…Says his sense of style is Nigerian
By Christy Anyanwu
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is a foremost Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer and former journalist.
He was also a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State in 2009.
In 2005, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
In 2024, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Award, alongside Iya Rainbow at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award and, last Sunday at Eko Hotel and Suites, Silverbird honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
He spoke with Sunday Sun:
Congratulations on your Silverbird award. How do you feel about it and what would you say stands you out for the award?
Res ipsa loquitour, which is to say, the fact speaks for itself. Post-youth service, this is 41 years of my being in the entertainment industry and I think, at this point, my work speaks for itself. My budding works are there, from stage to film, journalism, law, and I think all these stand me out. I guess this is what people see that makes them give me Lifetime Achievement award. This is the third award I have gotten from a reputable organisation. Last year, the AMVCA also gave me the Lifetime Achievement Award and, some years ago, 2004, I got Africa Movie Academy Award. I think my work speaks for itself.
Unlike what obtained in the past, the entertainment industry has been very competitive, with the influx of new entrants. What would you say makes it possible for established actors and veterans like you to remain relevant and be in the contention for prestigious awards such as this?
Established veterans, like you call them or you call us, we put in the work, and when you put in the work age is never really a factor. You just evolve from being a younger actor to an older actor, and the work that stops really is you should bring in your best to cast in a role. That is how we stay relevant, that is how we stay competitive in this part of whatever. There’s no profession in this world that new people don’t come up every day, but it doesn’t stop the older ones from doing the work. The coming in of new people or the influx of younger talents does not in any way compromise the older talent. It’s a big pool that encourages everyone to flow together.
One major challenge the entertainment industry has grappled with over the years is piracy. Would you say things are improving?
I think technology has softened this piracy issue. It’s still there, but not as it used to be, which is a lot more feasible in terms of the replacement of CDs and lots of things like that. Piracy is now at the cyber level, but now you are able to protect your work. I think that has reduced piracy, to a large extent.
You wore kingly apparel on this fateful evening of the award. What informs your sense of style?
I’m a proud Urhobo man and I wore Urhobo attire to the event. My sense of style is very Nigerian. I love all cultures in Nigeria. Anytime I have events, you see me in agbada, you will see me in wrapper, and you will see me in suit from time to time, it depends on the occasion. For the award night, It was just appropriate that I went like a king that I am (smiles) and Urhobo traditional attire really brings that out. What I wore was made by Mudi. Even the shoes I wore was made by a Nigerian brand called 313 eko.
You have been around in the entertainment and government circles; what lessons have you learnt about life?
I have been in the industry for a long time, like I said, 41 years. Talent is never enough: discipline, consistency, you need to be absolutely dedicated to your craft. When you do that, your audience will stay with you.
From commissioner back to entertainment, did you see that coming? Let’s know why you still embrace the industry?
Why I keep embracing the entertainment industry after being a commissioner? It’s because it is my life. It is my calling. When you find a job that you really like to do, you never really have to work in your life. As an actor, being a filmmaker, being on the stage, going on stage is not work for me, it’s just something I love to do and I don’t even have to be paid to get on there. When your pay is nice. It is something I really love to do and that’s why I keep going back there.
Did I see it coming? Yes, of course, I did. I was very intentional. When I left service in Asaba, I was very intentional about where I was coming back to. Acting is my first love.