I Will Have Children At The Right Time—Nollywood Actor, Yomi Fabiyi

Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, is not a new name in the industry as he has gradually become a household name in the movie industry. The actor who has been faced with various criticisms, is not allowing that affect his career as he reveals to Nollywoodgists.com that once he is ready to have kids, he will start as he wants to make the right choice to avoid mistakes.

You have been long in the industry, what can you say is the challenges facing it and way forward?

A quite number of things. And honestly the industry needs fresh and pragmatic ideas that will sincerely save the industry from nose-diving.

A colleague of yours in the industry once said that both the professionals and the practitioners are bad which is why the industry is not growing (Yoruba movie)is that true?

I am afraid I cannot comment on such as I didn't read the full text of the interview or know from which angle the person is speaking from. I rather save my breathe on that.

But why is it that the Yoruba movie producers hardly take their movies to the cinemas for premiering like the English producers?

I don't know what you mean by English Producers. Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, Tade Ogidan, Funke Akindele, Dayo Amusa, Iyabo Ojo, Sewa Coker, Foluke Daramola and so on are example of yoruba producers that have attended the cinemas. I only believe there are criterias for accepting a movie in top flight cinemas and any quality movie will make the cut though what we have now, foreign movies have priority than local contents and that is a topic for another discussion if I am permitted.

OK, the English movie industry and the Yoruba aspect, which is more promising?

There is no basis for comparison. Comparison is a prove of nothing. I can flourish either as a Yoruba or English speaking actor. So I prefer to talk about the movie industry and not a clan.

But it has been observed that the Yoruba aspect prefer having their organisation rather than uniting with the Actors Guild of Nigeria as one body, why is it so?

What a misconception. If I am not mistaken, the first film maker to commercialize theatre in Nigeria is Late Dr. Hubert Ogunde. This is the same man with some movie legends of them started an organisation that will seek after the welfare of film makers. And till today, none of these associations or guilds has been enacted into law or official gazzatte of the federal government. Anybody for now is free to form any group or caucus until the government create a door for the movie industry. This door will provide a particular pre-requisite before you become a professional film maker. This body will be the only central and unifying licensed body established and legal under the law. Individuals that passed through this central body can within form or continue voluntary organisations like we have now. Until then, none has the autonomy of the core-professional film making body.

What is going on between you and Saudi Balogun?

The only thing I know is that he is an actor and a senior colleague.

What was the reason for you leaving TMA for TAMPAN, does it mean your dream of a great movie industry could not achieve under the umbrella of TMA?

Some things are better left unsaid. I later joined TAMPAN because as an actor most of the people I leaned on when I was starting off over a decade ago are there, they are welcoming and was patient with some of my previously wrong steps yet making me understand they will always welcome my likes among them as at when due. It is the kind of body and structure a lot want that is been put in place in TAMPAN. It will be very easy for majority not yet with them to fall in places under them now, not just me alone.

Are you aiming for any position in TAMPAN now since they need fresh ideas from your likes?

I have never thought of it for a minute. Though this is a body that has most of my boss as founding fathers. It will be hard to reject their request but I don't see that coming. I didn't show interest to contest and nobody is yet to ask that I serve in any capacity. But as a member though with limited powers and chances, I will still offer my little contributions. I want to believe they have good guys vying for different positions already.

OK, you are with TAMPAN, how will you manage the affairs there at the same time manage your NGO 'save Nigeria movie industry?

I am only a member with TAMPAN, however my NGO is a Nigeria Project not for the movie industry alone. But for clarity, our 1st project in the Save Nigeria Project is #SAVENIGERIAMOVIEINDUSTRY. We aim to focus on a scale of preference those sectors of the Nigerian economy that are malfunctioning, abadoned or ill-equipped and has invariably kept the social-economic state of this country into perpetual life support and intensive care unit. As film makers for the first time in this side of the atlantic, we wish to contribute directly our quota to national development and restore the integrity of this nation. So nothing conflicts. The Save Foundation is a vehicle I need to spread my gospel and I can journey with several other related vehicles, provided we aim at common goal.

OK sir, what is your take on single parenting because in Nigeria, parents like that find it difficult to get hooked and it seen as a stigma?

It is so sad that this country is yet to come to terms with the fact that the basic foundation of marriage has been broken. Parent don't investigate the family their wards are going into, children get married for wrong reasons. Marriages no longer last. Yet the stigma attached to single parent in the old days is yet to leave. Some spouse are better of alone with their children than in that marriage. If the stigma is taken off and people can understand that there is clear difference between marriage and making children. Some men marry their wives for the sole aim of making children and get someone to keep and lord over at home. If you think your marriage gives you too much pain and you have your hand work or employment, go after your peace and happiness. Young couples these days are too violent and dangerous. What they do to other people's spouse readily comes to their mind at any slight suspicion. Most lead to injuries, maimness and death.

Do you have any child before marriage and why is it that women are the ones at the receiving end and not the men?

I have son, his name is oluwaMETOMI. It is peculiar to the women because they are larger in number, they are weaker vessles and they trust quickly. But all in all, not everybody are meant to be together, most especially majority of us scale fences and hurdles of a normal relationship and head straight for marriage.

How old is he, is he living with you and what is the relationship like between him and your new wife?

My boy is with his mother in South Africa. No relationship yet.

Do you still care for his upkeep because some Nigerian men ignore that aspect once there is crisis?

My brother, that is a funny question. I will always care for every legitimate child of mine except where the mother wish to run a charity and arrogantly takes over all responsibilities. And honestly, it is not easy for either a man or a woman to single handedly raise a child. Those that do such are really trying. Kudos to them no matter their alibi's.

You recently accused someone of not wishing you well because of your choice of marriage, how true is that and why?

Ha Ha, wish me well indeed. The person retorted that I should consider what people will say if I marry such a person. I don't live my life on public opinion. Sometimes, people need something to talk about. I alone know the real reason I went into the union and it is nothing to do with the widely opinioned two. Though I am not willing to convince anyone further. I do what pleases me and gives me joy, temporarily or permanently provided it is nothing criminal, immoral or anti-social.

You said in an interview that you married a foreigner because they are more understanding. Are you saying Nigerian women are not understanding?

I am sure you know by now I have my personal experiences. I have asserted that from what I have gone through. The other few Nigerian women I would have love to be with despite my terrible and hurty experiences are taken or not looking at my side. I have to appreciate what I have at the moment. No malice was intended against Nigerian women.

You are successful but not ready to have another baby yet, what are aiming at when the capital is there to take care of the baby?

Another child or children will come. It is not easy raising one let alone two, three and so on. I just wish to have my children with the right woman. A wrong one hurts for a long time if not for life.

But you have the right woman already, because people will like to come rejoice with you?

They will be welcomed when the time is ripe. Na small remain

So, what should your fans be expecting from you anytime soon?

My two movies. One is English "FATHER MOSE" and the other a yoruba movie "METOMI". Then my foundation SAVE FOUNDATION

OK, is your wife base here in Nigeria or England?

England for

so how do you cope with cooking, washing and other things?

I get help where necessary. Manual or Mechanical help.