Fleshy, light skinned and beautiful actress, Jaiye Kuti, no doubt, is a celebrity in Nigeria’s movie industry today, and this is because she has proved her ability beyond doubt. In this interview, the talented actress explains to WOLE ADEPOJU how she weathered the storms as a green horn in the industry and how she copes with male admirers, among other interesting issues. Excerpts:
Did you ever envisage you would ever become this prominent as an actress?
Not really; although I’m a very hard working person, and from time to time, I try not to be distracted or get lazy. I knew one way or the other that I was going places. How far was what I could not see. I am very grateful to God for His grace.
Did anyone try to discourage you when you were starting this journey?
Yes. A few people tried to get on my way, one of such was my mother, who, at a point, was afraid for me. Also, when I started, some of my colleagues, the senior ones, frowned at it and they were like, where are you coming from? And you know when you are not welcome in a place, you just feel like, can I really grow here? So, I had such challenges as that of my senior colleagues trying to pull me down, making me feel there was no place for me in the industry. But I was able to put up a good fight. I stood tall, and that was how I was able to move on.
Some opted out of paid job for their passion. Do you have a similar case?
Well, it was not like I dropped a paid job for movies. I would say it was a time for me to go and I moved at the right time. I could have got another job, because I had spent most of my life doing paid job. So, when it was time, I said to myself, what next? Am I going to do buying and selling? I just wanted to be my own boss; I was really tired of living the life of an employee. That was when I was advised to try acting since I was very good at it. At first, I didn’t buy the idea of acting. I said I would rather be producing movies, but my husband was of the opinion that I could not just start producing movies, that I had to wine and dine with them, know, eat and live with them before I started to do business with them. So, from there, I went for an audition and the rest today is history as they say.
Sometimes, they are stubborn, they will still tell me they are married too, but that they still want me. Some would go and get your bank account details from your production manager under the guise of sending you money to work for them, but the truth is that they want something else. Later, some might say, no, it’s just something for the children
It’s obvious you have tendencies to be very big, but you have been able to maintain a shape. What’s the secret?
Well, my husband has really helped me a lot in that aspect, because he used to complain that I was eating too much. That I would say has helped me to watch my weight, sort of. Also, the fact that I am a public figure helps me to be conscious of what I eat and I also visit the gym a lot. I avoid eating late at night.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Swimming! I love swimming. In fact, I swim a lot. Swimming also helps me in keeping shape.
What is your favourite food?
I don’t have a favourite food.
How would you describe your style of fashion?
It’s just to go in trousers, top and have a lovely hair do. I don’t like make up, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice, I have to do it for the sake of my work.
Meeting at a vigil seems divine. Do you guys have challenges?
Yes! Myself and my husband have our bad times, ups and downs. We sure have our challenges and obstacles. In fact, a lot of them. But I must say my husband is a wonderful man.
How have you been coping as a wife, mother, actor and all?
It’s not easy. It’s been God all the way but I also understand that, because I manage some of my husband’s businesses, I have to be more efficient and focused. I have a mum at home that takes care of my children. So, if I am not at home, I have someone helping me to take care of the home. That’s just it.
As a beautiful and successful actress, how do you handle advances from men?
It has not been easy but I have to continue to say no, letting them know I am married. Sometimes, they are stubborn, they will still tell me, they are married too, but that they still want me. Some would go and get your bank account details from your production manager under the disguise of sending you money to work for them, but the truth is that they want something else. Later, some might say, no, it’s just something for the children.
Is any of your children showing interest in acting?
I don’t know yet, they are still in school. But, somehow, they are into music. My daughter, for example, plays the piano very well; my son, too. So, they love entertainment.
What is your take on gender equality?
I don’t agree to a man and a woman having equal rights in marriage. I am not a party to that. I strongly believe the man is the head of the family and also the house. This is Africa. As a woman, when you begin to equal yourself to your husband at home, then you are never going to have a settled home, and that is why you see divorce here and there. It is the man; when he says go, you go, when he says, don’t go, you can still find a way to convince and make him see reasons to let you go. There are times my husband won’t allow me go to locations; sometimes, I let go while I return the money, while some other times, I make him see reasons I have to go.
