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Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola has firmly established herself as a versatile crossover talent continually redefining the art of storytelling within the industry.
In this interview with Sunday Sun, she reflects on the rising influence of the Yoruba film sector, the enduring appeal of epic narratives, and the creative journey involved in bringing culturally rich stories to the screen.
Enjoy!
We are seeing more films heading to cinemas lately. Do you think every movie is cinema-worthy?
I would say every story is worthy of the big screen; it all depends on how the story is told. For instance, if my entire story is that I’m going to London, I could simply wake up and suddenly be in London. But if I want to tell it in a more expansive way, you will see me waking up, preparing, getting into the car, encountering something on the way, arriving at the airport, and then watching events unfold. It all depends on storytelling. Believe me, any story can be captivating—it’s all about the approach.
It seems the Yoruba sector of Nollywood is coming out strongly with big projects. What’s your take on this?
It’s very laudable and exciting, I must say. Yoruba as a language is deep, our culture is deep, and everything about it carries depth. Seeing us embrace who we truly are and watching people recognise and appreciate that is a great feeling. And honestly, we are just getting started. People are beginning to tag us as epic movie producers, but Queen Lateefah, for instance, is not an epic—it is a very relatable story. That shows we are dominating across genres.
What are your thoughts on epic stories in Nollywood?
I’m genuinely happy that we are telling epic stories because they represent our language, tradition, and culture. If we don’t tell our own stories, others will tell them for us—and they will do so from their own perspective. So it is very important that we take ownership of our narratives.
What can be done to further harness the attention the industry is receiving through these stories?
Everything is unfolding organically. Sometimes, you don’t have everything figured out at once. The opportunities are boundless. We may not always know where the next step will lead, but the important thing is that we are already on the journey, and there is truly no limit to what we can achieve.
Would you suggest that producers should slow down on making epic films?
No, not at all. There are countless stories to tell. Even though they may all be classified as epic, no two stories are the same. Each one is unique and carries its own message. We shouldn’t reduce epic storytelling because our language and culture are incredibly deep, and that depth cannot be ignored.
Some movie lovers believe biopics are an easy route for filmmakers, suggesting a lack of creativity. What’s your response?
Biopics are actually the most difficult stories to tell. There are arguments on both sides, but fictional stories are easier because they are entirely yours—you can shape them however you want. With biopics, people can reference books, stage plays, or oral accounts. Everyone has their own version of the story, which makes biopics highly challenging and open to criticism.
When should we expect your big-screen movie?
Very soon. No pressure.
So you’re not pressured by colleagues producing big-budget films?
Not pressured—rather, I’m inspired and motivated. Seeing people around you succeed expands your thinking. It depends on how you interpret it. For some, it breeds negativity, but for others, it fuels inspiration and sparks creativity.
As a crossover actress, will your major project be in Yoruba or English?
Language is simply a medium of expression; the story determines the language. You shouldn’t let language dictate the story. If you’re telling the story of someone from the hood, you must ask: where exactly is that hood? Is it a village? Is it an urban area where pidgin is spoken? The story should tell you what language to use—not the other way around.
How do you relax and have fun?
I enjoy my own company—I’m a loner. I truly enjoy being alone, listening to myself, and spending quiet time on my own.
What is your big dream for Nollywood?
We are making progress, but my dream is global recognition—for our stories to reach every corner of the world. I want us to tell the stories we genuinely want to tell and ensure they reach the right audience globally.
