CAN you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Folakemi Fadele Victoria Okoye; I am an actress. I went to school like every other girl who appreciates the importance of education. I am a loving lady who loves to be loved and love to love.I’m from Imo State but my mum is from Ondo in Idoani. I have sisters that are all doing well in their various fields of endeavour. My mum and my entire family live abroad.
Were you born in Lagos?
Yes, I was born in Mushin area of Lagos.
Where would you place yourself in the cadre of up and coming actresses in the industry?
Though, life itself is competitive, but I am not going to tell you where I belong in the cadre of upcoming actresses.
When I had my appearance in Ile Ola Lewu, about three years ago, I never knew I would step up as quickly as I did in the past months.
So, God, who has placed me on this level is not done with what he’s doing in my life. I am always on top.
You must have had your challenges as an aspiring actress, what were the major ones you had?
The major one, to me, is sexual harassment. I have had a couple of producers who asked me for sex before giving me a role. Though, sexual harassment is a universal phenomenon, notwithstanding, it has to be based on mutual understanding.
You don’t have to compel me to sleep with you before giving me a role to play in a movie. Aside this, other challenges are just the normal things an aspiring actress tends to face in the course of acting.
Have you dated a movie producer before?
Not really. But I can actually date a producer if he falls into the category of my kind of man. Within my short time in the industry, I have had hundreds of advances from co-actors, producers and even marketers. But as an adult, if you caught my fancy, I will date you, that’s all.
What are the qualities that stand you out from other actresses?
My lips are not the same with others, my boobs are not same with others, in fact, my entire body structure is not same with other actresses. These qualities, coupled with my artistic prowess, stand me out among others.
When do you want to get married?
When the right man comes. I am not even thinking along that line at the moment. All I want to achieve is to be on top of my game in this industry and affect my generation and the next, as well.
Are you saying marriage can affect your career negatively?
Yes, of course, it can and we have many cases of marital disorder in the industry. Actually, I have tried it once, I was once engaged, but it was obvious my career would be at jeopardy, so I pulled out of the relationship.
You know our job is time-consuming and very tedious, so it only takes an understanding man to have a good home as an actress.
How many movies have you featured in?
A lot of movies, but all in the Yoruba genre.
Which one shot you into limelight?
Sako Jiya by Saheed Balogun. I played the major role there, as the wife of Saheed Balogun.
Have you ever dated Saheed Balogun?
Mr. Saheed is my boss, mentor and of course, my godfather in the industry. We are very close, he’s more or less a family friend, but if people see our closeness as something they are not comfortable with, they can form their opinion.
Who is your first love?
It’s personal.
Are you seeing anyone at the moment?
No. I am single and still searching. Guys can forward their application letters to me.
How would you describe your background?
I was born and grew up in Mushin but I left that area when I was 13 years old to Abule Egba area of Lagos.
We were born with silverspoon because that time, we never lacked any good things of life.
In fact, my mum built the Abule Egba house when I was 12 years, so we were quite comfortable as kids.
My mum and my entire household (five siblings) have been living in the United Kingdom for more than 20 years now.
Why did you choose acting?
I love acting even when I was still very young; my passion for it was awesome.
So, when I grew up and I wanted to do something different, I got introduced to Saheed Balogun through my sister, when he came to see her about someone they were supposed to feature in their movie.
Fortunately, Saheed sighted me and asked my sister to allow me play that role. After much persuasions, my sister allowed me and I got involved with his production outfit. That was how I got into the industry.
Since you had the flair from childhood, did you study the arts in school?
On the contrary no. I was in UNILAG to study Banking and Finance, though I dropped out because I wanted to travel and was also doing business. But the travelling didn’t click at the end. So, I didn’t complete my degree programme.
Can you act nude in a movie?
I laugh when I read in the papers about some actresses’ opinion on this question. No one has ever admitted to act nude for a fee. Let me tell you here, a whole lot of them act nude but they don’t know.
You cannot act nude and you are sleeping with a producer, marketer, director etc, how else do you want to act nude? For me, the question is yes, I can act nude if the pay is right, if the producer is ready to pay me handsomely, why not? Afterall, Hollywood stars act nude and yet, we want to get to where Hollywood is and we keep shying from versatility in acting.
As a versatile actress, I can act nude but the pay must be good! In fact, the fee must be able to sustain me throughout my lifetime. To act nude is against our tradition, friends, associates and even some colleagues would turn you a recluse, you would be stigmatized. So, if I have to act nude, I would consider all these things and ask for a fee that will last me a lifetime. With that, I can buy a world for myself even a man if need be
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