For almost 30 years, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has transcended the role of a mere actress to become a pivotal figure in the evolution of Nollywood. Launching her career as a teenager in the mid-1990s, she has since appeared in over 300 films, championed fair compensation for actors, and emerged as one of Nigeria’s first internationally acclaimed film stars. Omotola’s influence extends beyond cinema, marking her as a cultural icon within Nigeria’s artistic heritage.
Despite her extensive filmography, she now steps into a new chapter with her directorial debut, Mother’s Love.
In this exclusive conversation, Omotola shares insights about her latest film, her experience directing, reflections on her career journey, and the significance of her enduring presence in the industry.
Welcome, Omotola. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. How are you feeling today?
I’m feeling wonderful, thank you!
As a Nollywood trailblazer with a career spanning over three decades and more than 300 films, which moments or roles do you consider milestones in your journey?
There are countless memories. I entered the film scene in 1995 when the industry was still informal and unstructured. Even as a teenager, I insisted on professional contracts, bringing in standards from my modeling background. This push for professionalism wasn’t always welcomed; at one point, some of us were banned by marketers for challenging the status quo. While others faced a one-year ban, mine lasted two years because I refused to attend a summoned meeting.
One defining moment was when I became the first actress in Nollywood to earn one million naira for a single role. Initially, my demand was met with resistance, and I was dropped from the project. But I stood firm, and eventually, I was paid the amount I requested. That breakthrough set a new precedent, and fees began to rise industry-wide.
Films like Mortal Inheritance were pivotal, earning me the distinction of being the youngest Nigerian actress to win both Best Actress in an English-language film and Best Actress overall at the Thema Awards at just 18. Later, Ije, filmed in Los Angeles and screened in cinemas, shifted perceptions and reinforced my career ambitions. My US television debut came with the Hollywood series Hit the Floor. Being named among TIME100’s most influential people and becoming an Oscar voting member were other landmark achievements. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to God for every step.
Nollywood has seen remarkable growth in production quality, distribution, and international presence. What do you believe are your key contributions to this progress?
Thanks to relentless dedication, Nollywood gained international recognition well before the global Afrobeats wave. We were pioneers, connecting with audiences in the Caribbean, the US, and the UK through VHS and DVDs. Although momentum waned for a while, we are now reclaiming our position.
In 2019, I launched TEFFEST-the Entertainment Fair and Festival-to align Nigeria’s entertainment industry with global standards and promote best practices. Our first event featured Craig Fenton, then Google’s Chief, as keynote speaker, and we collaborated with YouTube to deliver a masterclass on the future of content creation. At the time, few anticipated how vital YouTube would become for artists worldwide.
Congratulations on directing your first film, Mother’s Love. What inspired you to select this story for your directorial debut, and what did you learn from the experience?
Thank you. The choice was partly practical-I wanted a project that could be completed swiftly given my circumstances before filming. While on vacation in Nigeria, Ruth Kadiri, a leading figure in YouTube productions, encouraged me to explore content creation on that platform. Initially, I was hesitant, planning instead for larger projects once funding was secured.
Ruth persisted, showing me impressive engagement numbers, and I agreed to try, with the caveat that if I disliked the outcome, I wouldn’t have to release it. We quickly shot our first YouTube project, and I was amazed by the efficiency. This motivated me to direct a feature film. I reviewed my scripts and selected one that was intimate, with a small cast, and could be localized entirely in Nigeria. That became Mother’s Love, which we filmed consecutively in a tight schedule.
The relationship between mothers and daughters is central to Mother’s Love. How much of this theme is drawn from your own life or observations?
At Redhot Concepts, our production company, we often base films on real-life experiences. Mother’s Love is no exception. It draws from my personal relationship with my mother as the eldest daughter, as well as my bond with my own first daughter, Princess. Additionally, I incorporated stories from others to explore themes rarely discussed openly-such as the dynamics between mothers and first daughters, expectations, grief, trauma, overprotectiveness, and social class distinctions.
You’ve previously emphasized the need for structural reform in Nollywood. What practical steps do you believe can drive meaningful change?
Nollywood has matured, and it’s time we adopt a professional mindset to gain global respect. We must standardize our processes and eliminate the current disorder. Unfortunately, some guilds are still entangled in politics and ego rather than implementing reforms that empower practitioners, especially actors, to work efficiently. Without industry-wide best practices aligned with international standards, sustainable partnerships will remain elusive. Remarkably, the Nigerian Actors Guild remains un-unionized as of 2025.
Having reached the heights of your profession, do you still feel pressure to perform, or have you embraced new dimensions of your identity? Please share your thoughts.
I’m constantly evolving and never feel pressured. As long as life and health permit, there’s always room to explore new ventures and break fresh ground. Even the ultimate Creator renews blessings daily, so each morning offers a chance to contribute something original and meaningful to the world.
At this stage in your career, what holds the greatest importance beyond awards and fame?
My focus has always been on legacy. I want every project I undertake to be intentional, worthy of my dedication, and capable of advancing conversations and progress within the industry and society.
What advice would you offer to aspiring actors and filmmakers who look up to you and want to build enduring careers in Nollywood?
To those willing to listen, I say: take it easy. Pace yourself and focus on quality over speed. Block out distractions and noise. Develop a clear plan, write it down, and revisit your goals regularly to stay on course. Most importantly, anchor yourself in a higher power. Our profession is demanding and deeply emotional; without spiritual grounding, it’s easy to lose your way. If you seek my personal recommendation, I suggest building your foundation on Jesus. This will provide the guidance and strength needed for a purposeful and resilient career.
Thank you so much for your time, Omotola.
Thank you for having me.
0 Comments