Popular
Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya, has been untrackable for a while, especially
after her dangled marriage. But in another outlook at a communal event, she was
at last spotted and showed up in Gbagada at an Inter-houses Sports Competition.
In her cool look, she was the matron of one of the Houses competing for prizes
at the event.
Having
accepted to grant interview, the daughter of the colossus musician, Dr Victor
Olaiya, shares her ordeals with media and drops lesson. The chat, therefore,
includes both visible and invisible matters of her life; career, matrimonial
dilly-dally and new religious invention into her life.
Many
actors have complained over time that the government has abandoned the film
industry, in what respect can the government assist the industry?
I think
with the aid of the government, we can overcome piracy. The government has
failed to help the industry and that is not what is happening abroad. There are
some who, however, make money from people in government.
Have you
been a benefactor of such favour before?
No, I
have not.Yes, I am a cultural ambassador in Ekiti which happens to be a privilege bestowed upon me by the governor. It is a gesture to appreciate and recognise my cultural impact on the youths in the state and the country Nigeria at large.
Are you
saying being an ambassador of that state has no monetary benefit?
Being a
cultural ambassador of a state comes with the responsibility of promoting the
state. It also means being a mentor to the youths and creating avenues for them
to showcase their talents in the industry.
What are
the things you will love to change in Nollywood?
Many of
us lack discipline and the industry is now over flooded. In the past, people
came into the industry because of the passion they had for acting but not
anymore. Most of them now want to be famous quickly even when they do not have
the talents. The ladies in particular, most of them go around almost naked.
These ladies forget actors and actresses are like evangelists who preach
through the television screen.
Have you
ever felt like quitting acting?
Coming
into the industry was borne out of passion, so I cannot quit acting for
anything in the world.
Even for
marriage?
I can
never quit acting for any marriage. I have said it in many interviews that even
when I re-marry, the man will have to love me and my profession.I have never said I was an evangelist. I only likened acting to preaching through our movies. So that is it.
You came
into limelight in an English soap, Super Story, but now you feature more in
Yoruba films.
I have
many English soaps running at the moment so it is not as if I have left the
English scene.Are you a Muslim or a Christian? I am a Muslim.
But you
were once a Christian, what happened?
Yes, I
converted. I fell in love with Islam. I am not saying Christianity is not an
acceptable religion but as an adult, I am at liberty to choose any religion I
like. I might decide not to practice any religion tomorrow.
Is this
traceable to your background; having a Muslim mother that converted
Christianity?
Somehow
she might have influenced me because as a child I watched her go to the mosque
five times a day. I love Islam; their mode of praying is peaceful. The religion
does not have the denominational problem like Christianity. I can go into any
mosque to pray any time.
What is
your relationship with popular Victor Olaiya as some believe you are not his
child?
I don’t
want to say much about this. If these people say I am his niece, does that not
also make him my relative. And as relatives, I can also call him father. So
this issue is not logical regardless of their arguments. He is my father.My earrings and wristwatches.
Perfumes?
I am not
addicted to any brand of perfumes. I go for any as long as it is a designer
perfume and has nice fragrance.
How have
you been coping after separation from your husband?
A woman
needs a man in her life. There are things a man would do that you cannot do as
a woman but I have no regret leaving my marriage.
Why did
you say you have no regrets?
I have
no regret leaving my marriage but I regret not being under a man’s roof. It is
not respectable in this part of the world. But I try to comport myself even as
a divorced woman and as a typical Yoruba woman and to avoid scandal. I have a
daughter to protect and cater for.
What was
the cause of your failed marriage?
The
marriage was not working so I had to quit. My partner went as far as abusing me
so I had to leave to protect myself and my daughter.
You mean
domestic violence?
Yes,
domestic violence is just the right word.I am in a relationship but I am yet to be legally separated from my husband.
Were you
legally married?
Yes. So
at the right time I will reveal who the man is. I need somebody beside me.
Is your
new film, Monsurat, born out of your marital experience?
Our
mothers tell us that being over protective of one’s husband does more harm than
good. Monsurat is a story of a jealous woman who became a tigress in protecting
her marriage. She went diabolical and this affected her husband’s business.
Later on her husband found solace in the arms of another woman and that was how
she lost all. It is a story meant to educate our women to keep their space in
the hearts of their men.
Are you
really a sport person?
I love
sports and I still create time for it despite my busy schedules.
Which
sport in particularly do you engage in?
I play
Lawn Tennis and I swim very well.
On what
ground did you become matron to the ‘Yellow House’ of the school?
I am
very sure one of the criteria for making me a matron here was because I grew up
in this environment. I stayed here for 32 years. Also the management of the
school found me worthy to mentor the pupils and I am happy about that.
Are you
a product of the school?
No, I am
not.
What is
your perception of life?
Life is
interesting when you keep a free mind towards others. When you suspect everyone
around you, you cage yourself and your feelings and it means you don’t trust
yourself too. Whatever situation you find yourself, know that life will go on;
it will only stop when you are tired of going on.
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