Top Nigerian movie director, Adebayo Tijani, is one of the gladiators in the Yoruba movie industry. Without doubt, Bayo, who clocked 41-year-old has won several laurels for his outstanding creative efforts. In this exclusive interview with Pye, Bayo revealed some unknown facts about his career....
It’s generally believed that your movies are always a product of good research. Any movie directed by you is a hit back to back. So, could you tell me the driving force behind your success story?
You are one of the Nigerian filmmakers that celebrates the African cultures in your works, what inspire you?
Bayo: Because, I so much believe that our film always live longer than us, hence, we need to do it right because of the coming Generation. I appreciate my culture, I valued it alot. Its our heritage and i will guide it jealously.
Could you speak briefly about your background?
Bayo: I was born in Oyo town, in Alubata compound, Lagbodo area, Atiba Local Government. Oyo town. My primary Education was in Lagos, Community pry School, Idi mangoro Agege.
i had my secondary education at Anwaru Islamic grammar sch. Dopemu Agege. I graduated from
Federal School of Survey, studied Surveying and Geo informatics.
How long have you been in the movie industry?
Bayo: 1995
Which of your movies or movies you've directed will you describe as the most challenging?
Bayo: I went to a location like that, we ate food on credit at a location in the village with the hope that, we will get paid for the movie production after shooting. sadly, the producer was disappointed from his E.P.. Seriously I cried bitterly that day, because I was confused, i was also unable to settle my debts, not to talk of transport fare back to my destination. I decided to start begging people to assist me with money in 'fine bara' style, around the village.
How many movies have you produced so far?
Bayo: About 7 movies now but i cant count numbers of moves i directed...
When will you describe as your happiest moment so far?
Bayo: When I received my first award as a movie producer.
What is the thematic preoccupation of your new movie -Eni owo?
Bayo: Eni owo movie is an interesting, Educative and captivative movie. Must see by everyone.
[in yoruba language] 'Tani eni Owo laaye? (Who is the most reverenced on earth), we are all sinners. Ko si Eni owo ni bi kankan.(No one)
What are your experiences as a married celebrity with your female fans?
Bayo: Good, marriage is sweet.
What stands your wife out from other ladies you may have dated?
Bayo: She is God fearing and my chosen wife.
Are you romantic?
Bayo: i'm not Romantic, my wife is just managing me
Who are your mentors in the industry?
Bayo: Adebayo Salami, Ebun Oloyede, Rasaq Olayiwola and Muyiwa Ademola.
What are we expecting from Adebayo Tijani's world soon?
Bayo: Eni Owo movie is coming to ur nearest cinema soon