Yoruba movie producer and actress, Princess Linda Adedeji, talks about her life and career, and the challenges ladies face in the movie industry
Apart from acting, what other things are you into?
I have a unisex salon and also manage a paint store for my husband.
How long have you been in the movie industry?
I joined the movie industry in 2004 but quit acting for a while in 2006. I later went back in 2010.
How many movies have you featured in?
I have featured in over 50 movies and I have produced three so far. The first film I produced was Igbekun Abo in 2005, the second was Alejo in 2006 and the third one is Oyinkansola, which was released on 28 January, 2013.
Which is the best film you have featured in?
I will say Orogun Meta, a film by Fali Werepe. I featured in it with Baba Suwe; it was lovely and funny. After that, producers and directors started giving me roles in their films. The recent film that gave me another big boost was Okanran, a film produced by Segun Agbelusi. It is very interesting and educative.
Why did you choose Yoruba genre ahead of English?
When I first developed interest in acting, I met Empress Njamah and told her about my interest, and she introduced me to her brother who is a producer and director. He gave me a role to play in Hostel Girls and I interpreted it very well, but at a point, I developed more interest in Yoruba films.
How did you join the industry?
I was working in a company after my Ordinary National Diploma when I met Ajoke Asewo Tore Mecca. I told her about my interest in acting but she said she’s not based in Lagos and I should be coming to Ibadan for rehearsal, but that was difficult for me. She understood my plight and took me to Fali Werepe to register under her caucus, after which she started taking me to locations. She also introduced me to many producers and directors.
Did your education stop with the OND?
I stopped acting in 2006 to further my education at the Lagos State University, and to God be the glory; I have a B.Sc in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management.
Is it true that the Yoruba movie industry is polluted?
Yes, the movie industry is polluted generally. It’s not peculiar to the Yoruba sector alone. I must tell you the truth; when I first started acting, the harassment was too much from directors and producers. Like I said earlier, I started with Fali Werepe and I featured in most of her films, but whenever I wanted to feature in other films produced by the opposite sex, it’s always a problem. I have gone to a location where I was given a major role and after the rehearsal, the producer came to me and said I should ‘cooperate’ before he would give me the role. I did not understand him at first not until he said it in a layman’s language, I was so sad. I got mad and blasted him. I left the location immediately. Later, I decided to start producing my own films and be my own boss instead of using my precious body to get roles. My talent is in-built, so why should someone have a taste of my body before giving me role. I started producing my own movies to help upcoming actresses like myself.
What is your advice for young actresses?
They should be focused on what they want. Please don’t allow any producer or director to molest you because of a movie role. I am not saying all of them are bad; there are some good ones who are ready to feature you once you can interpret your role very well. Please, just be patient and be prayerful; with God all things are possible and you will surely get there.
Who are your friends in the film industry?
Everybody is my friend because we are one family, but I am closer to Iyabo Ojo, Funke Akindele, Moji Olaiya and Mistura Asunramu.
Source: PM News
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