Veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, opens up to Naomi Chima about her remarkable journey through Nollywood’s evolving landscape, from her rise to stardom and battles against industry politics to her near-death surgery, creative rebirth, and life beyond the camera

How do you maintain your timeless glow?

I would say it’s by simply being myself. I learned a long time ago to embrace who I am and just relax. I try not to force anything or do anything artificial that could stress my body or mind. I take life easy, stay happy, and leave the rest to God.

What led you to acting?

I started acting after escorting a friend to a movie audition. After finishing school, I was waiting for my JAMB results and wanted to use my time productively to support my mum, who was a widow. I looked for ways to earn money and had applied for several opportunities that didn’t work out. Eventually, a friend invited me to a modelling audition, and I decided to try. I got in and was paid well.

One day, we went to another modelling audition, which was taking too long, so my friend suggested we check out a nearby movie audition. She went in first but didn’t get the role. I asked if I could try, and she agreed. I went in, gave it my best, and surprisingly got the part. That marked the beginning of my acting journey.

How was fame before social media compared to today?

Fame before social media was tricky. The junk magazines were our biggest challenge; they would write stories with sensational headlines, and you’d wake up to family calls asking what had happened, trying to calm everyone.

Then came social media: first websites, bloggers, gossip pages, and then Facebook. I was very active on Facebook and my website. My website had the highest hits at the time, and my Facebook page became the first with one million likes. It was exciting because fans could finally interact with us.

Later, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter arrived. With Twitter, the fun changed. It became very toxic, with people trolling you over misunderstood comments. That’s when many from my era stepped back. The younger generation is new to it and still learning; we went through all those stages.

What character or role best represents the real Omotola?

None really. Some roles have been closed, but none represent me fully. I’ve realised I’m an ambivert. My extroverted side appears only around people I trust. I’m mostly introverted. In public, I tend to coil into myself, which people misinterpret as pride or snobbishness. That’s why I avoid parties; my social battery drains quickly.

In your 30 years in the industry, what are you most grateful for, and which role is your best?

There isn’t one thing I’m most grateful for; I’m grateful for different things at different stages. I’m grateful I gave my life to Christ at 15, married the person I did at the right time, and had the courage to shape my career despite obstacles.

I’m also grateful for opportunities to work internationally, which broadened my mindset, and for recognitions like TIME 100. My humanitarian work with the UN World Food Programme, Amnesty International, Save the Children UK, ONE, and Enough is Enough Nigeria has been meaningful. Advocacy and activism are core to who I am.

What led you into directing?

I’ve always been called a director, but I hadn’t done it professionally until recently. I’ve enjoyed it for years, but only now have I shot my own movie.

What inspired your recent movie, Mother’s Love?

It was divine. After moving to Hollywood, I always wanted to create my own projects. I had over 25 scripts in development. In December 2023, during a vacation in Nigeria, Ruth Kadiri explained how YouTube had evolved into a platform for full-length films. By March 2024, I agreed to try.

We shot a short film, RR, in four days despite power outages and fuel scarcity. It turned out beautifully and gave me the courage to make Mother’s Love.

What’s the secret to keeping your marriage strong and fun?

God’s grace is central. My husband and I share the same faith and had Christ before we met, which is our foundation. Misunderstandings happen, but we always return to that foundation.

My husband is mature, simple-minded, and values peace over the spotlight. He doesn’t compete with me, and he manages our home, including shopping. He’s a blessing.

You’re a proud mother of four. What’s your parenting style?

I initially modelled my parenting after my mother, a disciplinarian, but I didn’t want to raise my children with fear. They would get the occasional slap or chase, but I stopped early. My husband is more like my dad, a free thinker who insists on respect.

Our children are well-behaved and listen to our instructions. My parenting style is firm but loving, and it has carried them well into adulthood.

You underwent a life-saving surgery and shared your experience on social media to inspire others. Can you walk us through that journey and your recovery process?

For some people, it might not seem like a life-threatening surgery, but for me, it was. I had never faced anything of that severity before and had been rushed to the emergency department multiple times. I had been working non-stop, editing my movies Mother’s Love and RR across two continents, barely sleeping two hours a day. My body was overworked. Eventually, I was rushed to the hospital after several visits and told I needed immediate surgery. It was shocking and terrifying. My husband wasn’t around, and my kids were scared.

After the surgery, I discovered a scar on my stomach. The surgeon explained that my gallbladder was too enlarged to be removed through keyhole surgery. It was a lot to process. I tell people now, if you ever feel sharp pains in your chest or back, get a CT scan or MRI immediately. Don’t wait like I did.

Having worked both abroad and in Nigeria, what do you think Nollywood is missing, and how can it improve?

The biggest challenge in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve fought for standards since the beginning of my career, even being blacklisted at times for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I started Tefes, a platform focused on formalising the entertainment business and raising standards.

In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because they shape society. Nollywood projects Nigeria to the world through movies, culture, and music. What we lack is proper structure; functional guilds, less politics, and more professionalism.

You’ve transitioned from the home video era to cinema and now to digital platforms. What advice would you give to young actors or social media influencers today?

Firstly, acting is a marathon, not a sprint. Even at 90, you can still act. It’s a lifelong craft, unlike music, where your peak may be short-lived.

Secondly, don’t rely solely on acting for income. Have a side business to pay your bills. Acting should be art, not a survival job. If it becomes your only source of livelihood, you may feel pressured to take roles that compromise your standards.

Build a brand that stands for something. In the past, audiences knew what to expect from certain actors. Now, some appear in every film, creating confusion.

astly, live wisely. Don’t do things in private that could hurt your public image later. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being disciplined and protecting yourself from unnecessary stress.

You were reportedly banned from Nollywood for demanding too much pay. Is that true?

That’s false. Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism. I was one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but a few of us were seen as “too powerful” and outspoken. I insisted on fair treatment for crew members and wouldn’t work until they were properly fed. That made me a target, but I have no regrets.

You’re also a singer with two albums. Will you continue your music career?

I have two albums, Gba Gbe E and Me, Myself and I, available on all platforms. My second album was under Universal, and I was the first from my generation to be invited to the Grammys. Acting demanded so much that music became secondary. I planned to release an album every five years, like Barbra Streisand. I’m due for another and may merge music with my films.

What are some of the most interesting challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

There are too many to count. Honestly, my career has been one long, challenging journey. But I’ve refused to remain dormant or give up, and I’m proud of that resilience.

What is your favourite food?

Seafood, though not fish. I’m just not a fish person.

How do you relax or relieve stress?

I’m fiercely private, often staying in my room even at home. My kids sometimes knock to check if I’m alive. What makes me happy is being with family, visiting a spa, or travelling.

You’re known for your impeccable style. What influences it?

I don’t follow trends or brands; I buy what I like. Sexy, for me, isn’t about showing body parts. I don’t like cleavage; it’s about feeling confident and comfortable.

You relocated abroad but continue to make waves. Why did you move?

The country’s situation wasn’t the main reason. I had opportunities before, but waited for the right timing. COVID-19 changed my perspective; I realised life is short. Visiting the U.S. often wasn’t the same as living there. Moving was scary, but it was a necessary leap.

Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed. (Saturday PUNCH)