RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO

You need only a few moments in Richard Mofe Damijo’s presence to discover he’s a man set on defining himself. Try to contain him in a box, and he’ll lift off the lid, rise up, and just soar away every single time. Popularly known as RMD, he first stole our hearts in the early 90s when he played the role of the unscrupulous Segun Kadiri in then popular TV series Checkmate. From then on, Richard went on to become one of the country’s biggest movie stars. His brief stint as Commissioner of Culture and Tourism in his home state Delta left us all wondering if we were ever going to see him back on our screens. But yes, he came back! And even with more fire and passion than when he left. He has effortlessly taken his pride of place back at the top and it looks like this is the beginning. Though very handsome, (even though he is in his mid-50s) what is most attractive about him is his unassuming air and how accessible he is to all and sundry regardless of his superstar status in the Nollywood industry. A veteran at his art, Richard has kept his finger on the pulse button with no sign of letting go anytime soon! In this interview, the incredibly talented thespian tells konye chelsea nwabogor about the joys of living—and acting—in the moment.

You are back like you never left and unarguably moving at a faster and better pace. How does that feel?

It feels like a real comeback movie. I am humbled. I give all gratitude to god who makes everything perfect. you know, it also speaks of the power of your audience. Respect them. give them good work. give your best always and they will reward you with undying followers hip.

Was it an easy return?

nothing is ever really easy but I know I am graced beyond the ordinary so every of my move is guided.

Were there a lot of changes on the scene and how easy was it to blend back into the game?

well, nollywood has changed in more ways than one but what counts as great movies or TV series are still the same. I try to operate at the highest level of my craft and nothing else will do for me. I raise my art to a level that allows me the liberty to be a little bit more complex in my interpretation of the characters I am privileged to play.

Let’s go back a bit. When did you know you wanted to act?

I always knew I wanted to act. Period. I studied theatre arts; it was all I wanted to do. law came later out of a restless desire to acquire more knowledge.

Did you ever fantasize about being a movie star?

I am not sure I fantasized about being a star. all I wanted to do was get out there. let people see the kind of style I can bring to the arena. and boy, am I glad they let me.

How were you able to maximize family time with time for building a successful career?

My wife makes it all easy. She is my quarterback. My backbone. I also love my family so in all the craziness, they still come first.

raising children who are smart, kind, and generous and who know themselves has suddenly become more difficult than ever. Were you ever worried about your kids?

like every parent I worry. I just make sure I do my bit and trust god to make it all perfect. like I said, my wife is an excellent mum and we do our best by them.

How did you meet your wife?

I met Jumobi in the course of work. She came to interview me on my choice of music. I guess it was a window to my heart and she liked what she saw.

Did you immediately know she was the One?

I knew immediately but I also felt too unworthy. I still do. She was what I needed at that time in my life but when my prayers were answered I felt it was too good to be true.

the entertainment industry seems to be hard on marriages these days. Why do you think that is?

I don’t think so. It’s a wrong perception or premise. It depends on the couples involved and their conduct. I am not perfect but my audience has been kind to my marriage. I notice that the biggest approvals I get out there is when I show my family side more.

After so many years in the industry, how do you approach each new role? Is it still possible to become and stay excited about new projects?

I approach every role with sincerity of purpose. I do it like my career depends on it. every project still excites me.

What role have you been most honoured to play?

every role is special. Maybe I am still waiting for the ultimate role. you never know.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest barrier a thespian like yourself has to face and overcome, to gain any commercial success?

It’s overcoming self and letting every character live through you. There are too many actors, male and female stuck in themselves. They mind how they look as themselves and not the character they are playing. That said, to gain commercial success also depends on other factors like choosing projects carefully. knowing your strength and of course that all important piece of the X factor or the god factor. Some call it star quality or IT factor.

Do you think the advent of social media has helped your career and other thespians in general, or do you think it just creates a mass of microwave celebrities who actually haven’t worked hard enough to earn the celebrity status?

like every tool, if properly deployed, social media can enhance your career. For me it has expanded my fan base. Fans want access and social media gives them that. People can and have exploited it to their advantage and therefore might seem even more popular than the real actors who do good work. But thankfully any good actor doesn’t need to worry about social media stars because producers who need good work done will ultimately call the good ones. I never worry about anybody else’s celebrity status. let the kite perch and the eagle perch.

What is your view on the Nollywood scene today and how do you think it can improve?

I think it’s a work in progress. Positive developments, and waiting for that big moment to explode and do great things on the world stage. I just want to be a part of it.

tell us something about any projects and ideas you have in store or are already working on?

I am currently working on my own TV series. Shoot starts soon in my own studio. I’m also looking at building a proper studio to be completed and commissioned next year all going well. exciting times ahead. a couple of collaborations too with other producers I am not at liberty to reveal.

Where do you see the rMD brand in the next five years? Still on our screens?

Definitely still on your screens. hopefully, I would have completed the one stop shop for all creatives.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in Nollywood?

Be prepared always. Choose well. Don’t be driven by immediate gains. Self-improvement is key.

i try to operate at the highest level of my craft and nothing else will do for me. i raise my art to a level that allows me the liberty to be a little bit more complex in my interpretation of the characters i am privileged to play