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…says Yoruba films are most watched on streaming platforms
Mercy Aigbe- Adeoti is a Nigerian filmmaker with many movies to her credit. Aigbe stands firm as one the most sought-after actresses with millions of followers. With success recorded from her first cinema debut, Aigbe isn’t stopping at making another cinema hit as she gears up for the release of her new project ‘Thin Line’. In this interview with MUTIAT LAWORE, Aigbe spoke about her forthcoming movie, changes she want in the industry among other issues.
Your first cinema project was quite well received, how did that make you feel?
Very good, because the reception was amazing. I was a bit scared because, like you said it was like my cinema debut. When Ada Omo Daddy came out, there was a lot of competition and then, the people that Ada Omo Daddy was in contention with were already established in the cinema. I was a bit scared, but I was confident because of my product. I knew that I had a sellable product. I was proud of the film that I was taking to the Cinema. So, when eventually Ada Omo Daddy did well, I was happy that my hardwork had paid off.
What are the lessons you took from Ada Omo Daddy that you are going to replicate in your new film?
I have a new film coming out on December 13 and it’s titled ‘Thin Line.’ I learned a lot from the experience. I learned a whole lot. At different points, I cried, I laughed; it was just very exhausting. But at the end of the day, it is also rewarding in so many ways. Some of the things I learned had to do with more PR and then I also got to know the target market for me. So, you make a movie to appeal to that because we have a certain audience that actually live in the cinema. As a filmmaker, you have to do a film that they can connect with and that appeals to them. That is one of the things that I learned from my experience with Ada Omo Daddy in the cinema. And that’s what I’m going to replicate as well as many other things that we’ve done better.
Can cinema goers be sure that this is going to be a December tradition? Also, are you going to also stay with the cinema culture and continue to produce for cinema predominantly? Absolutely. Whatever platform that we make money from. I have to explore all platforms; cinema, YouTube, streaming platforms, whichever. I’m a filmmaker and also an investor. I have good products, and I want to sell them. I also want to reach as many people as possible. So whatever platforms are available, I’m ready to explore. So, to answer your question, it’s going to be a December, December thing. Next time I may also decide to come twice in a year, or three times in a year, as long as I know that I have a good product that I want to sell. But I’m not just limiting myself to cinema. It’s going to be on all platforms that I can make money from.
On average, how many days are you on set in a month?
Except I deliberately want to take time off, I’m always working. I’m always on set. As I speak, I have producers that are texting me, calling my manager. So, I’m in demand. I’m a bankable actor, to God be the glory, and I’ve paid my dues in the industry. But I’m intentional about my rest or family time. Asides that, I’m always, always on set.
Are you considering Hollywood at any point in time in your career? Do you plan to also follow that trend and see if you could be the one to break into the international market the way others have not been able to do yet?
I take one step at a time. I think this is what I want to do, and I conquer it. I don’t know about everybody, but I want to get international recognition for my work. One thing that I’ve learned is that with social media, you can get noticed anywhere, you don’t really have to ‘japa’. Social media is like a village, so you can constantly put in the work, and when the opportunity comes, they will come and look for people here in Africa. We are blessed with talent, most especially in Nigeria; Nigerians are super talented. Most times, when international filmmakers want Africans, they would go on your social media to check what you’ve done; they will use Google, they’ll search and look up. So, for opportunities, you don’t have to leave.
The Yoruba section of the movie industry is currently getting a lot of positive attention. As someone who has been around for quite some time, how does that make you feel?
This is indeed a great time to be an actress, filmmaker and investor. I feel so happy about what is currently happening in the movie industry. It is what I had always wanted, and I feel blessed to be a part of it. Despite the language barrier, many of our films are some of the most watched on international streaming platforms.
You have made your mark both in the Yoruba and English genres of Nollywood; which do you consider your comfort zone?
I started out with English, then I crossed over to Yoruba. I made my name in the Yoruba movie industry. I would always say that Yoruba is stronger for me, because the industry contributed greatly to who I am today. That said, I would say there is no division in Nollywood. It is one Nollywood; it is simply the medium that is different. Yoruba, English, Hausa or Igbo – they are all homegrown Nigerian movies. So, I am a part of Nollywood.
As an award-winning actress and producer, how are you able to juggle responsibilities and still be at your best?
It’s not easy because aside from acting, I am also into business. I run a boutique; I am into fashion; I am a wife and I am a mother. It is a lot of hard work but I have a very good support system in person of my husband, my family. My members of staff are also very loyal. It makes my work really easy.
What key changes do you hope to see in the movie industry and how are you contributing your quota to its growth?
First of all, I would like to applaud the Nigerian movie industry. We are doing amazingly well. We haven’t got to where I think we should be but we are not where we were. In terms of technicality and the uniqueness of our stories, we have improved massively. We’ve always had amazing stories and great talents. I’ve always said that Nigerians are blessed and talented people. I’m excited that we are having a lot of platforms come on board in recent times. As a filmmaker, it boosts your chances of having a great return on your investment.
However, there are multiple challenges facing producers, including the limited platforms through which movies can be distributed, piracy and so on. The cinema culture has really been revived and it has become a hugely positive platform to generate revenue as an investor. We also have Netflix and Amazon. We are hoping similar platforms will emerge soon. This will encourage more investors to come to the film industry, and it will provide more revenue for the entire value chain – actors and producers alike. We are growing. I am proud that I’m a witness to it.
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