From winning the 2014 BON Awards for Best Actress in Yoruba to clinching several nominations including ZAFAA and MAYA in 2015, Sheyi Ashekun is making a bold statement in Nollywood one step at a time. The Babcock University graduate recently spoke with Bisola Bello about her career, relationship and most embarrassing moment.
How did you venture into acting?
It started when I was in school. I did a couple of stage performances, then I acted in a soap opera in 2006 and with the experience and exposure, I knew I wanted to do this.
You are a graduate of Mass Communication, why did you not pursue a career in that field?
Acting is equally as challenging as Mass Communication. It requires intelligence. I love the adrenaline, the spontaneity, the diversity; the fact that I can be many different characters. I just feel fulfilled acting. More so, I was born to do this.
In 2014, you revealed that you were in a healthy relationship, are you still in that relationship or is it over now?
Three, they say is a crowd. It was a crowded relationship from the beginning. I do not like cluster and drama so I did the honourable thing – leave. Now I am channelling my energy and focus on developing myself, advancing in my career, identifying who and what is important and getting closer to my maker.
Would you say your career caused the breakup?
(Sighs) I really do not know how to answer that, but like I said, it was crowded from the beginning.
How did you feel when you won the BON Award for Best Actress in 2014?
SHOCKED!!! That is the only word that describes it. For days I was sure I would wake up from that dream. While waiting to wake up, the ZAFAA nomination in the Best Actress (indigenous) category came, and now the same category in MAYA and even my movie Fifehanmi was nominated. I am simply thankful.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I had a wardrobe malfunction on the night of BON 2014 and I did not make plans for another dress. Some friends convinced me that it was not really bad and people would not really notice and I could remember saying to myself “I will not leave my sit all evening” and then I was announced winner. In my state of shock, I did not remember the opening on my derriere until much later when I was back in my sit. Each time I remember, I still feel embarrassed, I ask “how much did they see, who noticed?”
What projects are you working on right now?
I am working on a couple of stories; stories people can relate to. Stories that will raise questions on the heart of people, stories of real people.
You are currently nominated in the upcoming MAYA Awards, do you think you will win?
I will always say this, getting the award is simply an icing on the cake. The cake itself is the nomination. Being on the list alone is something. It is a big deal, it’s recognition, it is a sign that something big is coming.
Who is your greatest competition in the best actress category?
OMG! Have you seen that list? Every one of those ladies is superb and brilliant. I will just find a beautiful dress for that night and set out to have fun.
Did your parents support your decision to be an actress?
My mom told me a story recently. She said when she was pregnant with me there was a female newscaster she really loved watching and she would pray the child she was carrying would work on TV. As God would have it, every job that has appealed to me has been related to TV. My mom has been the greatest fan. She has been a very strong support and a major reason I did not quit when things were really hard. My dad wanted me to be a banker. He loves the corporate life. My younger sister is now an engineer; so he doesn’t mind having an actress too.
What are the challenges you have faced as an actress?
In the beginning it was money; working for years and not getting paid. Now it is making enough money to be more comfortable.
What is next for Sheyi Ashekun?
Woooow!!! Big big question. All I can say is God is the captain of this ship and only He knows where it’s going.
