Femi Araba is a prolific and multi- talented thespian with an amazing records in filmmaking.
Today, talking about the great exploits derived from Nigeria’s movie industry from the early 70’s till date, we can happily profound gratitude and encouragement to the exceptional crafts and talented actors whose exceptional skills continue to make us proud.
Enjoy the exclusive interview held between official Olamondnaija and nollywood Actor Femi Araba as he speaks more about the ethics and challenges in film making.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN ACTING?
I fell in love with the job since 1990.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ACTING?
I have been acting for 1992 years till date.
I got registered with my boss as an apprentice in the year 1992 den it’s stage plays. We go on tour to schools in various states doing stage plays on their literature drama books.
IN HOW MANY FILMS HAVE YOU PERFORMED TILL NOW?
I have lost count.
ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON ANY PERSONAL PROJECT?
I just finished my own movie titled the price.
WHAT KIND OF ROLES HAVE YOU PERFORMED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?
I have played different kinds of roles in movies but my best is yet to come because I see every role as a challenge and a epitome of bringing out more best in me.
HOW DIFFERENT IS IT TO ACT IN A MOVIE AND TO ACT IN A THEATRE PLAY?
Movies are acted in locations with cameras while theatre is performed on stage. Corrections can be made on a movie set while total perfection is required on stage.
TELL ME ABOUT AN AREA IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE AS AN ACTOR?
I will like to improve more on my diction cos I have little flaws with some pronunciations but I believe in time, I would definitely get the rightful pace and intonation.
DO YOU EVER THINK THAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE A BIT IN ANY PARTICULAR ROLE?
Yes Sure.
WHICH HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE PERFORMED?
I don’t have any favorite role. Simply because I see every role as a challenge.
WHAT ARE YOUR STRONG POINTS AS AN ACTOR?
I can’t really categorize it. All I know is that I’m blessed with a unique acting skill.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE DIRECTORS THAT YOU HAVE WORKED WITH THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?
I have learnt alot and I will continue to learn because the more we learn and each director with different styles the better we become as actors.
IS THERE A NECESSITY TO ENROL INTO FILMING SCHOOL BEFORE BECOMING AN ACTOR?
Yes for an aspiring actor or actress to be a professional in acting, you have to undergo the proper training and make sure you’re certified as well.
WHAT ARE YOUR EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?
I first learned as an apprentice under my boss issa mudashiru okikiola.
There after, I went to the university.
I’m a university graduate.
Additionally, I went for a diploma in performing art at PEFTI.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT YOUT LEISURE HOURS?
I read and learn at my leisure time.
HOW DO YOU THINK FILM STARS HANDLE THEIR POPULARITY?
Though we do same job but our upbringings are different.
I handle my stardom base on my upbringing.
DO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CARRY A FILM ON YOUR SHOULDER ?
Yes, by the special grace of God, as I told you earlier . I’m not only an actor but also a producer. Not quite long I produced my movie and more still coming by God’s grace.
WHAT DO YOU PREFER, THEATER ACTING OR MOVIE ACTING?
I am a specialist in both movies and stage plays because I learned both judiciously.
WHAT KIND OF ROLES DO YOU PREFER FOR ACTING?
I don’t have preference for any special role but I like trying something new.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING ACTOR
The hardest part of being a celebrity nollywood Actor is the way you apply wisdom stylishly in handling your fans in the public because they will always want your attention.
GIVE ME FEW TIPS TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ACTOR
To be successful in life you should be prayerful, determined, focused and always ready to learn no matter what.
WHAT OTHER PROFESSION WOULD YOU VET UPON IF YOU’RE NOT AN ACTOR?
If not for acting I would have become a lecturer.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LOVE TO GIVE THE FAST RISING ACTORS?
My advice is that they should never relent.
They should be focus and hardworking.
One day, God will crown their efforts.
