Tosin Aderounmu: When I am on location, my husband is in charge at home

TOSIN Aderounmu Arifayan, popularly known as (Tosin Omi-Ata), a former dancer turned producer, writer and actress has four movies to her credit, written and produced by her. In this interview with Olusegun Rapheal, the mother of two opens up on her journey into the entertainment industry and speaks on many other issues.

You studied Banking and Finance, people would have expected to see you in the financial sector; why are you in entertainment Industry?

I love that question. I have been in love with acting as a young girl, it has been a part of me. Entertainment has been what I love. You know I started as a dancer; I danced for Pasuma, Barrister and some other fuji musicians in their musical videos.

So, one of my friends, a co-dancer, told me about a movie auditioning at Ibadan. We went there and got the form and it was a very interesting experience for me. It was during the auditioning that I met Gbemi Shitta-Bay. He introduced me to the late Alade Aromire who was the owner of the project, (Who wants to be a movie star?)  That was the turning point in my life and since then God has been faithful.

What year was that?

That was in the early 90s.

After the auditioning, which was your first move?

It’s Opa-Ibon, written and produced by Jenrade Deji

What was the experience like then?

It was very tough, not easy, but my passion and resilience kept me going. There were so many challenges.

What were the challenges that you faced initially?

There are times when you get to locations and you find that some of the big stars do not want to give you a chance or even allow you to prove what you have got. In addition, a few of them see you as a threat while few of them will give you an opportunity to prove yourself; some will even shout at you as if you are a kid.

In the Industry, who are your role models?

I love Shola Sobowale, Faithia William (Balogun) and Uche Jumbo.

What are the attributes that you see in them that make you choose them as your role models?

These people are great actresses. They interpret roles given to them perfectly and they don’t look down on anybody. They actually encourage the younger ones.

Which movie brought you to the limelight?

It was Omi-Ata, written and produced by me. I never knew the movie would receive that kind of accolades and response that it got. It was overwhelming.

Is that where the name Tosin Omi-Ata came from?

Yes, it was after the premiere of the movie that my colleagues and fans started calling me Omi-Ata or Tosin Omi-Ata.

What are the challenges you face during production and post production?

The challenges are enormous; as a young producer, producing for the first time, there is the pressure of not wanting to fail. Everything is on your mind; from cast to crew, camera, lighting, costume, transportation and make-up. But I thank God because all those things are history.

How rich are you?

I am not rich, neither am I poor, but I can afford three square meals without stress. All thanks to my husband who has been very supportive.

Sometime ago, there was a story going around that you ran away with your husband’s money and SUV, how true is this?

My brother, I did not run away. Yes, we had some misunderstanding then. I want you to understand that there is no perfect relationship or marriage. It was just a minor issue and it has been resolved. Concerning the SUV, he bought the Islander Toyota SUV for me, and more so the man they said I ran away with his money and car, we are together up till now. He is the father of my children.

When the story broke then, how did you handle it?

I felt so bad; it was so terrible. I felt as if heaven wanted to fall on me. People started to say different things and 99 percent of the stories were fake. It was very sad, but I thank God that today it is all over.

Has any male producer asked you out before offering you a role?

No producer has ever asked to go out with me before they could give me any job.

Lesbianism is rampant among the Yoruba actresses, do you practise lesbianism?

Me, a lesbian? No way, I am not! Whether they are doing it or not, I don’t know.

How do you cope with randy men who make passes at you?

I have come across a lot of them. I can’t run away because of them but there is a way we manage them. Also, you can’t run away from your friends, I tell them that I am married. Some will insist but you just have to say it in a good way, not insult them.

Have you ever been embarrassed by a fan?

Not really, but some of them will ask “Se e gbe ibon dani” (Did you bring your gun?)

How will you describe yourself?

I am a very quiet person, gentle, calm, friendly, jovial and intelligent. I don’t have many friends.

Have you received any gift from your fans?

Yes. That was when we were showing my film at Abeokuta. After the event, a man walked up to me and handed over an envelope to me. It was to appreciate my effort on the movie (Omi-Ata)

What are the things stardom takes away from you?

A lot.  There was a day I wanted to buy jeans at a small shop at Ogba bus stop. I loved the design and as I was trying to put it on, to test it, a lady just shouted my name: Omi-Ata ati ri e ooo (Omi-Ata I have seen you oo).  I dropped the jeans immediately. I can’t even buy boli (roasted plantain) or corn by the road side again. If I try it, I will pay double price.

What are the other things that occupy your time?

I sell beauty products, fashion accessories, ladies underwears, weave-on, shoes and bags.

As an actress, mother, business woman, wife, how do you balance all these?

It is not easy, my brother. It can be very tough. However, thanks to my wonderful husband; he has been very supportive. When I am on location, he is in charge of home.