Nollywood star, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde opens up on religion, infidelity, getting married as a teenager, music career, 20 years in the movie industry, and more in an interview with tw magazine.
Dreams in Nollywood: We were coming from a place where it was disgraceful to be an actor. My first plan was to earn money to help my brothers. When I achieved that, my dream was to make this job a success so much that people would respect me and I would be proud of myself. It was just to earn the respect of Nigerians.
Seeing her as headstrong and arrogant: I realized I was different and it made me a target. A long time ago, when it was not popular to do so, I demanded that they pack my food on set. And they said I was proud. I tried to fit in, in the past, but after a while I feel I don’t have to be apologetic. I asked, ‘Why am I too fast?’ God told me, if that is how I made you, then don’t apologize for it. I have always demanded high standards, I have realized that I have the grace and energy to do it. But people do not understand the whole purpose until I am done.
Husband:
I am favoured. He trusts my decisions. He knows I am not irresponsible even if I say so myself. I consider every decision carefully. He may have reservations but that is human, and that is not going to be a deal breaker.
On Infidelity:
Men cheat for different reasons and women cheat for different reasons. For women, it usually happens when the spouse does not show care and love. It is not really the money. I don’t lack care; how much can you possibly give me more than what I already have? Also, you have to think about what you are going lose; your home, respect and integrity. When a woman cheats, then she really wants to cheat and it will be quite difficult to catch her at it because women are good planners.
Religious beliefs:
I gave my life to Christ when I was 15 years and I used to preach inside ‘molue’. It is important that you find Christ and find him early. It is for your good. The fact that I found Christ early helped me to be focused. I always rely on God for direction (even when I wanted to get married), I just have to find peace with it and then go for it. I really did not indulge in those things that could have exposed me because I wasn’t interested. I don’t like clubbing. Even when I was single, you would have to pay me to go clubbing.
Music career:
I finished my second album since 2010 but it is not yet out contrary to insinuations. I am not trying to be a Tiwa Savage. My career is like a Barbara Streisand kind of career. I said I would bring out an album every five years. The next step for me is to have my own entertainment place where you can listen to my music, watch my movies and experience everything about Omotola.
The next 20 years: In the next 20 years, I am hoping that I will be alive and God will grant me good health. I hope to be a sexy grandmother as well.”
