Dayo Amusa is one of the actresses breaking barriers in the movie industry. The thespian carved a niche for herself playing action roles in Yoruba movies and recently doing something different, bringing actors from the English speaking part of the movie industry into her Yoruba flick. In this interview with us, the actress turned producer spoke on his new movie project, ‘Unforgivable’, relationship with Fuji music star, K1 and why she’s not yet set for marriage.

Could you tell us your foray into the movie industry?

I got into entertainment industry in 2002 through Wemimo Olu Paul. And ever since then, I have been going from one audition to the other.

Why the choice of Wemimo Films?

Then when I wanted to come into the industry, Wemimo Olu Paul was one of the hits then and I just don’t want to go in to the scene like that. So, I registered under him. But after a while, I realized it wasn’t that easy for me shuttling between Lagos and Ibadan, so I changed back to Lagos.

Tell us about your new movie, ‘Unforgivable’ coming to the cinemas soon

My latest movie Unforgivable is a production that I got the inspiration from a family friend. It centers on a domestic violence. I have been worried about the growing rate of abuse in various homes and I felt that let me do something about it. The informative and educative film centers on Damola (Mike Ezuruonye) who is blinded by his pride to see and accepts the undiluted love by his wife, Sewa (Dayo Amusa), who sacrifices everything to make her home work to the detriment of her health with the hope of changing the bad boy to a good one.

Seeing the press preview of the movie, it appears a cross-over project…

Yes, after working on the script and came up with the story, I needed to get people’s attention to see it. So, I decided not to use regular faces. I chose to do something different by inviting actors such as Mike Ezuruonye and Desmond Elliot. I know that a lot of fans do not know that Mike speaks fluent Yoruba. And with him in the movie, I know it will attract more audience and I will be able to deliver the message I needed to pass across. Unforgivable is a movie that evokes emotion, pity, love and regret.

You play the lead role of a dutiful, courteous wife unlike your typical bad girl role. Are you trying to create a new image for yourself?

The truth is that before now, I have been having a feeling that I am being stereotype. In my other role, it has been crime, crime and crime, and I have something inside me that I feel I can do and do it very well. And the only thing is to come out and convince people that I can do it very well. That is why I picked the lead role. I need to let people know that beyond the hard girl stuff, I can deliver any other role perfectly.

How would you compare your hit movie, Dewunmi Iberu with the new work Unforgivable?

The difference between the two is very obvious in terms of technical production. This latest work is a masterpiece that took over a year to put together. But I would only say the similarity is that of the cast. In Dewunmi Iberu, I featured some notable Nollywood acts like Uche Jombo, Late Justus Esiri and Bimbola Akintola, while in this one are Mike Ezuruonye, Desmond Elliot and others.

How is it working with Desmond Elliot as the director?

It was a very good experience for me. You know it is one thing to have a picture in your head of what you want to do; it is another to see someone who will help interpret what you have in mind perfectly. That is what Desmond did with Unforgivable.

When did you start as a producer?

I became a producer in 2006 with my first movie Ajegbodo.

How many movies have you produced so far?

Eight films with Unforgivable as the latest.

Within a short time of becoming a producer.

Yes

Unlike in the past, you young Yoruba movie producers are getting your work accepted and screened at the cinemas. What do you think you are doing right?

I don’t think there is anything new we are bringing in that our seniors in the business have not brought. It is just our way of interpreting things that is different.

Who are your friends in the industry?

Everybody is my friend. I have a good relationship with all my colleagues.

What is your take on the perception of people who see you as one of the wayward actresses in the industry?

Well, it is their business. That is the way they want to feel about whoever they feel about. As far as I am concerned, I am being me.  Fingers are not equal, the way you perceive me might be different from the way others might be seeing me. I am not going to crucify any one for seeing me wrongly, but I know if they take a good look at my person properly or take their time to really understudy me then they will know they are wrong in thinking about me in that way.

How rich are you?

I am very comfortable.

You must love cars, as I have noticed you changing cars every other time.

Yes, I love good cars but I haven’t been changing cars every other time. Ever in my life, I have only used just three cars. Just three cars in 11 years, which I would say is not bad.

You must be lucky though because many do not think movie pays as much. How are you doing it?

People need to know that before I got into the movie industry, I have been doing business. I have been into buying and selling. I have been going to Dubai to bring things to sell. So I already had some capital which helped me a lot without relying on anybody when I decided to start producing my own movies.

You once had a party with Fuji star, K1, performing…

I guess that is where my own controversies about him started from. Honestly, I am a kind of person that like doing things that will make people say “what’s she up to?’

What is your relationship with him?

Nothing really special. K1 is an entertainer and a legend in the industry. He is someone we all look up to. So having him to come and play during the premiere of my movie, I feel he is just there to support me in his own way. There is no big deal about that.

What is your take on the fact that you female actresses seem to be getting on ahead of your male colleagues?

But Kunle Afolayan and some others are also doing wonderfully well and he is a guy. Well, it still boils down to perception. This is an individual thing. Success depends on what you have in your head. It depends on opportunities and has nothing to do with the gender.

What is the status of your relationship?

I am still single.

How soon will you tie the knot?

I don’t know o. I no be God.

But why would a beautiful and successful eligible girl like you still stay single?

Truly, I don’t know. Maybe guys out there are feeling intimidated or somehow. I don’t know what they feel.

Do you think you have what would scare guys away?

Probably the guys that are meant for women like me are not taking their chances and scare of saying this is whom I should be dealing with. I am a very blunt person. I am a very hard working person and a realist. I live in reality as I don’t hide my feelings. I think to an extent I am a home maker. But like my mum would say: “Ten years broken relationship is better than a day broken home. So, if the right guy is not there yet for me, he is not there and I am not bothered.

Can you date someone you are richer than?

It depends on what you mean. I can only date a man who is comfortable enough irrespective of figure to stand up to his responsibility as a husband and as a father.

Even if he is younger than you in age.

Younger than my age? Why not? If I see him as someone who is caring and comfortable, I will marry him. But of course, I can’t see myself taking the responsibility of the entire home. Ko jo, it’s not possible.