Mojisola Olaiya is one of the children of the famous high life musician, Sir Victor Olaiya.? While her father took to music, she decided to become an actress. Moji, the pretty and sexy actress came to the limelight while starring in Wale Adenuga’s soap opera: No Pain, No Gain: and she had since been known in the Yoruba movie industry.? She spoke with AJIBADE ALABI at her residence in Lagos.
Let’s start with your film, “Isese” how did you come about the title?
Isese is a film about tradition. It tells a story about our tradition, how we do things in the Yoruba tradition and how we can sustain it. You know, a lot of things are happening these days which are eroding our culture and tradition.? We therefore need to come back to our culture and tradition so that our children will know what it is.
It is alleged that actresses are fond of dating some set of people simply because they spend a lot of money on the How true is this?
I don’t know what you mean by that. But for me, I can speak for myself and say that am not dating any of such persons. And if you say actresses, what gave you the impression that these people are dating any of us?? To be candid, journalists are the ones who always make up these stories. The moment you see an actress with a man, you start writing things which are not correct about the person.
But some of your colleagues are dating them; or should I mention their names?
Please, don’t mention any names here. But I can tell you as far as dating such men you mentioned are concerned, I am a saint.
Do you agree that actors and actresses sleep with each other on location?
It is possible. Sex is an adult thing that requires an agreement between both parties. Since no one has ever complained of being raped, there should be no complaint about that. Other people in other professions also sleep with each other; so it is not a new thing.
Do you agree with me that there is sexual harassment in the industry???????????????????????????????
I don’t know, since I have never been sexually harassed.
Does that mean that actresses are not promiscuous?
Actresses are not promiscuous. The only thing is that they don’t enjoy privacy like other professionals. What a banker or journalist will do and get away with, an actress will never get away unnoticed. The problem we have is that we are celebrities; anything we do is always seen as news.
Have you ever dated any one in the industry?
Dating someone from your profession is not supposed to be a new thing. Even as a journalist, can you tell me you have never dated your colleague before? Bankers and lawyers each others; so, the question of dating a colleague should not arise.
But you have not answered my question? Have you dated any of your colleagues before?
The answer I gave earlier on has answered it all.
Who is the person you dated?
Did I tell you I dated anybody? Please don’t put words in my mouth.
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What is your relationship with your colleagues?
I have a very cordial relationship with my colleagues
I learnt you are at logger- heads with one of your female colleagues?
Who?
Are you saying you are not having an issue anything?
I am not having issues with anybody. Why would I have any issue with my colleague?
May concerning the be the issue of a man.
I don t know where you got that story from, Iam not having issue with anybody over a man.
Who is Moji Olaiya?
Moji Olaiya is just your typical girl next door. I am an actress and a businesswoman
How did you join the industry?
I actually joined the industry through Wale Adenuga Productions. I went for auditioning and I was given the lead role; so, I can say that experience brought me to the lime-light.
What is the title of the first film you featured in?
The first film I featured in was a performance in Wale Adenuga Productions.? The producer of Sunmibare, that is, Dimeji Ijaduade, came for me. I don’t even know how the deal was made, because it was done by Wale Adenuga himself. He was the person that bargained on my behalf, he just called to tell me that he has a job for me, and I went for it.
What was the experience like?
It was beautiful; it was the first time I was doing the home video stuff. The one I did before then was soap, a weekly drama. So, it was a wonderful experience mixing with crème de la crème in the movie industry.
Tell us your bad experience on location?
It happened two years ago. I was robbed in a hotel. I lost a lot of cash and important documents. I just arrived from a trip abroad when the incident happened. What made it so painful was the fact that I was the only artiste that was there, other cast members had finished their own part and left.
Have? you at any time regretted being an actress?
Not at all, I have never regretted being an actress and I never will.
Let us talk about your marriage.
There have been a lot of stories about it. Some people said you are no longer with your husband, others said you both packed it up due to your inability to have children. What is the true position?
I have promised myself that I am not going to speak on that issue for now. When the time comes I will say something about it.
People will continue with the damaging rumour if you don t talk about it now
Let them continue with the rumour. I don’t care about whatever they are saying. I have developed a tough skin to? such rumors; there is nothing people say that will move me
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So are you still with your husband?
I have told you I will not answer that question. When it is time I will speak out
Your marriage was—
(Cut in) Can you ask another question? I don t want to entertain any question concerning my marriage anymore. That is the reason why I put an embargo on granting interviews for now. I granted the interview because you are my close friend.
What are your plans for this year?
I want to go to location again, and come up with a good film that my fans will be proud of. I also want to achieve all my set goals this year.
A word to your fans
I love them all; they should continue to support me. I really appreciate them; they made me who I am today. And I am not going to disappoint them.
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