Tope Tedela is a Lagos-born actor and University of Lagos graduate of Mass Communications. He has notched an impressive rise in Nollywood. The AMVCA winner speaks on his career, his likes, dislikes and other sundry issues. Enjoy reading…

Lead us into your background
I’m an actor, voice-over artiste and a broadcaster. I am from Ekiti State. I’m dedicated to acting. I like humble, respectful and confident people. I am the first of four children. I spent most of my growing up at Surulere, Lagos. For my secondary school, I attended Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Lagos. I was a bit mischievous while I was tender. I did a lot of funny stuff. I started as a science student, but I eventually ended up in the art class. I joined sciences because I saw that many of my friends were there.
How did your acting career begin?
I have always loved to act, but I didn’t see it as something I would do professionally in my formative years.
My foray into acting began when I was cast as Julian on popular TV Drama: Edge of Paradise as a student then. After I concluded my degree, I got more time to concentrate on acting as a full-time job. I have been part of several performances, including Ola Rotimi’s Man Talk, Woman Talk; James Omokwe’s multiple awarding-winning Awakening; Moses Inwang’s Torn; Jimi Odumosu’s thriller In My Father’s House; Cyanide; Apostates; Emerald; Heaven; The Hurrying Man and ahost of others. But the part I played in the movie, A Milefrom Home, got me the Best Actor in a Drama Nomination at the 2nd Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards(AMVCA) held in March 2014.
How did you see your romance with AMVCA?
My nomination at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards came as a pleasant surprise to me. It was totally unexpected and I’m grateful to God I was recognized for my works. I only did the best I could do and was open to anything that came out of it. I’m humbled and I felt glad winning the award. It means a lot to me. It has exposed me to a lot of people and more opportunities are coming my way. The award has placed me on a better pedestrian career wise.
Starring in A Mile from Home
It was just like any other project I had embarked on. I believe it was just God. The script was good, interesting and challenging at the same time. It was something we were all proud to be part of. The news that I was not paid for the job painted the producer bad. He needed to make a film and there was no sufficient fund as at that time. But he had to carry out his plans to shoot the movie because he believed in it. I auditioned for the film and I was part of it. It was under that circumstance we did the movie, but he gave his words that everyone will smile when the film is released. We all trusted him and saw ourselves as partners for the success of the movie.
How do you derive your motivation?
I feel life has been presented to us and we should make the best use of our gifts and talents so as to leave a mark on the sand of time. What drives me is the desire to leave the world better than I met it. I just wish I could turn it into a better place and I know my dream will come to pass some day.
What else do you do outside acting?
Acting is my full time job. However, I proof-read, edit books and articles. I write occasionally too. I also anchor events whenever time permits me. As a broadcaster, I used to present programmes on Unilag FM and Cool FM. I was also once a newscaster at the NTA.
Did your parents support you when you told them you wanted to act?
My family has been supportive. But it was a different story while I was in school. At that time, they were so keen that I should acquire a degree. People also discouraged me then. I was asked to go look for work.
What is your plan for the future?
I hope I can continue to do great films and be part of projects that mean something to Nigeria, African and the world. I plan to hone my skills as an actor to a point where I can work on any stage in the world.
Crush on fellow artistes
I do not have any crush exactly, but I admire the works of a lot of actresses. It is always wise to keep things professional.
What is your ideal woman?
I don’t think there’s an ideal woman or man. I am working on being a better human being. With time, I know I would find my own woman.
Between career and marriage
There should be a place for my career and a place for marriage. I understand how relationships can be a burden and a curse instead of a blessing so I think it’s just important to make sure you are with the right person.
What is your greatest fear in the industry?
Generally, you don’t want to get lost in the applause and attention that comes with being an actor or someone in the public eye that you then lose your humanity and your soul.
Are you fashionable?
I try to keep it simple, but nowadays, I am trying to experiment.
What are your likes and dislikes?
I am of the opinion that you can be here one moment and the next moment you are gone. I mean you’re dead. I’m generally attracted to people who are down to earth and humane.
Any regret so far?
There are things, decisions, actions that one will rather not have taken or done. Nevertheless, I think it’s toxic to live in the past. I’ve learnt to move on regardless of the situation of things.
Any advice to young actors
I am a young actor myself in need of advice. If I were to advise a person, I would say, ‘be sure this is what you want to do. Also, monitor your progress’.