…Says he enjoys fame as part of his work
By Christy Anyanwu
Tobi Bakre, the lead actor in Africa Magic’s new crime series, “Slum King,” in which he plays Maje Edafe Umukoro, is a 29-year-old TV presenter, actor and model who rose to fame in 2018 as a housemate in the Reality TV show, Big Brother Naija Season Three.
He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, haven obtained a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance in 2012.
However, being an ex-BBN housemate and TV presenter, Bakre embraced his passion for acting and has appeared in several Nollywood movies and web series, showcasing his versatile acting skills.
Some notable projects he has been part of include “Fix Us,” “Mokalik,” “Sugar Rush,” “Brotherhood,” “Gangs of Lagos” and “Blood Covenant,” among others.
He is a two-time winner of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Actor (Drama) prize. He talked to Sunday Sun recently about his life and craft.
Although you are not known for crime series, what were the compelling elements of your character in “Slum King?”
The first thing that comes to mind is the background. Each character has a different backstory. There’s no way one can be played as the other and a lot of it is just life’s choices and life happening. So, it just kind of keeps me grounded in the sense that, sometimes, just the result of life’s happenings and our society and community and sometimes our choices, and you’re not left with too many of those choices. So, for me, I really find it interesting that these people end up in this kind of life, but given certain circumstances, it could have been totally different. So that religious aspect humanizes all of these people. It happens to them as criminals or as bad guys and it just humanizes them and shows, sometimes, life happens to these people and it’s not out of place that you would also be possibly given second chances to just change things or make things right. So, that’s it for me on that question.
How do you balance everything to make sure your personality and thoughts do not collide with those of the character you are playing?
I have learnt on the craft that, sometimes, you need to give a bit of you into the character and that’s what makes it unique and makes it impossible for somebody else to do it the way you do it. So, I put a bit of me into the character or even not a bit of me, all of the things I have in a positive light in my personal life. I just happen to use some of those things in a different space. What I try to do is not let the energy from that character flow back into my personal life or personal space. But then I do learn from this character, sometimes the discrimination, sometimes the ability to take risks with the go-getting spirit that some of these characters have. And I try to take the positive and just try to leave away the violent part or the criminal ideology of it.
How fun was your role in the latest series, “Slum King?”
It wasn’t any fun. This is my most challenging project so far. It was the first time I was given a Bible to read as my script. But I’m proud and confident to have been part of this. Thumbs up to Africa Magic. The fun bit of it was seeing other co-actors on set, and just seeing the Nigerian industry, Africa Magic and Nollywood doing something amazing. My role was very hectic. I played the role of Edafe, the young child who has to go through unfortunate circumstances, losing his parents and family at a young age, and life just changed in the twinkle of an eye and he still has to navigate it.
You described this role as the best character you have played so far since the beginning of your career. What do you mean by that?
I said it was the most challenging. I mean, for other future films, I get to be in character for 46 weeks, but this one was a longer project. We shot for about two months. Doing this character was a lot of work. It just takes an emotional and mental toll on you as a person and as a professional actor.
Where did you get the strength from?
I hope to be one of the greatest actors in Nollywood, it’s not an easy feat; so, we have to really do the work.
What is the message to take away from “Slum King?
The people you see on the street are also human beings. You might not be able to survive some of the things they have been able to survive and, collectively, we can watch out for each other and build a better community for ourselves. Generally, we should all just spread love and empathize with one another.
How has it been since you started your journey into acting five years ago?
I started with Africa Magic. And here I am with Africa Magic, again. My first movie in front of a camera project was with Africa Magic on a series, also, and, five years later, we are back here doing something bigger and better.
As a star, what’s fame to you?
It is part of my work, so I enjoy it.