By Ayo Onikoyi
Nollywood actress Seyi Oyebamiji has revealed that her strength on screen lies in portraying mystical characters, declaring that she “particularly shines as a witch or spirit, reciting incantations,” a niche she says continues to define her artistic identity.
“I excel in various roles, but I particularly shine as a witch or spirit, reciting incantations – it’s a favourite of mine, and they often cast me in those parts. That said, I’m gamed for anything; there’s no role I can’t tackle. However, I’m passionate about reciting incantations and speaking Yoruba – it’s a language that resonates with me, and I love bringing it to the stage,” she said.
Speaking on her journey in the theatre and film industry, Oyebamiji traced her beginnings to 1994, when she stumbled into performance through a family acquaintance who was a drummer. What started as participation in school debates and stage performances soon blossomed into a passion, as she joined a theatre group that rehearsed in unconventional spaces, including bushes and eventually her family home.
Her move to Lagos marked a turning point in her career, as she joined a theatre collective led by a mentor known as ASPEN, where she gained deeper exposure to stagecraft and performance. She also acknowledged the influence of several early collaborators and theatre practitioners who helped shape her career during its formative years.
Despite her growth, the actress recalled the early struggles she faced, including long commutes between Surulere and Orile for rehearsals and extended periods away from home due to performance engagements. She noted that financial constraints and lack of equipment made the journey even more challenging, though support from colleagues and mentors kept her going.
On her preferred roles, Oyebamiji emphasized her love for culturally rooted characters, especially those requiring incantations and deep Yoruba expression. While she maintains versatility across roles, she admitted to being selective, particularly avoiding intimate scenes. She recounted a difficult experience playing a rape victim, describing it as emotionally taxing despite her commitment to delivering a convincing performance.
The actress also shared a harrowing incident during a film shoot in Oshogbo, where she narrowly escaped sexual assault after being left without proper accommodation. According to her, the attacker was someone within the industry, a reality she described as troubling.
Reflecting on family support, Oyebamiji said her father was instrumental in encouraging her career from the outset, while her mother initially expressed concerns over safety and frequent travels but later became supportive.
In her film career, she has featured in numerous productions, though she admitted losing count of the total number. She highlighted memorable collaborations with actors such as Ibrahim Chatta, whom she described as a calming influence during a tense moment on set, as well as other industry colleagues who contributed to her growth.
Beyond acting, Oyebamiji has ventured into production, though not without setbacks. She lamented the impact of piracy on her projects, revealing that two of her works suffered significant losses due to illegal distribution. In one instance, she resorted to selling copies of her work independently after a marketer failed to deliver returns, citing piracy as the cause.
She called on the government to strengthen protections for creative works, suggesting that digital platforms like YouTube could offer safer distribution channels for filmmakers.
On the evolving perception of acting, Oyebamiji noted that the profession has become more lucrative compared to the past, with growing investments in film production. She expressed optimism about the future, even encouraging her children to consider careers in the creative industry.
Looking ahead, the actress said she remains determined to reach the peak of her career sooner rather than later, with aspirations to build a lasting legacy, expand her influence, and achieve global recognition through her craft.
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