People mistake me for real-life sugar mummy

By Rita Okoye

Cynthia Salawu is a Nigerian actress, skit maker and content creator, who has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry through her versatility, distinctive performances and engaging digital content.

In this interview with Sunday Sun, the entertainer speaks about her plans to venture into movie production and why she turns down roles involving sexual content. She also talks about her career journey and other experiences in the entertainment industry.

Enjoy!

You have been scarce in the industry; did you take a break?

I have not been scarce. I did some collaborations recently. It is just that skits are not really like before; a lot of content creators are deviating. They are trying something different. For instance, Nasboi is now into music, others are going into streaming and Nollywood. Moreover, Facebook doesn’t pay like before, so actors are now going into YouTube movies.

Do you have any plans of venture into movie production?

Yes, I intend to go into Nollywood movies and the cinemas, but first I am producing YouTube movies soon. I heard there is a lot of money in YouTube movies. I have spoken to the videographer and scriptwriters for my YouTube movies. Once I get a good storyline, then I’ll proceed. A good storyline matters the most; that’s what will bring a good number of views. I also have a true-life movie that I want to produce soon.

Movie production is not for the chicken-hearted; it takes a lot of money and stress. Are you ready to face that phase?

My dear, yes, I know, but I’m ready, and God is in control. I know it’s not easy to produce movies.

Will the production project be self-funded or you plan to have a partnership?

I have sponsors, but most of the funds would come from me.

You mentioned that it’s your story; what should fans expect?

It’s not the regular romantic movies, but about childhood days. It’s about the challenges I faced growing up before God changed my story. I want people to learn from it. I experienced a lot. Those experiences made me stronger, and I got determined. I want to put in effort in my career. My talent actually brought me this far and has also been consistent.

What is your advice to those who find themselves in your shoes?

I want to advise the upcoming content creators to work hard and keep pushing. From the beginning, it won’t be easy, but you have to keep working hard. People are watching.

A lot of female creators now use semi-nude photos or sex-related videos to attract viewers. What’s your take on that?

Trust me, I’m not in support of that at all. Your content can still go viral without any sexual videos. You must have noticed that I have not been in any sexual movie or skits.

As a matter of fact, I have turned down sexual roles. I don’t want anything that will ruin my personality in the industry.

Don’t you think that turning down roles would slow down your growth, and of course, your income too?

No, it’s not; we have a lot of movies that are not sexual, and they got good views on YouTube. It’s just God’s grace and timing. When God says it’s your time, trust me, everything will work in your favour.

Aside from entertainment and content creation, what other things do you do?

That’s all I do for now, but I intend to go into business in future.

What would you say is your biggest lesson so far as a female content creator?

I am glad I wasn’t messing around in the industry. I stuck to my acting and minding my business. I feel it’s the best; it is now paying off. I noticed some female skit makers aren’t acting anymore. Only the really talented and hardworking ones are still pushing.

Do you still have top Nigerian filmmakers that you would love to work with?

I’d love to work with some big actors like Ruth Kadiri, Funke Akindele, Omoni Oboli and Bimbo Ademoye; they are good.

What’s one misconception people have about you that you’d like to correct?

People think that I am a real-life sugar mummy because of the kind of roles I play. I had to come on live video to address it. All I do is for entertainment; it doesn’t mean that’s my lifestyle.

Lastly, what sacrifices have you made, which people don’t see behind the spotlight?

Money isn’t everything. Sometimes, I work for free for friendship’s sake.