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| Rita Dominic Gbenro Ajibade |
We would like to meet you?
My name is Ajibade Gbenro Emmanuel. I am a model and an actor.
How long have you been acting?
I have been acting for seven years now, and I have been modeling for about 11 years.
How did it all start?
In school in was supposed to read medicine, but I eventually read biology education. I was just in school for me to graduate and collect my papers, because I already have so much interest in entertainment. Then somehow along the line my friends knew I lost interest. I only go to classes when I have exams, even if it is a test. If it is not up to 30% I am not going to read. I only read to pass to wrap it up. There was a kind of impression a couple of friends had about me. We had this group where we try to prove a point to other people that it is not all about you going to classes every day. We are just a group of people that are intelligent and only read for exams and we get to pass.
So there was a Mr. Campus that was coming up and they wanted me to represent them, they tried to convince me because it was something I never wanted to do. Eventually they ended up making me do it. They treated me like a king. They said they were going to take care of my meal and all that. So I gave them a trial period of one week, and they were on point.
I contested and won the Mr. Campus, from then I saw the passion and love I have for entertainment grow rapidly.
I never knew it was that much, after that I started doing shows in school and I said once I'm done with school I will take it to the next level, which is why I moved into Lagos, but I grew up in the North. I graduated from the Benue State University.
Are you from Benue State?
No, I am not from Benue State but I grew up there. I attended my primary, secondary and even university education there.
I am from Kogi State. We were actually under Kwara before but now we are from Kogi.
We would like to know some of the major names you’ve modeled for?
My name is Ajibade Gbenro Emmanuel. I am a model and an actor.
How long have you been acting?
I have been acting for seven years now, and I have been modeling for about 11 years.
How did it all start?
In school in was supposed to read medicine, but I eventually read biology education. I was just in school for me to graduate and collect my papers, because I already have so much interest in entertainment. Then somehow along the line my friends knew I lost interest. I only go to classes when I have exams, even if it is a test. If it is not up to 30% I am not going to read. I only read to pass to wrap it up. There was a kind of impression a couple of friends had about me. We had this group where we try to prove a point to other people that it is not all about you going to classes every day. We are just a group of people that are intelligent and only read for exams and we get to pass.
So there was a Mr. Campus that was coming up and they wanted me to represent them, they tried to convince me because it was something I never wanted to do. Eventually they ended up making me do it. They treated me like a king. They said they were going to take care of my meal and all that. So I gave them a trial period of one week, and they were on point.
I contested and won the Mr. Campus, from then I saw the passion and love I have for entertainment grow rapidly.
I never knew it was that much, after that I started doing shows in school and I said once I'm done with school I will take it to the next level, which is why I moved into Lagos, but I grew up in the North. I graduated from the Benue State University.
Are you from Benue State?
No, I am not from Benue State but I grew up there. I attended my primary, secondary and even university education there.
I am from Kogi State. We were actually under Kwara before but now we are from Kogi.
We would like to know some of the major names you’ve modeled for?
The big
names you would know is Oxwald Boateng. He is an internationally recognized
designer. I really wish I could remember all the names right now. But for
Nigerian, I have modeled for all the top designers.
So, when and how did you veer into acting?
It was modeling actually that lured me into acting. It was from there that they called me up for a casting. They actually misinformed us. They told us it was a TV commercial for Mnet. I went there and they gave me a script to read, and that was how Tinsel started for me. I already knew a little about acting anyway because we also do acting in modeling as well. When you are on the runway, you can't smile; you have to put in an act.
The journey through Tinsel, how has it been for you?
It’s been fantastic, it has been very interesting. The good thing about Tinsel is that I learn everyday not just as an actor but as a film-maker. Though, the beginning wasn't that smooth but now I can proudly stand and pick up any role and kill it. Because of all the things I have learnt, my acting style, how to interpret roles, like I said not just as an actor but also as a film-maker as well. I like to always listen and watch.
How do you handle your female admirers?
I try, but it is not easy, they are very wonderful people. But you know one thing in life you can't try to please everybody, but I love them all.
Are you in any relationship?
Yes, I am in a relationship, and we've been dating for a couple of years now. We are even planning to get married soon. We are just so good and I love her so much.
Have you ever had an encounter with a gay?
I have learnt to accept them for who they are, they are human beings, and I respect their decisions. It is not like I am encouraging it. I have met a couple of guys. They approached me, but it is very simple, you just have to put them off your back, though at first I was really scared, but again it all has to do with exposure. And seeing your reactions to them would not even permit them to walk towards you the second time, because they are even scared what might happen to them. So you see it is something anyone can handle easily.
What is your unique selling point?
I think that should be my mood. Most times I follow my mood. This wasn't what I planned to wear, but I just decided to wear it anyway. My mood determines a lot of things about me.
Your hair, why the choice of a dread?
I am a very hairy man. Back then in school my girlfriend used to weave my hair, sometimes when I am bored if I am not watching cartoons or playing video games, I draw. I started drawing different hair styles and the good thing about her is that anything I draw she will get the same thing, it was like a competition. She was very good at indicating everything I do and my hair grew really long and I started weaving. Again my mood flipped and I had to take off the whole hair. Well to me it was fun and when the hair started coming back again, I decided to do something different which is my dread. And I actually locked it myself, I actually learnt about dread online, bought the cream and all that was needed. I did it personally just because of the passion I have for it. And I am loving it all the way.
How long has it been?
This is seven years and nine months. But I have cut it twice. I have cut the whole length twice, if not it would be above my knee right now.
Tinsel is full of beautiful and talented stars, don't you feel intimidated in their midst?
Me too I am beautiful now. And I thank God, if I am not beautiful they won't carry me now. (Laughs). It is not like I am blowing my own trumpet here, but I know I am handsome. God really did a great job on me. One thing is that if you are not confident with yourself, you won't be able to tell the globe how good you are. I can't be intimidated, I see myself as everyone's role model.
Who is that actress you would like to act alongside in a movie?
That will definitely be Genevieve Nnaji or Rita dominic. There is something about Rita…
Why the choice of them?
They are great actors and they are beautiful women too. And you know beauty inspires a lot.
Have you ever had a crush on an actress?
Hmmm, well I think I have but I can't mention. The last time I did, it almost cost me my hard-earned relationship. So, I have learnt to zip my lips in every matter concerning women. Not that my woman is jealous oh! But you know, how it goes. They will always want to be protective.
While growing up as a child, who are the role models you look up to in the industry?
Just one star, Jackie Chan.
When did you have your first kiss?
When I was very young. I was seven years old then, so very little.
What would you say are the challenges of being an actor?
For me personally I would say being a professional in terms of timing and getting used to the system with Lagos. I have spent seven years on the set of Tinsel; we work really hard since it’s a daily soap. So you can imagine how often we shoot. But at the end of the day I wouldn't say it is a challenge I see it as an experience. That is one thing about doing something that you have passion for.
Do you do other movies aside Tinsel?
I have done a couple of other movies.
As an actor what has life taught you?
Stay positive and you will be fine.
So, when and how did you veer into acting?
It was modeling actually that lured me into acting. It was from there that they called me up for a casting. They actually misinformed us. They told us it was a TV commercial for Mnet. I went there and they gave me a script to read, and that was how Tinsel started for me. I already knew a little about acting anyway because we also do acting in modeling as well. When you are on the runway, you can't smile; you have to put in an act.
The journey through Tinsel, how has it been for you?
It’s been fantastic, it has been very interesting. The good thing about Tinsel is that I learn everyday not just as an actor but as a film-maker. Though, the beginning wasn't that smooth but now I can proudly stand and pick up any role and kill it. Because of all the things I have learnt, my acting style, how to interpret roles, like I said not just as an actor but also as a film-maker as well. I like to always listen and watch.
How do you handle your female admirers?
I try, but it is not easy, they are very wonderful people. But you know one thing in life you can't try to please everybody, but I love them all.
Are you in any relationship?
Yes, I am in a relationship, and we've been dating for a couple of years now. We are even planning to get married soon. We are just so good and I love her so much.
Have you ever had an encounter with a gay?
I have learnt to accept them for who they are, they are human beings, and I respect their decisions. It is not like I am encouraging it. I have met a couple of guys. They approached me, but it is very simple, you just have to put them off your back, though at first I was really scared, but again it all has to do with exposure. And seeing your reactions to them would not even permit them to walk towards you the second time, because they are even scared what might happen to them. So you see it is something anyone can handle easily.
What is your unique selling point?
I think that should be my mood. Most times I follow my mood. This wasn't what I planned to wear, but I just decided to wear it anyway. My mood determines a lot of things about me.
Your hair, why the choice of a dread?
I am a very hairy man. Back then in school my girlfriend used to weave my hair, sometimes when I am bored if I am not watching cartoons or playing video games, I draw. I started drawing different hair styles and the good thing about her is that anything I draw she will get the same thing, it was like a competition. She was very good at indicating everything I do and my hair grew really long and I started weaving. Again my mood flipped and I had to take off the whole hair. Well to me it was fun and when the hair started coming back again, I decided to do something different which is my dread. And I actually locked it myself, I actually learnt about dread online, bought the cream and all that was needed. I did it personally just because of the passion I have for it. And I am loving it all the way.
How long has it been?
This is seven years and nine months. But I have cut it twice. I have cut the whole length twice, if not it would be above my knee right now.
Tinsel is full of beautiful and talented stars, don't you feel intimidated in their midst?
Me too I am beautiful now. And I thank God, if I am not beautiful they won't carry me now. (Laughs). It is not like I am blowing my own trumpet here, but I know I am handsome. God really did a great job on me. One thing is that if you are not confident with yourself, you won't be able to tell the globe how good you are. I can't be intimidated, I see myself as everyone's role model.
Who is that actress you would like to act alongside in a movie?
That will definitely be Genevieve Nnaji or Rita dominic. There is something about Rita…
Why the choice of them?
They are great actors and they are beautiful women too. And you know beauty inspires a lot.
Have you ever had a crush on an actress?
Hmmm, well I think I have but I can't mention. The last time I did, it almost cost me my hard-earned relationship. So, I have learnt to zip my lips in every matter concerning women. Not that my woman is jealous oh! But you know, how it goes. They will always want to be protective.
While growing up as a child, who are the role models you look up to in the industry?
Just one star, Jackie Chan.
When did you have your first kiss?
When I was very young. I was seven years old then, so very little.
What would you say are the challenges of being an actor?
For me personally I would say being a professional in terms of timing and getting used to the system with Lagos. I have spent seven years on the set of Tinsel; we work really hard since it’s a daily soap. So you can imagine how often we shoot. But at the end of the day I wouldn't say it is a challenge I see it as an experience. That is one thing about doing something that you have passion for.
Do you do other movies aside Tinsel?
I have done a couple of other movies.
As an actor what has life taught you?
Stay positive and you will be fine.
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