I’d choose entertainment over law – Toyin Alausa

By Rita Okoye

In this interview with Sunday Sun, seasoned Nollywood actress Toyin Alausa opens up about balancing fame with her private life. The light-skinned diva provides insight into her journey, career, and the powerful role the film industry plays in shaping societal values and perceptions.

How do you prepare for a new role, and what research or techniques do you use to bring authenticity to the characters?

Preparing for every role involves analysing the character, extensive research, and adopting various techniques to bring depth and authenticity to the role.What do you consider your most memorable or significant project in Nollywood, and why?

My most memorable project is Edge of Paradise, an MNET project, because of its impact and the meaningful connections I made during filming. I’d also mention Omotara Johnson because, to this day, my fans still resonate with it.

Some Nollywood filmmakers are now taking epic content to the big screen. Is this a big win for the industry?

It’s a significant win for us. We need to carve out a space for ourselves in the global market, and our originality can take us that far. We have sellable stories in our history as Africans, and especially as Nigerians in our diversity. Take Sango, for instance, which was translated into more than seven languages back then and was instantly welcomed globally. Similarly, movies like Anikulapo, King of Thieves, and Lisabi are all epic films that represent our cultural identity. It’s our cultural values and assets on display for the world. We need our indigenous content to be viable, rather than recreating content from Hollywood or other strong industries in the global community.

So, you think filmmakers are telling our stories correctly?

Yes, they are. A few might have made some blunders, but many other aspects of our stories are yet to be explored. The Yoruba culture is rich in history, and we’ve barely scratched the surface in showcasing our best. There’s always room for improvement. With the skills, finances, and technology available now more than ever, we can definitely tell better stories.

What is your advice for those who just want to become celebrities overnight?

My advice is that Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s far more honourable to allow yourself to grow authentically rather than take shortcuts. Consistency is the hallmark of success. Being patient, pursuing formal training, and showing persistence and dedication will lead to steady progress, and ultimately, you’ll be celebrated for a job well done.

How did your journey into the movie industry begin?

I started as a child actor back in the 80s. My passion for acting grew as I got older, and I featured in many TV series as a teenager before the emergence of home videos and subsequently Nollywood. Initially, I was more focused on English movies, but I later crossed over into the Yoruba genre.

Your acting debut was several years ago. How has your personality changed since then?

I have grown to be calmer, to be seen more than heard, to listen more than speak, and to be at peace with those around me. I’ve become more conscious of the energy I put out. You can’t be in front of people all the time and behave poorly; the impression you leave is often what people will remember.

Were your parents sceptical when you mentioned your chosen field?

My father didn’t like the idea of me being a “showgirl,” as he would put it (God bless his soul). He didn’t understand why I chose entertainment over being a lawyer or doctor. However, I believe this path chose me; it runs deep in my soul, and I recognise it as a calling. My mother, who initially introduced me to acting, later stopped supporting me when the going got tough and jobs weren’t forthcoming. It took years of dedication, consistency, and perseverance for me to become a household name, and only then did her support return. At one point, she urged me to find a better job or pursue something more meaningful than audition hunting.

You have portrayed many roles; which role do you find most comfortable to act?

When given a role, I try to make it challenging and avoid seeing it as the usual. I have my strengths, like any actor, but I feel most at ease in motherly roles.

However, I sometimes infuse different methods to keep the character fresh.

Don’t you feel stereotyped by frequently acting motherly and calm roles?

As I mentioned, I work on myself each time I read a script to give the mother character a different approach. Every actor has their strengths, and producers and directors typically want someone who won’t struggle to deliver the assigned role. When I’m given roles that differ from my real self, I find them interesting and enjoy the challenge of delivering the performance.