By Damilola Fatunmise
Adeniyi Johnson, dark-skinned, tall Nollywood actor, is a sought-after figure in the film industry with numerous credits to his name.
Dedicated to his craft as a filmmaker, Adeniyi prioritizes excellence in his work over anything else.
In this interview with The Entertainer, the versatile actor discusses his career trajectory, the roles he would decline, fatherhood, and his perspective on the industry
What has changed about you since the birth of your twin babies?
I always tell people that being a father will humble you. The unique thing about the arrival of my twins is that they came on my birthday, so we all celebrated together on February 27. As a father, I have been able to cut down on spending. I am now even more responsible in the sense that I try as much as possible to be part of their growth irrespective of where the movie set is taking me to.
You are one of the few Yoruba-speaking movie actors that get called up for jobs by English-speaking movie producers. How would you react to this?
They are both acting anyway, but one has a wider reach, and the other is restricted because of the language barrier. Also, I don’t see this as anything special because the fact remains that both sides are lovely and they present almost a similar experience for me. As a matter of fact, each of them comes with its sweetness, pleasures, and pains.
It is believed that the English-speaking Nollywood producers pay better because they have the biggest market and financiers, is that true?
The fact that the language cuts across gives them leverage and makes their market bigger, and when you sell well, you pay well. It is not a hidden fact that Yoruba movies are restricted due to the language barrier. But I love my job, and I am always ready to give my best anytime the opportunity to tell a story presents itself; whether in English or Yoruba-speaking movies.
Looking back at the journey, would you say acting has been beneficial to you?
Of course, it’s something that puts food on my table at all times. I can ride my own car and pay my bills. Definitely, it has been profitable, and I am also fulfilled.
If not acting, what else would you have ventured into?
Maybe football and music because I love playing drums. It will interest you to know that my friends often call me ‘Drummer Boy’ because I sometimes play drums in the church.
Do you have any regrets?
Not at all, God has been on the throne, and things are falling in place for me.
Looking at your acting career over the years, you have been ticking all the boxes and making yourself available for the big jobs. Did you see any of these coming when you started?
The truth is that I saw the bigger picture in my head. I knew how I wanted my career to pan out, and I have consistently worked on my flaws to give my best to any job that comes my way. Having said that, I saw success coming because as a man or somebody who wants to keep growing in life, you should understand the philosophy that no one starts small and wants to remain small forever. At every stage of growth, there will be challenges, some of which are strong enough to pull you down. But you must never remain down should you fall at any point. I guess that was what worked and still works for me.
As a professional, what do you consider to be a good script?
A good script is one which must have a good plot, a concert central idea, which is the theme, and the major one is the storyline. A good and in-depth storyline is what is considered to be a good script as this will attract the audience via the several techniques employed, such as suspense and thriller, amongst others.
What will make you reject a role?
The weakness in a story/script sometimes makes me reject a role because once a storyline is loose; it will be difficult for the audience or the consumers to understand and appreciate the efforts of the actors. Also, I will reject a role if it promotes nudity because my culture frowns at it. And I will definitely not be a part of such.
If you are to write a story about yourself, what will be the title and why?
I will title the story ‘Anu’ which means grace because despite all my shortcomings and challenges in the past, only one thing has kept me going, and that is grace. That is what I have been enjoying, and favourable doors have been opening for me at all times.
Do you have dream roles? If yes, share with us?
Of course, I am yet to play my entire desired role. Though I have played a couple of roles, I look forward to playing the role of a deaf and dumb or a blind man.
What does style mean to you?
Style means simplicity and comfortability to me because I am of the school of thought that you don’t have to break the bank to look good. Keep it simple always and have at the back of your mind that the way you dress is the way you will be addressed.
What is your assessment of the Nigerian movie industry generally?
I can boastfully say that the industry has been a revolving one; there have been a lot of improvements in terms of the quality of movies we roll out. However, the industry still needs lots of reforms. It is also noteworthy that we have upped our game in the kind of equipment that we use in shooting our movies. For me, we will get better over time. Also, don’t forget that we are now breaking records in the cinema. That shows we are beginning to get things right.
If you were to advise your younger version, what would you tell him?
Just a few words; work hard, pray harder and stay focused, and above all, don’t go into crime.