Bamidele Adunke’s talent for acting came to the fore through her son. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the single mother of one, known as GMoney, speaks on her childhood, acting, fashion preferences and the pains associated with being a celebrity. Excerpts:
Growing up
I was born on the 5th of December, 1978 to the family of Otunba and Mrs Bamidele Cosmos Akinmarin. I’m the first born of my family. I have younger ones and I am a mother of a cute boy. I am from Araromi Obu, Ondo State. My growing up was extremely beautiful, my parents gave me a very good life and trained me up in the best great ways. I went to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, but left for some personal reasons.
I was born on the 5th of December, 1978 to the family of Otunba and Mrs Bamidele Cosmos Akinmarin. I’m the first born of my family. I have younger ones and I am a mother of a cute boy. I am from Araromi Obu, Ondo State. My growing up was extremely beautiful, my parents gave me a very good life and trained me up in the best great ways. I went to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, but left for some personal reasons.
Foray into acting
I joined the movie industry in the 2009. I chose acting because I had passion for it and because I love everything about the profession. I must confess that I didn’t go through any training before joining the industry. It was something I knew I could do and started doing it. So, I would say I trained myself because whenever I watched Indian movies, I used to go somewhere to imitate one of the characters to see if I could do it the way the person did. But it was my son who really brought out the actress in me. An actor saw my son on facebook, he loved his looks and sent me a message asking if I could allow him use my son in the movie. I agreed and took my son there. There was a particular scene my son just couldn’t do, so the director called me and asked if I could act, I was a bit scared but my sister encouraged me, I went on set and did perfectly well. The director called me aside and told me I’ve got the gift. The name of the movie my son and I featured in was Diekola. I have featured in many movies since then. They include; Ihohomi; The story of Dagrin; Abeni Onibebe and Tales of Eve. The ones I produced are Mopesola Omo orukan, Itiju and the latest is Aworan Ife which isn’t out yet. My stage name is GMONEY and that is what most of my colleagues call me. It was a friend who called me that name a long time ago, even before I got into the industry, he called me that because he believed I was a hustler, so, according to him, I was sure to make money. When I produced Omo Orukan and my stage name was GMoney, that was how the name stuck.
I joined the movie industry in the 2009. I chose acting because I had passion for it and because I love everything about the profession. I must confess that I didn’t go through any training before joining the industry. It was something I knew I could do and started doing it. So, I would say I trained myself because whenever I watched Indian movies, I used to go somewhere to imitate one of the characters to see if I could do it the way the person did. But it was my son who really brought out the actress in me. An actor saw my son on facebook, he loved his looks and sent me a message asking if I could allow him use my son in the movie. I agreed and took my son there. There was a particular scene my son just couldn’t do, so the director called me and asked if I could act, I was a bit scared but my sister encouraged me, I went on set and did perfectly well. The director called me aside and told me I’ve got the gift. The name of the movie my son and I featured in was Diekola. I have featured in many movies since then. They include; Ihohomi; The story of Dagrin; Abeni Onibebe and Tales of Eve. The ones I produced are Mopesola Omo orukan, Itiju and the latest is Aworan Ife which isn’t out yet. My stage name is GMONEY and that is what most of my colleagues call me. It was a friend who called me that name a long time ago, even before I got into the industry, he called me that because he believed I was a hustler, so, according to him, I was sure to make money. When I produced Omo Orukan and my stage name was GMoney, that was how the name stuck.
Challenges faced
The only challenge I faced was with a marketer who did not want to pay me on time. He wanted me to beg him for my money. I almost gave up because I felt that was how producers were being treated in the hands of marketers until I met a friend who happened to be a producer. She told me her experiences which were worse than mine, she said it was my dream and I should go on and I did. I was never sexually harassed by any director.
The only challenge I faced was with a marketer who did not want to pay me on time. He wanted me to beg him for my money. I almost gave up because I felt that was how producers were being treated in the hands of marketers until I met a friend who happened to be a producer. She told me her experiences which were worse than mine, she said it was my dream and I should go on and I did. I was never sexually harassed by any director.
Philosophy of life
My philosophy of life is that you should always see yourself as a great person even when people think otherwise. So, always believe in what you think and not what others think about you. Also, do whatever your heart tells you to do and respect everyone around you even if that person is one year old, you must respect him or her, for all your ways to be cleared.
My philosophy of life is that you should always see yourself as a great person even when people think otherwise. So, always believe in what you think and not what others think about you. Also, do whatever your heart tells you to do and respect everyone around you even if that person is one year old, you must respect him or her, for all your ways to be cleared.
Description of self
I am a very simple and down- to-earth person. I respect people a lot but when you disrespect me, I will disrespect you too. I get angry so easily but I quickly forgive too, I don’t keep grudges at all but I do keep my space if I found out that the person isn’t the type I can move with.
I am a very simple and down- to-earth person. I respect people a lot but when you disrespect me, I will disrespect you too. I get angry so easily but I quickly forgive too, I don’t keep grudges at all but I do keep my space if I found out that the person isn’t the type I can move with.
Definition of style
Style? Well, for me, I am a very casual person. I wear clothes and shoes that fit me. I am not a designer-freak, so, I don’t bother myself about who the designer is or the price tag, it is how I wear it and how it fits me that matters. Sometimes, the weather decides my mode of dressing, if the weather is cold, I wear a dress that covers my body and if it is hot, I wear something that will make me feel the air on me. I am not really a trendy person, I only buy things that fit me, the price or the designer’s name doesn’t matter to me.
Style? Well, for me, I am a very casual person. I wear clothes and shoes that fit me. I am not a designer-freak, so, I don’t bother myself about who the designer is or the price tag, it is how I wear it and how it fits me that matters. Sometimes, the weather decides my mode of dressing, if the weather is cold, I wear a dress that covers my body and if it is hot, I wear something that will make me feel the air on me. I am not really a trendy person, I only buy things that fit me, the price or the designer’s name doesn’t matter to me.
Beauty regimen
I do my facials, pedicure and manicure regularly. I use Flakky beauty products. I’m not too much of a make-up person. I only make-up when going out or going on set but when I’m home, I don’t use makeup at all. I bath as much as I can but it is not less than twice daily.
I do my facials, pedicure and manicure regularly. I use Flakky beauty products. I’m not too much of a make-up person. I only make-up when going out or going on set but when I’m home, I don’t use makeup at all. I bath as much as I can but it is not less than twice daily.
Choice of accessories
I’m not an accessory person. I love wearing sandals but my job forces me to wear high heels. As for jewellery, I wear a bit of gold but I am not a crazy person.
I’m not an accessory person. I love wearing sandals but my job forces me to wear high heels. As for jewellery, I wear a bit of gold but I am not a crazy person.
Accessory I can’t do without when going out
There is really no accessory that I can’t do without. I’m a simple and casual person. But most times, you will find me wearing my earrings and nose ring.
There is really no accessory that I can’t do without. I’m a simple and casual person. But most times, you will find me wearing my earrings and nose ring.
Favourite colour
I love blue, maybe because I know it is a guy’s colour and because I love my son. So, most of the things I buy for him are blue.
I love blue, maybe because I know it is a guy’s colour and because I love my son. So, most of the things I buy for him are blue.
Favourite perfume
I don’t have a favourite perfume, I buy anyone that smells good. Moreover, I’ve never bought a perfume for myself. My brothers always send them to me, one doesn’t finish before another one arrives.
I don’t have a favourite perfume, I buy anyone that smells good. Moreover, I’ve never bought a perfume for myself. My brothers always send them to me, one doesn’t finish before another one arrives.
Favourite designersI love Gucci and our indigenous designers. I can’t even remember their names now but I just watch fashion show on TV and I love what our designers are doing now.
Opinion on toning
It is not a very good thing because once you start toning, you will never get your colour back and that is when you will love your actual colour.
It is not a very good thing because once you start toning, you will never get your colour back and that is when you will love your actual colour.
What I will like to change about myself
What I will really like to change about myself is my anger.
What I will really like to change about myself is my anger.
Opinion on cosmetic surgery
Well, I see cosmetic surgery as something that is bad. I never bought that idea.
Well, I see cosmetic surgery as something that is bad. I never bought that idea.
On provocative dressing
Well, it is terrible. Although, I know there are times you could wear some of these dresses and nobody will question you, but I don’t buy the idea of wearing such clothes during the day time. When a person wearing such a dress has to jump from one bus to the other or walk some kilometers before getting a cab, everybody will be starring at her and I find that disgraceful. I don’t believe it is actresses who promote indecent dressing. I believe everybody has the right to wear whatever she wants, especially if she is comfortable wearing it. Actresses can wear indecent clothes in movies but that doesn’t mean they like what they wear them in real life.
Well, it is terrible. Although, I know there are times you could wear some of these dresses and nobody will question you, but I don’t buy the idea of wearing such clothes during the day time. When a person wearing such a dress has to jump from one bus to the other or walk some kilometers before getting a cab, everybody will be starring at her and I find that disgraceful. I don’t believe it is actresses who promote indecent dressing. I believe everybody has the right to wear whatever she wants, especially if she is comfortable wearing it. Actresses can wear indecent clothes in movies but that doesn’t mean they like what they wear them in real life.
Most expensive item in my wardrobe
I won’t disclose that. I see that as flaunting what I have.
I won’t disclose that. I see that as flaunting what I have.
What you won’t be caught dead wearing
I can’t wear bikini in public because I’m a very shy person.
I can’t wear bikini in public because I’m a very shy person.
Special treat
I love to be alone in a room and watch a movie or listen to music or just sleep.
I love to be alone in a room and watch a movie or listen to music or just sleep.
Tattoo and piercing
I have both tattoo and piercing on me because I love them but I won’t advise anyone to do it because sometimes I wish I don’t have the tattoo on me. I did it then because I loved it. I did on my arms. The second one was for my son. I wrote his name on it. But for piercing, I don’t see any big deal in it
I have both tattoo and piercing on me because I love them but I won’t advise anyone to do it because sometimes I wish I don’t have the tattoo on me. I did it then because I loved it. I did on my arms. The second one was for my son. I wrote his name on it. But for piercing, I don’t see any big deal in it
My hair and nails
I love fixing any extended hair and fix my nails once in a while.
I love fixing any extended hair and fix my nails once in a while.
Keeping fit
I diet and exercise. I eat more of fruits than food.
I diet and exercise. I eat more of fruits than food.
Greatest physical asset
My lips. People always say I have small but sexy lips.
My lips. People always say I have small but sexy lips.
Secret of my beauty
Nothing. This is just my natural self.
Nothing. This is just my natural self.
Marital status
I’m still single. I need to patiently wait for the right man. I want a man with a good heart. A man who will be my dad, brother and best friend. Someone who will make me happy at all times. He also has to support my career and not discourage me because of his own selfish interest.
I’m still single. I need to patiently wait for the right man. I want a man with a good heart. A man who will be my dad, brother and best friend. Someone who will make me happy at all times. He also has to support my career and not discourage me because of his own selfish interest.
Coping with advances from men
I cope so well. Although, they bother me a lot but I make sure I don’t disrespect them. I make sure they are nothing more but friends.
I cope so well. Although, they bother me a lot but I make sure I don’t disrespect them. I make sure they are nothing more but friends.
Pains and gains of being a celebrity
The pains are loss of privacy and not being able to do normal things like buying boli (roasted plantain) on the streets because you know that people are watching you. Also, you have to watch the way you talk, dress and so on. The gain is that you eventually see your dreams come true. Another gain is fame.
The pains are loss of privacy and not being able to do normal things like buying boli (roasted plantain) on the streets because you know that people are watching you. Also, you have to watch the way you talk, dress and so on. The gain is that you eventually see your dreams come true. Another gain is fame.
Lifestyle of actors and actresses
On the money aspect, we are not as rich as people think. On the issue of actors and actresses riding big cars and living in mansions, I don’t know about that. From my personal experience, I know the pay is poor.
On the money aspect, we are not as rich as people think. On the issue of actors and actresses riding big cars and living in mansions, I don’t know about that. From my personal experience, I know the pay is poor.
My final words
I want to say a big thank you to God, my fans and the entire Akinmarin’s family. Without them, I am nobody. Their words and support keep me going always. I love you all.
I want to say a big thank you to God, my fans and the entire Akinmarin’s family. Without them, I am nobody. Their words and support keep me going always. I love you all.
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