Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, has opened up about her journey into Nollywood and the experiences that have shaped her 30-year career.
She shared this during an interview with Punch.
Speaking on how her acting career began, Omotola said, “I started acting after escorting a friend to a movie audition. After finishing school, I was waiting for my JAMB results and wanted to use my time productively to support my mum, who was a widow. I looked for ways to earn money and had applied for several opportunities that didn’t work out. Eventually, a friend invited me to a modelling audition, and I decided to try. I got in and was paid well.
“One day, we went to another modelling audition, which was taking too long, so my friend suggested we check out a nearby movie audition. She went in first but didn’t get the role. I asked if I could try, and she agreed. I went in, gave it my best, and surprisingly got the part. That marked the beginning of my acting journey.”
The 47-year-old, who shot to prominence after her role in Mortal Inheritance, said none of the characters she has played reflect her completely.
“None really. Some roles have been closed, but none represent me fully. I’ve realised I’m an ambivert. My extroverted side appears only around people I trust. I’m mostly introverted. In public, I tend to coil into myself, which people misinterpret as pride or snobbishness. That’s why I avoid parties; my social battery drains quickly,” she said.
Speaking on her 30 years in Nollywood and what she is most grateful for, she stated, “There isn’t one thing I’m most grateful for; I’m grateful for different things at different stages. I’m grateful I gave my life to Christ at 15, married the person I did at the right time, and had the courage to shape my career despite obstacles.”
On her transition into directing, she added, “I’ve always been called a director, but I hadn’t done it professionally until recently. I’ve enjoyed it for years, but only now have I shot my own movie.”
Omotola also spoke about her recent film Mother’s Love, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
“It was divine. After moving to Hollywood, I always wanted to create my own projects. I had over 25 scripts in development. In December 2023, during a vacation in Nigeria, Ruth Kadiri explained how YouTube had evolved into a platform for full-length films. By March 2024, I agreed to try.
“We shot a short film, RR, in four days despite power outages and fuel scarcity. It turned out beautifully and gave me the courage to make Mother’s Love.”
Her directorial debut marks a new phase for the actress who has taken breaks over the years to protect her mental health and push for better structures in Nollywood.
