense narratives and sustaining viewer attention.

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Comedy is an important aspect of filmmaking. Even when producers and writers sit together to develop a screenplay, they understand that audiences need moments of relief. You cannot have a film that is intense from beginning to end without giving viewers opportunities to breathe, laugh, and reconnect emotionally.

He elaborated that comedy helps films maintain emotional equilibrium, allowing viewers to reconnect. "Even in international productions, you often find comic elements woven into serious stories," he observed, emphasizing that comedy reflects life's diverse experiences. Ijebu expressed pride in what comedy has brought to his life and career, noting that not every actor possesses the talent for successful comedic performance, which requires specific timing, creativity, and emotional understanding.

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That is why, even in international productions, you often find comic elements woven into serious stories. Comedy helps balance emotions and sustain people’s attention. It reminds audiences that life itself contains different shades of experiences.

Beyond his professional perspective, Ijebu discussed his personal approach to conflict. He described himself as having a "very soft heart" and forgiving too easily, a trait often noted by his personal assistant and manager. While acknowledging that deeply offensive experiences have occurred, he chooses to move on rather than seek revenge or hold grudges. "I prefer peace of mind. Life is too short to spend it nursing resentment," he said.

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However, one thing people close to me know is that I have a very soft heart. My personal assistant, manager, and even members of my team always say that I forgive too easily. Someone may offend me deeply, and other people around me may expect me to hold on to the hurt or seek revenge. But, that is not who I am.

Addressing the dynamics of the Nollywood industry, Ijebu acknowledged that while talent is crucial, visibility and networking play significant roles. He explained that extreme talent can remain unrecognized without opportunities to showcase abilities. In a competitive industry with many gifted individuals, visibility often attracts more opportunities. However, he cautioned that visibility without talent is unsustainable, as audiences ultimately judge actors on their performance. He concluded that success stems from a combination of talent and exposure.

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Once an issue passes, I move on. Even when I meet people who have hurt or disappointed me, I still greet them and relate with them respectfully. I don’t carry grudges for long periods. That doesn’t mean those experiences didn’t hurt, but I have learnt that bitterness only weighs a person down. I prefer peace of mind. Life is too short to spend it nursing resentment.