God told me to come back to Nollywood – Sotayo Sobola

By Damilola Fatunmise

After being away for almost four years, serial entrepreneur, actress, and producer, Sotayo Sobola,  returned to the screen with a YouTube project titled, My Dad, Your Mum, and the reception was impressive.

She followed it up with a culturally rich story titled, Osun Dagbonu, and fans could not get enough of the depth of spirituality the movie revealed. Based on feedback from fans, the mother of one organised a four-day cinema experience in which she watched the movie with them, gave out gifts, and dined with attendees.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, Sotayo opens up about her comeback, the challenges of playing such a powerful role, and what audiences can expect from the Sotee Entertainment stable.

Enjoy!

Looking at all the experiences put together for this production, one can easily consider it a cinema movie. Why did you make it a YouTube movie and not a cinema release?

Well, I want to move as a young person and get to the right places. The truth is that once you put a movie in the cinema, not everybody will have access to see it. There will be limitations regarding where people can watch it. That’s why I chose YouTube.

Some people may disagree, but I know I made a very good film. A good film can be shown anywhere. That’s what I know.

How did you come up with Cinema Experience with Fans and Friends?

Okay. If you had seen this movie before and you’re seeing it now, you would feel two different things. The feeling you get watching it alone in your space—either on your phone or television—will be very different from watching it with many people on a larger screen.

That was what inspired me. Also, many people were sending me messages. Some had seen it, some hadn’t, and some said the movie would look great on a bigger screen. So I thought, let me do a test run and see how it looks on the big screen.

I also wanted to hear people’s opinions and get natural feedback. I wanted to watch their reactions, and obviously, I couldn’t bring everyone into my room. The only place I could do that was in a cinema and at a gathering like this.

I read a lot of comments on different platforms. People sent me all kinds of messages, mostly positive ones. So I thought, let me invite people to come together, watch it with me, and share their honest opinions.

Some people even told me they had never been to a cinema before, so it was their first experience. I told them not to worry and to choose any day that suited them because we were doing it over four days. That’s exactly what I did.

How did you select these people, given the massive size of your fan base?

I posted a short video on Instagram and TikTok. I announced that I was doing a free viewing for my fans and friends.

I told them that if they wanted to watch the film with me on a larger screen and enjoy the cinema experience, they should tell me which day—Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday—they would be available, and I would send them an invitation.

I didn’t include the cinema name or venue in any of my posts. Instead, I sent the details directly through DMs to avoid overcrowding.

What was the major challenge while filming?

Well, it was mainly the story’s spiritual aspect. While filming, there were moments when I wasn’t fully conscious of what I was doing.

Were you in a trance?

You can call it that; I don’t know. At some point, I didn’t even know what I did. I just did what I had to do, and it came out the way it was supposed to.

I want to take you away from the movie for a little while. The last time I saw you in a film was Adekas’ production. I thought, “Oh, Sotayo is back.” Now you’re here with your own film. Is this a message to producers and filmmakers that Sotayo is back and ready to work?

Oh yes! I am back and open to roles.

Is this mainly for YouTube productions?

Yes, I’m back and better. I’m cooking in a big pot, so keep your fingers crossed and watch out.

No plans for cinema movies at all?

Honestly, I don’t have the strength for cinema releases.

I want to make films and put them on YouTube for people to watch. I can still organise screenings like this before releasing them online, but the truth is that I don’t have the energy for cinema promotion.

The people doing it are strong. I don’t have the strength to push a movie in cinemas or keep begging people to post for me or dance with me to promote it.

You did all this for free?

Well, it’s not just about spending money and giving out gifts. I do my calculations before embarking on anything.

So, how do you plan to recoup your investment?

It’s very simple. They say you should try on a party dress in front of a mirror before you wear it to see how it looks. Be sure you can carry it well before stepping out.

I sat down and did my calculations before doing this. Yes, I spent a lot of money, but I wanted to create a quality film. I’ve been away for a while, so I wanted to make a good film and see people’s feedback. That helps me understand what my audience wants.

As for getting my money back, I’m an ambassador for several companies—some you know, some you don’t. Directly or indirectly, I’m also promoting them through my work, so I receive their support.

For example, I’m an ambassador for Tpumpy. Without even informing my principal beforehand, I mentioned the brand in Osun Dagbonu. After production, I took the movie to him and his wife as part of their wedding anniversary celebration. When they saw how I showcased the brand, they were impressed and rewarded me with ₦20 million. Isn’t that already part of my profit?

If you look at the gifts I shared today, some were provided by Haderite Concept. I have good people around me. Many supported me with products, while others asked what I needed and stepped in to help.

So, I’m not carrying the burden alone.

How important is community support for a filmmaker, producer, or actress like you?

The truth is that many people won’t tell you they received support. They like to take all the credit themselves. They’ll tell you they sold their gold or land.

As for me, I didn’t sell any gold, and I didn’t sell any land.

I used my money for the production, and after people saw the quality of the film, they said, “You’ve invested a lot in this project. Let us support you.”

As I said earlier, I always do my calculations before undertaking anything.

Some people may think I’m showing off because I have money, but that’s not the case. I’m simply doing what works for me. We all have different ways of promoting our brands. I know my strengths and limitations. Cinema may work for others, but I don’t like unnecessary stress. I’m doing what’s best for me. And these days, almost everyone has a YouTube channel, so even getting views requires effort.

Do you think the spirituality explored in the film is what’s attracting the views?

I didn’t explore spirituality in My Dad, Your Mum. That was the first production I made after my return.

Osun Dagbonu is the second one. These are the only two films I’ve done since coming back, and both have attracted good views.

What will be the frequency of your releases?

It will be as the Spirit leads because I have other things to do. I already have some completed films, but their release will depend on when the Spirit directs.

Are they already shot?

Yes, they are already shot. And I’m still going to make more because the Spirit has already led me to do more. (Laughs)

Are you saying you’ve only released two YouTube films and both have been successful?

Yes, at the moment. I have two films, and I’m happy with the feedback they’ve received.

What do you think is the critical ingredient for a successful YouTube film today?

Try as much as possible to make a good film that your audience can relate to. Then do your publicity, just as I’m doing mine now, like the small girl that I am.

Would you attribute this massive turnout to luck, or what do you think is the secret behind your acceptance?

I know some people are wondering how I left for years, came back, and immediately got all these views. I would say it’s God working for me. It’s God’s grace. I didn’t just wake up and decide to do this. I followed divine instructions. So let’s say it’s God’s grace.

Any words for your fans?

Ha! I am truly overwhelmed by their love and support for everything associated with my name. I owe them my loyalty for life, and I pray that God’s grace will never forget any of them. Amen.