DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Nollywood is not for jokers, Ronke Oshodi-Oke

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Veteran Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and consistency in the Nigerian film industry.
  • She acknowledged that while some young actors are distracted by social media, many remain dedicated to their craft.
  • Oshodi-Oke attributed her sustained career to divine grace, hard work, and consistency, rather than connections.

Veteran actress Ibironke Ojo, widely known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke, emphasized that discipline, professionalism, and consistency are crucial for a lasting career in Nigeria's film industry. Addressing perceptions about younger actors, she noted that not all are sidetracked by social media, with many demonstrating serious commitment to their acting careers.

It’s not all of them. Most of them are serious. If you are doing something and you are not serious about it, you will face the consequences. We are not joking in Nollywood.

— Ronke Oshodi-OkeDiscussing the commitment of younger actors in the Nigerian film industry.

"It’s not all of them. Most of them are serious. If you are doing something and you are not serious about it, you will face the consequences. We are not joking in Nollywood," Oshodi-Oke stated, highlighting that a lack of seriousness leads to repercussions. She specifically praised actor Timini Egbuson, calling him "a very lovely boy and takes his job very seriously."

Reflecting on her role in the film ‘Ajosepo: The Gathering,’ Oshodi-Oke described her approach to characters with a deep sense of responsibility. "I see each and every role as an opportunity. So when I am acting, it is not me; it is God. When I am acting, I am always in that script. I always want to give the best," she said.

I see each and every role as an opportunity. So when I am acting, it is not me; it is God. When I am acting, I am always in that script. I always want to give the best.

— Ronke Oshodi-OkeDescribing her approach to acting and embodying characters.

Oshodi-Oke attributed her longevity in the industry primarily to "grace, hard work and consistency," downplaying the role of connections or lobbying. "I don’t do anything; it has been God all the while. How many producers will I call? How many people will I say, ‘please come and give me jobs’? It has just been God, and also hard work," she affirmed, stressing that even minor roles are approached with utmost seriousness.

I don’t do anything; it has been God all the while. How many producers will I call? How many people will I say, ‘please come and give me jobs’? It has just been God, and also hard work.

— Ronke Oshodi-OkeAttributing her career longevity to divine intervention and diligence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog