Jamiu Azeez is one of the versatile and talented Yoruba Nollywood actors. In this interview with JOKE ADENIYI-JACKSON. Azeez, who hails from Irapa, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, speaks about his life and career. Excerpts:
So, when and how did you get into acting?
I got into acting through Prince Babajide Kosoko in the year 2001, I was fortunate to get his phone number, so I called and the acting journey began.
In Yoruba Nollywood there are causes, which one do you belong to?
I used to be a one-man mopol after I graduated from my boss, but we just formed a caucus last year and named it Eagles caucus, which has people like Opeyemi Aiyeola, Okiki Afolayan, Ladi Folarin as members.
Which of the films you acted in brought you into limelight?
I really can’t be specific because most of my fans got to know me through some of my jobs like ‘Kuye’, ‘Alabi Opomulero’, ‘Ije’ (race), but as for me, I would say the movie “Jamal” brought me to limelight.
What actually inspired you to take up acting as a career?
I would say it is destiny because I never dreamt of becoming an actor, all I ever wanted was to be a banker but as fate would have it, here I am in the world of make-believe.
Are your parents in support of your acting career?
They are 100 percent in support of what I am doing- acting.
Actors generally are known for scandals, you have been in the entertainment industry for 18years, how have you been able to stay scandal-free?
No one is a saint, we all do stuff behind closed doors. I have been able to stay scandal-free because I try to stay away from negativity or from anything that could bring dent to my name. Let me also say it’s just the grace of God.
Can you recall the first film you acted in and what was the experience like?
I really can’t remember the title but it was a crowd scene and I actually felt like a superstar
Was it a ‘waka pass’ kind of role?
Yes; sort of.
Who are your role models in the movie industry?
Opeyemi Aiyeola, Taiwo Hassan is popularly known as Ogogo and Muyiwa Ademola.
What do you consider before accepting to act in a movie?
What I put into consideration first is, the message it would pass across to people.
Have you ever acted in an English movie?
No, but I wish to act in a couple of English movies very soon.
How do you cope with your fans especially the female folks?
It’s not really an easy task dealing with the female ones especially, but I have been handing that aspect with maturity.
What is the craziest thing that a female fan has done to you?
The craziest thing was when a female fan asked me for a one night stand.
Who is Jamiu Azeez?
Jamiu Azeez is a soft-spoken guy, talented and filled with inspiration. I am very blunt and don’t fake things. Then I’ve got a very good heart.
Some Nigerian celebrities are known for their fake life, which they flaunt on social media, what do you think is responsible for this?
As for me, I would say no one can push me; I can never be pressurised to live a fake life. People expect too much from celebrities, hence, reason so many of us fake things. But, as for me I don’t fake things, I don’t even flaunt things that I have not to talk of flaunting what I don’t have.
How do you separate your public life from your private life?
If I don’t share my private life with the public they wouldn’t have an idea of what it looks like. I only share issues related to my work and career with the public, I keep my private life, private!
What has stardom taken away from you?
My privacy; I can’t just do the normal thing I used to do before like going freely to the market, I can’t walk on the street without my cap and glasses now.
What would you say has kept you going and focused despite distractions here and there?
I am a very determined person, whatever I have made up my mind to do, nothing in this world can make me change it or get me distracted. I can only have a change of mind if I haven’t made up my mind, so this I can say has been so helpful.
Aside acting, what other thing are you into?
None for now.
How profitable is acting then particularly in Nigeria?
Not as profitable as people think, but it has been able to put food on my table.
What gives you inspiration once the cameras are rolled on movie set?
It is God and God alone that gives me inspiration.
How many films have you produced?
I have done a couple of movies, I released one of recent titled “Eeya Pharaoh” and another one coming out on August 19th titled “Beyioku.”
Some actresses have accused producers and male actors of sexual harassment in the movie industry, what could be responsible for this?
It happens in all fields; the banking sectors, chambers and all. Sex for role is different from sexual harassment.
No sane man would harass a lady, they can offer sex for role and it’s going to be an agreement between the parties, it’s just so unfortunate most of these ladies would come out to say they were sexually abused. I am not in support of this act and would never engage in such but most of the new actresses are desperados, they are hungry for fame and some of the producers use that as an avenue to engage in such activities.
How do you unwind when you are not on location?
I sleep a lot and that’s what I do most anytime I am not on set.
How do you see the movie industry in Nigeria and what are the challenges confronting it?
The industry is experiencing very fast growth, the major challenge we have is that the government is not supporting us.
As a single actor, when should we expect the wedding bell to ring?
It will happen when I feel the time is right.
Are you then single and searching?
I am in a relationship.
