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Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has been a powerful force in the Nigerian film industry for nearly three decades. She began her journey with a role in Tade Ogidan’s classic Owo Blow, though she became widely recognized for her performance in the English-language title Out of Bounds, alongside Richard Mofe Damijo and other stars. Renowned for her fierce talent, bold characters, and unwavering professionalism, Akintola has remained a respected figure across generations of actors and fans.
In an interview with Entertainment Editor Gbenga Bada, she opens up about her career, the importance of integrity, and her perspective on Nollywood today.
On her recent role in Kemi Adetiba’s To Kill A Monkey, Akintola said:
“They sent me a script, I read it, then I got a call from Kemi Adetiba. I liked Inspector Mo. I empathize with her, and I said, if it’s this lady, I will do it, and if she’s not, I won’t.”
Reflecting on her first movie, she clarified:
“My first movie was Owo Blow, but Out of Bounds came out before Owo Blow.”
Asked how she has remained relevant across generations, Akintola credited her faith and professionalism:
“First and foremost, I must be truthful; it’s been God. Without God’s grace, you can’t achieve anything. Also, professionalism— I don’t play with my work; I hate the idea of mediocrity. Whatever you are doing, if you are not in the first ten, why are you doing it?”
She emphasized the importance of carefully selecting roles:
“Apart from when I first started and was putting my face out there, I focus on films that promote women, the girl child, progress, or changing norms that are not working for us.”
On maintaining integrity over financial gain, she said:
“Poorly written scripts? I can’t stand those. Money is important, but it doesn’t make you. You must also protect your integrity, your name forever.”
Akintola deliberately studied theatre arts despite initial opposition from her father:
“I knew I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. The first year, I made it to the University of Jos to study Performing Arts, and my father said never. One day, he went to the University of Ibadan, got me the diploma form in Theatre Art, and said, ‘Take it and just go.’”
Addressing unprofessionalism in Nollywood, she explained:
“I’m focused on what I’m there to do. There are still professional actors like Kate Henshaw and Femi Jacobs. When the new actors work with me, they are on their best behaviour because I advise them whether they want it or not.”
On the state of Nollywood’s entry points for actors:
“It’s the same worldwide. Musicians, celebrities, TikTok sensations crossover. It’s just about money. If you can act, it’s better.”
She has also produced projects quietly, such as Circle of 3, and is planning a YouTube channel:
“I want to build my library first for about eight months and see what I can come up with.”
Regarding pay disparities:
“At the end of the day, it’s your negotiation and your manager. If you negotiate low, that’s what you get.”
Akintola shared her perspective on women and rivalry:
“Women are the devil. Why do women engage in unnecessary rivalry? Some people are only pretending; they see other women and instantly check them out from head to toe.”
On marriage, she stated:
“Finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, your person. My person died; it’s taken me so long to find somebody who will love me for who I am.”
She debunked the myth that actresses struggle with marriage:
“It’s in every industry. We are in a little box, so everybody is staring at us. It’s everywhere in Nigeria.”
On upcoming projects, she said:
“We just shot one film that’s going to the festival first; it might take two years before it comes out at the cinema. To Kill a Monkey is a conversation starter; though people hated me, it shows that Nigerians are all armed robbers.”
Finally, her advice to young aspiring actors:
“Go for auditions, follow the right directors, do a little act on social media. If you have talent, you might as well be called.”
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