Interview With… is a Zikoko weekly series that explores the weird and interesting lives of inanimate objects and non-human entities.
The rise of new Nollywood has brought with it a host of exciting new stars like Adesua Etomi, Enyinna Nwigwe and many more. However, one star who never seems to get the due they deserve is the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge.
Vey few Nollywood performers are as relentless and as hard-working as the bridge, who, without any formal training, has appeared in just about every hit Nollywood movie since coming onto the scene in 2013.
So, we sat with the bridge to discuss its rise to prominence:
Zikoko: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge: I actually never planned to become an actor. I thought I was only ever going to be a link between Lekki and Ikoyi, but a few Nollywood directors noticed my potential, especially when shot at night, and my life has never remained the same.
Amazing. When did you get your big break?
I think my big break came in 2015, when I starred in Biyi Bandele’s Fifty. Getting to act alongside talented actresses like Ireti Doyle and Dakore Akande was a dream come true. I think I had about the same amount of screen time as all four leads.
So, what kind of genres do you prefer?
I’ve appeared in just about every genre Nollywood has tried, so it’s hard to pick a favourite. Whether it’s a rom-com, a thriller or a drama, as long as it takes place in Lagos, I’m yet to meet a director who isn’t willing to put me in their film. I feel very blessed and fortunate.
What do you think you bring to your roles?
It really depends on the film. Sometimes, I’m used to distract from a mediocre story. Other times, I’m used to show that Lagos can be really beautiful at night. On a few occasions, random clips of me have been used to help a movie reach its mandated 2-hour runtime.
What would you like to do next?
I love being a supporting actor, but I would really like to lead a movie soon. Kunle Afolayan already made a film called The Bridge in 2017, but I didn’t get the role. I was heartbroken. Hopefully, Kemi Adetiba hits me up to be the star of her next film.
What should fans expect to see you in next?
I’m set to appear in just about every Nollywood movie that drops this year. So, if you go to the cinema and pick a random movie, you’ll most likely see me. It just feels great to keep getting work, even though I’m yet to receive an AMVCA nomination. I pray that changes soon.
Check back every Friday by 9AM for new Interview With episodes. To read previous stories, click here.
