Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, recently spoke to Naomi Chima about her remarkable journey through the evolving Nollywood industry. From her rise to stardom and navigating industry politics to surviving life-threatening surgery, creative reinvention, and life abroad, Omotola shared insights into her life on and off camera.
Maintaining Her Timeless Glow
When asked about her radiant appearance, Omotola credited authenticity and self-acceptance. “I learned early to embrace who I am and just relax. I avoid forcing things or doing anything artificial that stresses my body or mind. I take life easy, stay happy, and leave the rest to God,” she said.
How She Entered Acting
Omotola’s acting journey began unexpectedly. While waiting for her JAMB results after school and trying to support her widowed mother, she accompanied a friend to a movie audition. “My friend went in first but didn’t get the role. I asked if I could try, and surprisingly, I got the part. That marked the beginning of my acting career,” she recalled.
Fame Before and After Social Media
Before social media, fame came with its own challenges. “Junk magazines would publish sensational stories, and I’d wake up to family calls demanding explanations,” she said. Later, platforms like Facebook allowed fans to interact directly. Omotola’s page was the first to reach one million likes, and her website saw record traffic.
Today, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (Twitter), social media has become more toxic. Misunderstandings and trolling are common, which caused many from her generation to step back.
Roles Reflecting the Real Omotola
Omotola believes no single character fully represents her. “I’m an ambivert—extroverted around people I trust but introverted in public. Some misinterpret my reserved nature as pride or snobbishness, which is why I avoid parties; my social battery drains quickly,” she explained.
Gratitude and Milestones
Reflecting on her 30-year career, Omotola expressed gratitude for multiple milestones: her Christian faith, timely marriage, career choices, international work, and recognition like TIME 100. She is also proud of her humanitarian contributions with the UN World Food Programme, Amnesty International, Save the Children UK, ONE, and Enough is Enough Nigeria.
Directing and Recent Projects
Although called a director for years, Omotola recently directed her first movie professionally. Her latest project, Mother’s Love, emerged from her Hollywood experiences and inspiration during a 2023 visit to Nigeria. Despite challenges like power outages and fuel scarcity, her short film RR was successfully shot in four days, giving her the confidence to produce Mother’s Love.
Marriage and Parenting Insights
Omotola credits her marriage’s strength to shared faith. “Misunderstandings happen, but we always return to our foundation in Christ,” she said. On parenting, she described her style as firm but loving, balancing discipline with freedom, and modeling respect while avoiding fear-based methods.
Life-Saving Surgery and Recovery
Omotola underwent a critical surgery due to overwork while balancing film production across continents. “It was terrifying and life-changing. I tell everyone to get checked immediately if they experience unusual pain. Don’t wait,” she advised.
Challenges and Advice for Nollywood and Young Actors
Omotola highlighted Nollywood’s lack of structure as a major challenge, despite her early advocacy for professionalism. She founded Tefes to formalize the industry and promote standards. She advises young actors to view acting as a marathon, diversify income sources, and maintain discipline to protect their brand.
Music and Artistic Pursuits
Omotola has released two albums, Gba Gbe E and Me, Myself and I, and plans to continue music alongside acting, merging both arts when timing allows.
Living Abroad and Lessons Learned
Omotola’s move abroad humbled her. “Fame came early in Nigeria, but living abroad taught me discipline, organization, and the importance of presence. Even small things reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”
Lifestyle, Fashion, and Personal Philosophy
A private person, Omotola finds joy in family time, spa visits, and travel. Her fashion choices prioritize confidence and comfort over trends. She enjoys seafood but avoids fish and emphasizes living authentically and gracefully.
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