My stature prevents me from getting roles — Jumoke Aderounmu

Actress Jumoke Aderounmu in this interview with Punch says thus:

 Background

I am from Abeokuta, Ogun State. I am the second child and I have three siblings. I was born and brought up in Abeokuta. My childhood was eventful and fun.

Education

I attended St Bernadette Private School, Abeokuta. Thereafter, I proceeded to Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, for my post-elementary education. I studied International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. I graduated in 2009

Acting

I became interested in acting after I took an elective course at the Institute of Cultural Studies, OAU, in my first year. It was there that I met a lecturer who told me that I would make a good actor. I did not pay heed to his observation until there was a strike action that lasted some months. During that period, I visited Lagos and my visit coincided with an audition by Tunde Kelani. Because I was much smaller than I am presently, he asked me to go back to school when it reached my turn to be auditioned. He said I did not look the part because of my stature. His statement challenged me and I refused to leave his office. I sat at his reception until he finished auditioning other people. His staff graciously let me into his office again and somehow, I convinced him to give me a try. He sent me a script and a few months later, I got a role in Arugba. I played Princess Mobandele and that was my first major feature.

Family support

For a very long time, I could not even tell my parents that I had dabbled into acting. My elder sister was the only person in the know.  I only developed the courage to tell my mum when I realised that she did not have much longer to live and she made me promise that I would not bring dishonour to the family.

Training

I did not have a formal training but I learnt on the job under the tutelage of Tunde Kelani.

Challenges

I have a personal challenge and it pertains to my stature. I don’t see every other thing as a challenge because it is not peculiar to me. I am small in stature and because of that, I don’t get as much jobs as I ought to.  A lot of times, I would audition and even take the final reading only to be told that I don’t look the part. It is only recently that my stature has been helping me to secure roles.

Nollywood

Being a part of Nollywood has been quite interesting and tough. These days, everyone wants to become an actor but truthfully, life in the industry highlights the Darwinian concept of survival of the fittest.

Genre

I don’t think I have done a lot of Yoruba movies. I do more of English movies because I get more offers from that genre of Nollywood. Sometimes, I feature in Yoruba films and my character has to speak English.

Jenifa’s Diary

I play Esther in Jenifa’s Diary. In December 2015, Funke Akindele-Bello, invited me to audition for the role. At the audition, I was supposed to break a bottle but I could not bring myself to do so. That was a major flaw, but I got a second chance to prove myself.

Other interests

In 2010, I left acting to study a course in television production and presentation at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Training School. Subsequently, I got a job with Goldmyne Entertainment, as a producer and presenter.  In 2012, I also joined Concert Radio.

Movie production

For me, it is not just about acting. It is also about production but I am not prepared to produce a film yet.  I want to acquire more skills because if I have to produce a movie, it has to be worth the effort and time. I want to do movies the proper way  like Tunde Kelani and Kunle Afolayan do it. Currently, I produce my own television show which is broadcast online and on WAP TV.

Remuneration

The movie industry has been financially rewarding to some extent. Notwithstanding, it has other benefits and it gives you access to a lot of places and people. So far, it has made me financially independent.

Role models

I look up to so many people like Mildred Okwo who always looks out for me, Funke Akindele-Bello, Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, Joke Silva, Olu Jacobs and many others.

Fame

I have no airs or graces about me and I intend keeping it that way. There is no need to be arrogant or boastful.

Marriage

I have plans to get married and he has to be a God-fearing person. I usually do not like to discuss issues like this but when I see a man that possesses the qualities I want in a husband, I would know.

Relaxation

I relax by sleeping. I watch a lot of television and I also like to read.

Style

My style is simple. I don’t like to overburden my frame, so I like to wear things that look good on me and those that will accentuate my best features.