DAMILOLA ATTOH

Damilola Adegbite-Attoh has been on top of her game as one of Nigerias finest screen goddesses. Her long list of headlining soap opras/movies have earned her a couple of awards and recognition for her outstanding performance on the home and international scene. She tells us more about her passion and career in acting.

What are some of your fondest memories as a child?

Oh I have very fond memories of my childhood. Growing up was a lot of fun, especially as I also had and still have an older sister whom I could borrow shoes and clothes from. As a child I would get up and perform for my family, my dad especially, who is now late. So I’m really not far off from the things I did for fun as a child. It’s a case of my passion and fun ending up being my life’s work.

Outsiders often get a complete misconception about the entertainment business. it is perceived as more glitz and glamour than the actual business in itself? what struggles have you faced in this field and how have you been able to deal with it?

People believe the glitz and glamour is your reality. There’s the constant expectation to look and be a certain way, so if you try to be the girl next door in slacks and T-shirts, it doesn’t add up to the image they’ve created of you. We are regular people living regular lives, the only difference is our job has a lot to do with make-belief and portraying so many different characters. But at the end of the day, there’s a time and place to be 100% glamourous and there are days when I just want to let my hair down, no make up and just be me.

With a super tight schedule like yours, what thrills you as person when you are not working?

I like to work out. It not only help me keep fit, it always helps with the every day stress. But I must say being with my son and husband is the easiest and most thrilling part of my life. Family time is everything.

The life of public figure isn’t as rosy as perceived, have you at any point suffered any set back and now that you are married, how do you intend to keep your family away from the piercing eye of the press?

By playing everything close to your chest. Learning to keep your private life private.

You are one of the lead characters in the new movie ‘isoken’ with other nollywood/ghollywood leading ladies, give us a hint about your character.

I play the role of a newly married woman struggling with starting a family. It was emotionally tasking and rewarding at the same time. As a mother, I’m grateful that I was blessed enough not to struggle to have my son and empathetic to the women who haven’t been as lucky. I think if you haven’t been there, it’s impossible to fully understand and that’s why it was important that I found a way to be raw and honest in my portrayal of that character.