Adebimpe Akintunde is an actress, scriptwriter, producer and broadcaster. The Olabisi Onabanjo University graduate, popularly known as Wasila Coded, spoke to Qed.ng’s Bisola Bello about her latest movie, relationship and going nude, amongst others.
How were your days at ORISUN TV?
I worked as a presenter on ORISUN TV for a year where I anchored Miliki Express on Saturday. I started in 2013 and stopped in 2014. I was actually very popular among presenters then because I was very good at it and I got so many viewers.
Why did you stop presenting?
I will not say I stopped presenting per se. I just took a break because it was affecting my acting career which is what I really wanted to focus on. But I am currently working on my own talk show which will hit the screen next year.
Can you tell us about the new talk show?
I cannot divulge all the details right now but it is going to be interesting and fun. You just have to wait and see.
You have produced quite a number of movies. Can you tell us about them?
I started movie production the 2007 when I produced Oore Itunu which was directed by Segun Ogungbe. After that one I went on to produce Omotodun in 2008 which earned me my nickname. In 2010 I produced Obun. Then in 2012 I released Wasila Coded which was directed by Murphy Afolabi. Another movie is Adigarawolu which was released in 2014. I can proudly say God has been good to me. I just concluded my latest production titled Ana (Yesterday) directed by Adebukola O Fawole.
Would you say fame actually changes people?
I do not think it really changes people because I am still the same person I have always been. To others, fame changes them because they did not see it coming, neither did they prepare for it.
What singles you out in the industry?
It has to be my skill. I will not say I am 100% perfect as an actress but when you are talented your skills will speak for you and sustain you when other things fade away.
Are you currently in a relationship?
Yes, I am in a relationship. But only God knows where it is leading.
Who is the lucky man?
Since we have not tied the knot I will not consider him lucky yet. Who knows a luckier man might just be around the corner.
So you will not be walking down the aisle soon
I don’t think so. If there is something I don’t advice people to rush into, it is marriage. Even now that everyone is expecting me to bring home a man; I do not think I want to rush into it. When the time is right I will get married and hopefully be happy.
What do you look for in a man?
I will just say this; he should have loads of tolerance and understanding. I honestly do not care who he is or what he does. The first thing I look for in a man is his level to tolerance to my type of person. Because, my sister I craze well well (laughs).
Are you sceptical about marriage because you have been heartbroken?
It is not really about that. But that does not mean I have not been heartbroken. Actually, so many times, because I am way too emotional. But that was then. Now I am stronger and no one can break my heart.
Do you have any actor you enjoy working with?
I admire everyone in the industry. I am very flexible and can act with anyone that comes my way. So I cannot really pick a favourite.
Wasila Coded is a critically acclaimed movie to the extent that most fans just call you by that name. Did you think the movie will have that effect on your career?
Honestly, my sister, it is just the Grace of God. I think the major thing was that the character I played in Wasila Coded was not my usual character so it caught many people by surprise in the industry. Every time I remember what the movie did to my career all I can just say is thank you God.
How do you feel about acting provocative roles or nude?
As for provocative roles, it is in me. That is just me in plain sense. I enjoy a challenge. Nude or over exposed scenes, however, we know that is not good for our culture. Remember I am a Yoruba lady. But still, if the script says so, I will.
At what point in your career will you be accomplished?
When I start getting international awards and recognitions. For now that is just it.
What is next for Wasila Coded?
My new movie is Yesterday, and we just concluded the production stage. I managed to bring in Ibrahim Chatta, Jaiye Kuti, Jamiu Azeez, Temi Tayo Adeniyi, Biodun Olatunji, Olaitan Jewola and many more. It is a story I got from the prayer Ki Olorun ma fi eni ba ola wa je (God should not destroy the blessings of tomorrow because of what we are doing today). Believe me, there is a strong meaning to it. I do not want to reveal everything in details but it is a great work and I am sure my fans will enjoy every bit of it.
When should your fans be expecting the movie?
By the grace of God, sometimes in 2016.
