Background
I was born and raised on Lagos Island, Lagos State. I am the fifth child and I am from Lagos State. My childhood was fun. I remember fetching water from the public tap and fighting with my peers. We had a very wide space in our area where lots of children played and had fun. I really had a happy childhood.
Education
I studied Mass Communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, while awaiting admission into the University of Lagos. I later moved to UNILAG to study Creative Arts.
Career
I met Tayo Odueke, aka Sikirat Skindodo, in UNILAG but I had already spoken about my passion for acting with a friend in my neighbourhood whose name is Kelvin Ikeduba. We always rehearsed with scripts. He introduced me to Femi Ojeleye who gave me my first role but I can’t remember the name of the movie anymore. My first experience on set wasn’t that difficult and this made Saidi Balogun and the late Moji Olaiya to be impressed because they were on the same set. They didn’t believe that it was my first time on set. Saidi Balogun told me about an audition for an upcoming movie which unfortunately didn’t pan out but I have acted in other movies alongside Saidi Balogun. I was initially a bit camera-shy but overtime, I got over that.
Parents’ reaction
My dad wasn’t in support of me acting because he wanted me to become a lawyer but he didn’t know that my UTME score wasn’t high enough to qualify for law. I told my mum about my interest in creative acts and acting. So, she spoke to Abbey Lanre and that was how I met other big names in the industry. I was also trained even as an undergraduate.
Breakthrough
I was brought to the limelight by the movie, Omo Ghetto, and it was also my most challenging role. I was able to play that character well because of my childhood days on the Island. I have been friends with Funke Akindele for a long time; so, when she came up with the idea for the movie, we were able to execute it. We didn’t expect the kind of acceptance that the movie got and we are so grateful to God. Other movies I have featured in include Eruku Nla, Omo Ghetto, Ajoke Cause Trouble, Girls Hostel, Unforgivable, Awa Obinrin and Lagos Girl.
Challenges
The challenges are so much. I remember my early days as a beginner; I was restricted from working for just anybody even when I had friends who were producers. However, I thank God for granting me favours with my bosses but sometimes, I got punished when they saw me on screen with other people. However, the training helped me to become better and disciplined as an actor, unlike when you are a freelancer.
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Personal productions
I am working on one right now and it is my first major production. The script is ready and we would be shooting in a couple of weeks. It doesn’t have a definite title yet but the working title is Around Betrayal.
Roles
I have acted as a wife, mother and career woman but I have never acted as a home help before. Maybe it is because of my stature but they don’t give me the role. I love being an actress because I can switch to any character and just be that person for some hours. Also, I have not done anything daring on set before. I don’t consider kissing your ‘husband’ on set as daring. I would love to act alongside a former Big Brother Nigeria housemate, Bisola Aiyeola, and O.C. Ukeje.
Controversies
I have grown a thick skin to critics but during my early days, it got to me and I sometimes cried. I have come to realise that whether good or bad, it is what comes with stardom. I remember replying an Internet bully who commented rudely on a picture where I was wearing a swimsuit on a beach. I asked the person if wearing agbada was the new bikini. Some people just come after celebrities because they feel they can. Even before the advent of social media, there were close friends who talked about you behind your back; so, nothing amazes me anymore and I have taught my family how to ignore them.
Fame
I don’t see myself as being famous or a celebrity because I feel that I am myself first before becoming whoever I am. Aside the fact that I need to be a role model to a lot of people, I set a standard. If I want to dance on the table in a club, I just feel free and do it because I am human first. I still eat at the buka (local restaurant). When I go to malls, I take pictures to the point where I have a permanent smile on my face. Sometimes though, fans could go to the extreme.
Other interests
I have been a hustler right from my days in UNILAG. I sell things just to get extra funds, even as an actor. I have a side hustle because you can’t depend on one source of income in Nigeria. Also, actors make money as brand ambassadors.
Motherhood
If I am not working, I stay at home and play with my son. Being a mother has really changed a lot about me. I am more considerate now and I put my son first before anything. I never thought I could juggle motherhood, fame and being an entrepreneur, but I thank God for His grace.
Men
I am not looking for men but if you want to come close to Bimbo Thomas, then you have to be clean, smooth and the words that come out of your mouth should be impeccable.
Relaxation
I stay at home or cook but when I have overworked myself, I just go to the spa to take care of myself.
Fashion
I like to dress simply. I wear shirts, jeans, sneakers and glasses any time any day. I also do not wear make-up every day.
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