Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has recounted how she faced repeated stereotypes early in her career, with industry perceptions around skin tone and body type shaping the roles she was offered.
Ogunmola made this revelation in an interview with media personality JayOnAir, saying her appearance frequently led to her being categorised into specific character types.
Speaking on the programme, the renowned YouTuber clarified that because of her dark skin and voluptuous physique, she was often restricted to supporting roles during a time when lighter-skinned actors ruled the screen.
The actress, who once participated in the Next Movie Star reality show without making it to the final house, described her path in the industry as difficult but consistent.
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“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles. That went on for a while, and I didn’t like it”.
“My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.
Ogunmola added that she chose to forge her own financial route over regular employment, which is why she began a side company early in her career.
She stated that she had never been interested in 9–5 jobs and had instead concentrated on creating other sources of income.
“I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5—it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that,” she added.
Regarding long-term planning, she stressed the importance of financial discipline and diversification in an uncertain business.
Actors should invest and establish themselves early to maintain stability, she said, because stardom could disappear swiftly.
“Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing, positioning yourself now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing,” she said.
Ogunmola credited filmmaker Biodun Stephen as a key influence on her development, saying she learned much of what she knew about production by observing Stephen on set.
She added that humility and a willingness to learn were important for growth in the industry.
“Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learned were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it came to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her,” she noted.
