Nollywood actor and television host, Joseph Benjamin, talks about his career and passion
Why did you leave your background in Information Technology to pursue entertainment?
Talent met with destiny. I am driven by passion but I still have a knack for technology. It is not something that has been totally thrown out of the window. There is always a place for everything because no knowledge is wasted. The problem is knowing how to apply it.
How come people don’t know you are also a musician?
It is because I have not given that part enough publicity. I concentrate a lot on acting and being a television host. I started as a musician. I was singing in church and was also part of a commercial band. Music is not an experiment for me; it is something I understand well. It is a part of me that would probably make up the entire entertainment package in me.
How did you end up in the entertainment industry?
Talent found its place. Time and chance played their part too. One particular call opened the door for the others and it has been a success story.
What initial challenges did you face as a starter?
Trying to break into the system; push forward; make a mark and impress people were some of my challenges. They are the regular challenges every beginner will face. But tenacity and perseverance are what determine how far you would go and they kept pushing me. I did move forward eventually.
How do you juggle all that you do?
They are intertwined. They are both entertainment and show business. I check my schedules to accommodate whichever comes first. If it fits in, I would take it up. If there is a clash, I would find a way out. Sometimes, I could let go of one for the other.
What would you attribute your success to?
I trust in God, I am hardworking and dedicated. Those are the greatest recipe for success. Your foundation is strong and He is at the centre of everything. You also have to put in your own time to get good results.
How do you improve yourself in your career?
Knowledge is a timeless platform. It does not have an end and no knowledge is ever wasted. It is not time bound; neither does it have an age restriction. Every day of my life is a learning process. As I grow in my career, I learn and draw inspiration from a lot of things. The smallest and most insignificant of things could inspire me. I can’t narrow it down to a particular format or model but I train myself and learn on the job. Recently, I have been thinking of doing something to garner up more strength and acquire some knowledge as regards my craft. However, until now, everything has been self-taught and I have been understudying a lot of people.
You play more of romantic roles…
That is the way it has been coming. I think it is a follow up to things I have done in the past, people who employ my services lean towards the things they have seen me do. I have told myself that I would not put myself in a box or situation where they typecast me. That’s dangerous and creates a particular personality or style for you. I have taken quite a few roles that show my versatility.
What motivates you?
The fact that people are encouraged and enjoy what I do motivates me. I am happy that I put smiles on their faces. I get encouraging feedbacks and it gives me the drive to keep going on. It makes me understand that I am not on the wrong path or career.
Do you consider yourself successful?
Success is relative. For me, my career has grown. I may not have achieved all that I set out to achieve but I have achieved a whole lot. I could say that I am a success because I have been able to achieve a lot and make a landmark in my career.
Talk about your hard times before you went into the entertainment industry?
Everyone has a story and a journey. I had a point in my life when I went through a lot of ups and downs. It was a phase and training process for me. That part of my life is what formed the very fabric of who I am today. I did a lot of menial jobs to make ends meet.
What kind of menial jobs did you do?
I worked as a bus conductor; I worked in the bakery and as a waiter in a restaurant. My life and story are an inspiration to a lot of people. It gives them hope and makes them understand that nothing is impossible. As long as you set your mind to it and you have God by your side, you can achieve anything you want to achieve. People should never give up. Wherever they find themselves does not determine where they are going to be. There are no limitations in life. Limitations are the things we allow to settle in our minds. Once you are able to push yourself, everything is achievable as long as God is your foundation. Determination and faith pave the way for success.
Have you experienced bad press in your career?
It is common with our job. Over time, one should learn how to overcome these things, move on and don’t allow them to determine how one responds to or moves forward in one’s career. You can’t live without newsmen because they are determined to make news for themselves. They are not our enemies but our distant friends. They have firsthand information about us and they would throw in a word for us irrespective of the situation. The relationship we have with them is professional.
What led to your separation from your wife?
I have chosen not to speak about anything concerning me and my personal life anymore. I have chosen to draw a line there.
How do you spend time with your kids?
My personal life has nothing to do with publicity. It’s private and personal.
How do you handle the competition in the industry?
There is space for everyone. I do not see myself in a competitive ground. Every man has his own unique ability and something he brings to the table. I cannot be replicated. It is only when you get intimidated by someone else that you allow the competitive ability get into you. If you understand that you are a unique personality, you will not allow yourself get intimidated or get into competition. It is like a potpourri; every man brings his own contribution to make a good meal.
Do you have any reservations about switching from one arm of entertainment to another?
As long as you can handle it, it is simple. But if you cannot handle it, then stick to one and be a master of one.
How do you handle criticisms from people?
I am mature about it. Every man is entitled to his opinion. How one person views me could be different from the way another person does. The way they interpret their views is their right. I consider what I am told and look at it intently to know if it is constructive, and what I need to do or readjust to get better. If it is not constructive, I dust my feet and move on. I do not expect everyone to love me.
What informs the way you dress?
Style, to me, is an outward expression of what you have inside you. My motto is to keep it simple. Simplicity is key and I also have to be comfortable in what I wear. I am not given in to brands and trends. I believe less is more.
What are your hobbies?
I like to watch movies and eat. Plantain is my best meal, whichever way it is cooked.
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