| 30 MINUTES WITH ACTRESS YEMISI AKANDE |
| Written by Dele Onabowu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 06 July 2010 18:12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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London based Nigerian Actress and producer Yemisi Akande, has become a household name for lovers of Yoruba movies worldwide. The embodiment of dignity, pride and grace, she invariably electrifies audiences through her emotionally-charged characterizations. In the United Kingdom, she is loved and adored by many. The winner of the young achievers award UK 2009 in the Best Yoruba Movie Actress category as well as the Zafaa Awards 2009, Yemisi has continued to wow audiences with great screen performances, creativity and originality. Nollywood Uncut caught up with her on location on the set of her upcoming, self produced movie ‘Aiye Okunrin( The lives of Men) due to be released later this year and this is how it went.. NWU: Hello Yemisi! I and your numerous fans would like to how you got started in the movie industry? YA: It was actually by chance and a twist of fate. In 1991, I paid a visit to my Uncle (Segun Remi, Stage Name: Chief Kanran), who was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Yoruba movie industry at the time. They were shooting a movie titled ‘Omo Mummy’ and one of the young actresses had cancelled or failed to show up. My Uncle, asked if I would like to fill in and take up the role as the filming had to go on. I was reluctant as I never had aspirations of becoming an actress. The movie was released and I was thrilled to see myself on screen in a way that I had never seen myself before. I got great reviews and compliments and it was at that point I realised that perhaps I was born to do this. NWU: What a great story! How did it go from then on? YA: It was not easy at first as I did not get the initial approval from my parents. Thy did not see acting as a respectable profession and wanted me to further my education. In 1991, I began a course in Microbiology at the University of Ibadan and later emigrated to the USA in 1993. I later moved to the UK in 2006. Since then, I have starred in numerous movies and have now started producing my own.
Dele Onabowu (L), Yemisi Akande(R) NWU: Do you produce only Yoruba movies? YA: Yes I do at the moment but I am hoping to dabble into English speaking films in the near future. All our movies are subtitled in English so they can be watched and enjoyed by all. NWU: When did the transformation from actress to producer begin? YA: In 2006, I produced my first movie titled ‘Aiye Ni iromo’ starring Shola Shobowale as the lead actress. NWU: What other films have you produced since then? YA: In 2008, I released another movie titled ‘Eleto’(wedding Planner)
NWU: What has been the greatest obstacle you have faced as a Nigerian film producer based in the UK YA: Where do I even start from? There is the problem of getting the Actors to show up on time and moving from one location to the other. In Nigeria, it is relatively easie to put together a production crew, find location managers and delegate responsibilities compared to the Uk. The lead actors often have to fly in from Nigeria hence the extra costs and constraints on scheduling. NWU: Who are your favourite Actors? YA: My top three are Taiwo Hassan(Ogogo), Bukky Wright and , Shola shobowale NWU: Have you got any current or upcoming projects? YA: Certainly! As you can see, we are currently filming ‘Aiye Okunrin’ which is due for release by the end of the year. I will be featuring in it alongside major players like Taiwo Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Faithia Balogun and a few others. I am also working on a script which is a 13 episode TV drama series written for the UK market. NWU: I am sure that a lot of your fans would want me to ask you the big question. Are you married? YA: (She smiles and evasively answers) I am the proud mother of two lovely boys aged 6 and 3. NWU: What advice would you give to aspiring actors and actresses trying to get into the industry? YA: They should focus on improving and perfecting their acting skills rather than chasing fame and riches. NWU: Well said Yemisi. I totally agree with you there. Finally, to what do you attribute to your success as an actress and a producer to? YA: Dele! It is by the grace of God, hard work, dedication and focus. NWU: Yemisi Akande! It has been nice of you to share a bit of your personal life with your fans , admirers and well wishers. NWU will see you soon for behind the scenes coverage of your upcoming movie ‘Aiye Omokunrin’. YA: Thanks for having me. See you soon.
Yemisi markets her own films as well as that of other film makers. Yemak Films 142 Camberwell Road Camberwell SE5 0EE Open Mon-Sat 9am till late
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she is a fanastic Actress. i love her most in a movie title Aseje. keep
U really deserve the best, keep up the good work.
