Jaiye Kuti
Still basking in the euphoria of Spider, her latest TV soap, which is set to make a debut on network stations soon, emerging screen goddess and darling of several soaps, Jaiye Kuti, revealed in this interview why she is so much excited about the family oriented project. Interestingly too, Kuti, who originally trained as a professional secretary, is also a critic, striving to restore values in homes and public places, with her acting career that has spanned close to a decade. Effervescent Kuti is, however, of the opinion that in order to impact positively with laudable projects like Spider and several others, both corporate bodies and the government must be willing to collaborate with film/soap makers for a meaningful result.
In this riveting encounter, the vivacious thespian candidly spoke about her incursion into Nollywood, the struggles to get to the top, setbacks, trials, and eventual triumph as well as her role in Spider, and other projects dear to her heart.
Enjoy the interaction!
What new projects have you been up to in the industry lately?
Well, I have been very busy since the last time we met. First is that the latest soap I featured very prominently in, is coming out soon, on network TV. We are starting with AIT. Sincerely, it was an amazing production and I felt much fulfilled playing my role in that soap. We had fun on set and acted like one happy family. It is a complete family oriented soap that would definitely blow the mind of viewers. I just finished my own movie too, as a producer and it would be screened this year at Toscana Film Festival, Italy. I also shot a didactic documentary that would be out soon; all these projects have kept me busy.
Aside all these, Jaiye Kuti, is a happily married actress cum mother. I hail from Yewa North in Ogun State. I’m a graduate of Secretarial Administration from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State. I later did a computer science programme at the University of Lagos and in my mid 30’s. I have been married for more than six years now and it’s been wonderful even though marriage is not a bed of roses. Besides, I’m married to a friend, brother, father and a partner.
Is your husband in total support of your career in Nollywood?
Yes, when we first met, my husband told me he would love to marry a broadcaster and when we eventually got married, he urged me to go into entertainment because of my interest in the arts. Aside urging me on, he also promised to give me all the support in my career as an entertainer. He has continually kept his promise.
How is your Jaylex Aesthetics Production doing?
We are doing very fine, it is an entertainment and production outfit that was set up to create jobs for creative youths in the Nigerian entertainment industry and also better the society in general with good productions. We are also campaigning for the awareness on HIV/AIDS in the industry and the society in general. Through my outfit, we also want to help get youths off the streets and make them busy. I’m into all these because I like showing motherly love and care. And I also thank God that people in the society are beginning to share in my vision and mission. Sometimes, it clashes with my acting career, but I have equally learnt how to manage both effectively. Though my company is new, the vision behind it is very old.
You are more popular as a TV star than in Nollywood. Why is it so, and how did you breeze in?
I came in through the help of a brother almost a decade ago and Alpha Vision Media was where I started. My first TV job was Laff Patterns in 2002 and later crossed over to Everyday People. I was also on set of I beg your pardon, Face to Face and few others. I have also done lots of TV commercials. My first set of movies in Nollywood after being registered in 2003 were Tears and Borderline.
Why have we not seen your face in more Nollywood movies this year?
I’m trying my best and do not like rushing things. Though, I want to be in many Nollywood movies, there are still some roles I cannot accept. As a role model to youths, I don’t want to be referred to negatively in the industry. I’m not saying I select roles, but I must be picky about roles sometimes. At least, I can’t go nude or bare my body in a movie or do tongue-to-tongue kisses. Though, I can act some romantic roles, it still depends on how it should be interpreted. Mind you, I’ m also a married woman.
So, is marriage a hindrance to your career?
No, it has made me to be more cautious, but nothing to worry about. In fact, marriage makes me feel more respected in a way. I have also done several documentaries and docu-dramas, like I told you earlier, I just finished one recently.
Between soaps and movies, which has given you more leverage?
Soaps have given me more leverage and popularity. Basically, Laff Patterns and Face To Face, made me a household name. But that does not mean I have not made name from movies too. And by the time Spider hits the airwaves, viewers would further applaud and appreciate my career. Again, movie buffs will standstill for me when my latest movie, Ewon Laafin, enters the global markets and box offices.
As a beautiful and a happily married woman, do you usually have issues with men and their advances?
Why not, they still chase me every now and then but I always let them know I’m married and cannot do anything with them. Also, I try not to insult them by making them feel welcome. The stubborn ones, I try to avoid them, because they all have nothing to offer. I’m an African woman and African men appreciate somebody like me a lot. I have all the endowments of a true African Woman. Anyway, the way I relate with people also makes them to always want to be with me, it’s not only the look but also, my personality and warmth reception. I’m naturally, a likeable person.
What is the next level for Jaiye Kuti?
I’ve always said it that I want to hit Hollywood and probably be a global star. Again, I want to concentrate more on TV programmes, in the next couple years.
How often do you feature in Yoruba movies?
I am not too constant in Yoruba movies. I love my Yoruba people but I came into the industry through the English sector and that really took me away from my people in the Yoruba sector. However, I am a card-carrying member of the ANTP. I will be more than glad to be called upon to shoot more Yoruba movies. Part of my love for them is the reason I shot my new Yoruba movie.
Sincerely, between the English and Yoruba movies, which are you more comfortable with?
I’m not going to be biased; I’m more comfortable with the English sector. And I think it is so because I started from there. I was fully accepted and welcome like a part of them from the very beginning.
What was it like working with the Apreel Venture family?
It was wonderful working with them. The producer and entire crew were 100% professionals. They have been helping to discover and nurture talents, especially the youths. They have a way of discovering talents. We really bonded on set and our Executive Producer, Mrs. Ariyike Oladipo, is wonderful and fun to work with.
Who are your role models?
I have two persons. First, is Whitney Houston, she gave me reasons to want to live, no matter what she is going through today, she is my role model. I enjoy her songs and know most of them. Pastor Sam Adeyemi is another of my role model, his sermons brought me back to life and re-awakened my spiritual life.
Sometimes, does your husband get jealous watching you play romantic roles in movies?
The truth is that he does not. He is so sure of me and always feels secured watching me on air. Most times, he reads and rehearses my scripts with me.
What rare qualities got you attracted to him?
So many nice things about him got me attracted; he has always wanted me to be successful in life. He sent me to school and ensured I find fulfillment in whatever I do. In fact, he is my pillar of support.
Any regret in life today?
Not really, but the fact that some things about me are very slow: I also hate the fact that I procrastinate a lot.
In your early days in the industry, did you encounter any form of sexual harassment from moviemakers?
Never! I don’t think such can happen to me. I’m not a desperate actress neither, do I look hungry.
What is your advice to up and coming actresses who want to desperately get to the top?
I always tell them that it is God that makes stars, they don’t have to sleep around to get roles, and it is not a guarantee of getting to the top. Anything done in haste usually backfires. If you rush to the top, you will equally rush down. If you are good, nobody will take that away from you.
As an actress that has been trudging on since 2002, what would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
I have had several accomplishments in my acting career. Among them is the setting up of my own production outfit-Jaylex. For me, it was a big achievement and I truly thank God for that. Again, shooting my own movie as well as taking part in Spider, among several other laudable initiatives, are some of my biggest accomplishments in the industry. God’s willing, I hope to achieve and conquer more frontiers.
What stands you out?
My vision and mission aimed towards creating jobs for the creative youths in the society stands me out. Also, my awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, are part of my uniqueness as an artiste.
What inspired your recent movie?
My passion for quality movies inspired the movie. It will definitely shake the nation when it hits shelves soon.
First published, October 2008
