Interview With Olayode Juliana (Toyo-baby)

Host: Good evening. We're glad to have you here. Can you please share your story and all other things that we need to know about you and how life as treated you in the past years?

Toyobaby: I am Olayode Juliana and I am delighted to be a part of this tonight. Thanks for having me.

I was given a template, so I'll just stick to in order for the purpose of this session to be achieved and of course to maximize time.

Growing up for me was dramatic and adventurous. I had my fair share of ups and downs and I had fun here and there but looking back now I must say that I am grateful for every phase of growing up.

 

Host: How did acting start for you?

Toyobaby: I started acting from Junior church, I acted during CHILDREN ANNIVERSARY in church, then I was in DEBATING/DRAMA CLUB in secondary school. I became the president of the club before I graduated from secondary school and I got a couple of awards. However, acting started professionally for me in 2013. I was on my way to church for choir rehearsals one Saturday evening. When I got a call from my friend who told me to meet her somewhere not too far from church for a movie audition. I did not want to go but she persuaded me and that's how I found myself at the audition venue.  The crowd at the venue made me wonder if it was an audition or a party and to see how people were dressed as though they came for a pageant competition weakened me. I just wanted to find my way out of the place, but my friend won't let me so I stayed back.  When it was my turn to be auditioned, my eyes began to fail me as I could barely read a sentence correctly because I was nervous. I did not know that I could stammer until that day.

The judges were nice enough to give me some time to go through the script. So when I came up the second time, I did better and that was how I got my first professional role as an actress. For Jenifa's Diary,  I got a BC (broadcast message)  from a friend which I ignored until he reached me and told me to read it.  I didn't like reading BCs especially when they are ridiculously lengthy. I went through it and told him that I will not attend the audition because before then,  I had attended several other auditions and didn't get a role even though they promised to get back to me. So I assumed they already have their casts and attending any audition is a waste of money and time. 

Thanks to my DEE (Mr Timilehin Adigun) who encouraged me to go and my friend DABEST (Temitope Dada). I went for the auditions and I got a call back for three other stages of the audition  and all THANKS TO JESUS, I got the role of Toyosi  in Jenifa's Diary.

Host: What are your challenges so far?

Toyobaby: In life challenges are inevitable but we must face them no matter what and give all it takes to overcome them. The challenge  so far for me is that the industry is very large and there are lots of actresses who would do just anything to be in the lime light. Somehow it's so hard for you to be in the industry and stay clean. I have to create  a brand for myself and stay true to my brand with the help of God and DEE who keeps ringing it in my head what I represent and whose I am. I watch the kind of role I take because of the brand that I represent. I must say that it has not been easy but God is faithful. In a world where people are doing just anything for fame and doing anything just anything to be on screen, One has to stand for something even if it means standing alone.

I have had to turn down different job offers because of my brand no matter the pay,  just this week on Thursday precisely I had to turn down a job offer because of the language and some other things expected of the character to do. It's a lot of sacrifice I tell you. Shinning your light in a community full of darkness can be so frustrating and draining. Interestingly they tell me stories of people who came into the industry like me but are no longer standing for what I am standing for because  they don't get jobs and even if they do it won't be the major role and they won't  be played as much as they pay the others. 

 

I always say to them that I didn't come into the industry  of my on accord. My father sent me,  I don't mind being the "MOSES" but I will stick to my brand and pave the way for others coming after me and let them know that one can stand for Christ in the industry and still make it big of they STICK TO THE PROCESS AND HIS LEADING. 

I know that I am about my father's business and He will keep me. The labourers and few. He will certainly  keep the few ones,  He left 99 others to look for 1, He definitely will not leave me. That is the confidence I have that My Father is with me and He is holding my hand. 

Times will soon change because my Father is working things out. People will know that with good you can get to the peak of your career in the entertainment industry.

 

Host: Can you tell us some of your other experiences?

Toyobaby: My other experiences. I sing,  I write, between if you have not read my book REBIRTH please get it and read it.  I am a radio presenter, I am an advocate of sexual purity. I am a costumer,  a producer and a director. 

I also love speaking to people, inspiring  and motivating them.

Host: What are your achievements?

Toyobaby: I am a CHRISTIAN and the author of REBIRTH. I have written, produced and directed my short film that will be out for everyone to see really soon. I have also featured in several movies and TV series. 

I have several awards to my name. 

I am the face of several magazines.

I am a voice and advocate of sexual purity amongst others

Host: What is your advice to readers out there?

Toyobaby: Please stay in God, Many times we feel forsaken and alone, we feel like he is so far from us. Know that nothing  lasts forever. Celebrate and rejoice with people. I wish you all the very best. Thank you so much once again for having me. God bless you

Host: Thank you for staying with us thus this far. We have a question for you, ma. Rumours here and there saying you left Jenifa's Diary, how true is that?
Toyobaby: (smiles) I didn't leave Jenifa's diary o.


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