Award-winning actor and writer, Wale Ojo, talks about his life, career and other interests
What do you remember about life as a child actor?
I grew up in Ibadan and started acting with the oldest television station in Africa — Nigerian Television Authority, Ibadan. I remember climbing the mango tree, playing hide and seek or doctors and nurses, chasing my friends across the roads and running from masquerades. I had a wonderful childhood.
At what age did you start acting?
I think I was about eight or nine years old. I cannot quite remember, but that should be in 1970.
Did you know you would continue as an actor?
I knew I would be doing it for the rest of my life; I had that feeling. A lot has changed, it was fantastic.
Was there any parental influence?
Yes, my mother was also an actress. I was surrounded by people like Zulu Sofola, Wole Soyinka, Femi Johnson, Wale Ogunyemi, Akin Lewis, Olumide Bakare and some other people.
At what point did you travel to the United Kingdom?
I have been travelling back and forth since 1976. I was based in London for a long time, but I just recently relocated. My family lives in Nigeria.
Was life as an actor abroad pleasant?
There were times I sought jobs as an actor. Sometimes I got fantastic and exciting jobs while at other times, there were no jobs. It was adventurous, fun and the unexpected always happened. I was always on my feet. The experiences were very memorable.
Did you find it difficult to adjust after you relocated to Nigeria?
I grew up in Nigeria, so there was nothing to adjust to. It was in the UK that I tried to adjust to the cold weather and the people.
What was the inspiration behind the New Nigeria Cinema?
It was basically the passion to make Nigerian films of high quality. It is the name of a movement, as well as my production company and we are based here in Nigeria. We are embarking on two productions this year which are a short film titled ‘The Ghost of Tarkwa Bay’ and Nigeria’s first Afrobeat movie titled ‘Kalakuta Express’. I will be promoting ‘Kalakuta Express’ with a series of musical concerts soon.
…And the annual festival?
I show Nigerian films abroad. I have cinemas abroad where I do that, such as the British Film Institute in Southbank, London. I also run a programme there called ‘African Odysseys’ and they show films once or twice a month. Film is a product and we export them for sale to a demanding non-Nigerian public.
Does your humorous nature come with the job?
I am humorous and it is God-given. It is needed in my line of business.
When did you become a professional actor?
I believe I have been acting professionally since I was in NTA Ibadan. I was paid even as a child actor. I did a lot of television series and whenever I was on holidays, I went back to act.
Did you study theatre arts?
Yes, I did. I attended a university in England where I studied the course.
What are the differences between Nigerian theatre and what obtains abroad?
There is a big difference. The theatre in Nigeria is more exciting and thrilling, and there were certain things I wanted to explore as a creative person and a writer. I was more interested in the way we spoke and danced, our myths, history and other things. They are exciting for a theatric person. It is exciting in England as well, but it is like food that tastes differently. You enjoy them, but in different ways.
Does it feel different acting on stage and in films?
Yes, there is a huge difference. It is just like the difference between the sea and a lake. The stage is more alive and electric. One cannot get it wrong. From the outset, you have to get it right, with no mistakes. It is like a race. Movies give you time to relax, cut and do it again. Anyone that wants to be an actor must work his or her craft on the stage.
Have you had some challenging moments as an actor?
Yes, I have.
Kindly share some of them.
Every day is a challenge. When you wake up, you think of getting a job that day and when you do, you keep wondering whether you are doing it right or not, or if you have the right character. After all these years of acting, I still ask myself if I am doing it right.
But you appear professional…
I am professional, but I still have a lot to learn. That is the beauty of it. I cannot say I have learnt all there is to know about acting. It is a lifetime learning process. Every new job, scene or character teaches me a new thing. If I do not learn, I am being lazy and it is dangerous for an actor to be lazy.
Do you feel threatened by new talents?
No, I do not feel threatened by them; I feel inspired. It is great, exciting and wonderful to see, find and develop new talents.
When do you think you will stop being relevant in the industry?
That should be when I am in heaven. But even when I am in heaven, I will not stop being relevant because my legacy will live on. I am working towards that. I will always be relevant.
