Background
I attended Glory Academy for my primary and secondary education. I went on to bag a degree in Adult Education/Political Science from the University of Ibadan.
To be honest, the course I studied was not by choice. The plan was to transfer to another department in my second year but after starting the course, I started enjoying it and decided to stay.
Acting
I like to say I found myself in acting. It was not my intention, but it is a career that found me and as of this moment, I’m thankful for it. I was allowed to do a short skit by someone and from there, came the next opportunity. And, I just decided to follow that path.
Modelling
When I was in my second year in the university, a photographer approached me and asked me to model for him, with the promise to pay me. I made sure it was legitimate and safe, and I went for it. After that, I got other requests. From then, I decided to take it seriously, and put myself out there more. The more I did that, the more calls I got.
Career
The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 made it tougher to get modelling gigs because of the social distancing measures in place. To pass the time, I started making short TikTok videos, lip-syncing to other people’s sounds. I made a bunch of those, then an older friend asked me to do a one-minute video and monologue. I was nervous but I did it anyway. I had fun shooting it, and he asked if I wanted to pursue acting actively. I told him I was not sure but that I intended to pursue every opportunity I got, and try my hands on anything I could, as long as it was legal. After that, his friend reached out to me and asked if I could play the lead character in a feature film. I was in a lot of doubt and considered turning it down, but I did it anyway. That is one opportunity I am thankful for, because it snowballed into more. I thank God and the people who gave me those opportunities.
Wura
Working on the set of the TV series, Wura, was indeed a wonderful experience. Not only did I get to share the screen with big names in the industry, I also made friends beyond the screen. Meeting those people gave me butterflies in my tummy, but my first day on the set was warm and welcoming. Nobody minded my age or size; they treated me with kindness, and we had moments behind the cameras filled with laughter. It was great.
My character in the series was a typical Gen Z, which I found very interesting and refreshing. Playing that role gave me the ability to explore a range of emotions outside my comfort zone, and allowed me to get better at my craft.
Biracial
Being biracial and trying to climb up the ladder in the industry, there is a common misconception that physical features are all there is to my person. Due to this, there was the inherent need to constantly prove myself and try to go the extra mile to show that I was not just about being a pretty face.
However, an older friend helped me realise that a pretty face could get me into a room, and that it’s not a bad thing. But, what I can offer would then keep me in that room. Culturally, I am probably more Yoruba than some full-blooded Yoruba women, so that has never been an issue. On the contrary, it is a bonus.
Balance
Balancing both acting and modelling has not been the easiest thing to do due to having to be at different locations filming. However, I try as much as possible to plan shoots and other work engagements around the free time I get. That way, none gets in the way of the other.
Memories
In 2023, I attended the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, and it was very memorable for me. It is the biggest award event in the industry and getting to experience that with the Wura family was truly remarkable.
Challenges
I have faced the heartbreak that comes with not getting callbacks from auditions, as well as the occasional imposter syndrome that makes me think I don’t belong where I am (especially because I did not study anything film-related). I have to constantly do something to prove myself, which I use as motivation to search for more and keep improving constantly. However, the biggest challenge so far has to be the realisation that there are people who have a mental image they have created of me that they expect me to be. With the name comes people who are watching and scrutinising one’s every move. One has to be careful with what one says so it is not misinterpreted. One always has be friendly and be all smiles, which basically means one is not allowed to have a bad day.
It seems like some people forget that celebrities are human beings too. They have bad days, and are not always put together and proper, just like everybody else. They sometimes just want peace, and they don’t feel safe talking to strangers on the Internet and sharing personal information. I love my fans, but I really would love more space for people to be themselves without pressure. But again, it is part of what we signed up for and we cannot complain.
Rejection
Every rejection is a motivation to get better and aim higher. It will not always be a bed of roses, and it’s all part of the journey. In dealing with people and the attention I get, I try to always be myself, which means being authentic while still showing love and respect for the people who show me love and support me.
Support
I can categorically say I have the best people in my corner, in terms of family and support systems. They gave me the courage I needed to pursue this career path. They are the ones that support my work by sharing and promoting me in every way they can. The prayers and encouragement are never-ending, helping me prepare for auditions and giving constructive criticisms where necessary. The advice and words of affirmations just make everything better. The list is endless, and indeed, they have been a blessing.
Focus
I would say God and Godly relationships have helped me stay sane. I usually say that it is hard for me to go bad, because I have too many people in my corner who will not allow it. I stay true and accountable to people, who will not hesitate to check me if I start to misbehave; and that has been helpful.
Advice
To people looking to get into any of these career paths, I would say don’t give up, keep trying because all you need is one big break and you won’t get it if you stop. Also, it is better to try and fail, than not to try at all, so make good use of the opportunities you have and start where you are.
Roles
I cannot give specifics but I can say I look forward to taking on more challenging roles that would push me to explore different personality types away from my person.
Changes
Fashion and beauty standards will continue to evolve and that is a fact. However, I believe it is relative, which means one might not be standard to one person, but there is always something out there that works for one at times. So, with each wave of change, find what works for you in that season, and don’t try to change just to fit into a particular box. If not, you will find yourself having to change over and over, and possibly lose yourself in the process. I stay true to myself and I try not to change just to suit trends.
Goals
I plan on trying my hands at directing and producing soon. I also plan on doing something in the creative space majorly for young aspiring creatives, who need a community to aid their growth.
Social media
Social media has played an active role in my career. I believe it should reflect who one is. This means if someone goes through my page, they should have an idea of what kind of person I am and also, it is the first point of call for most people who want to work with one to check who one is. I try to engage people on my page. However, I try to be careful with interactions to avoid any miscommunication while still maintaining some forms of engagement.
Influence
My academic background is a far cry away from the industry I am in, which means there isn’t much to be influenced by. However, I can say it helped me build people skills, which is handy in my line of work.
Work-life
With this, I am still learning, because I enjoy working a lot and I am not the most social person. However, I am a work in progress. I am learning to take compulsory breaks and rests.
Beauty
I do not have a beauty regime. I am not a typical skincare person. I recently just started applying vitamin C serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen, so that I can be like the ‘girlies’. I owe this beauty to God and good genes. I claim no credit for it.
Fashion
A nice top, with loose pants and crocs (footwear) is my go-to. I love to be comfortable in whatever I wear. However, these days I am making more efforts to look more girly and explore the clean girl look with neutral tones. Pinterest (a picture sharing platform) has been my best friend so far.
Relaxation
I sleep. I feel like when I’m working, I never get enough sleep; so whenever I get breaks and breathing space, I like to catch up on lost sleep and fill up in advance for the next day. Aside from that, I enjoy occasional outings with friends, food dates, and basic hangouts. I am not very outdoorsy but with the right motivation, you can catch me outside.
