I Would Have Loved to Be a Singer – Fathia Balogun

Award winning actress cum movie producer, Fathia Balogun is one of the most sought-after actresses in the Yoruba movie industry, what with her poise and the finesse with which she gives life to every role she plays in a movie. Little wonder the light-skinned actress and proud mother of two, keeps excelling, in spite of all odds, in her cho­sen career. Fathia who recently screened her first comedy mov­ie titled Iya Alalake, discloses, in this chat, why she is passionate about the Yoruba heritage, her new project and several other issues.

2015 started on a good note for you with the winning of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for the best indigenous film. Did you think you stood a chance considering the caliber of your contenders?

I did not even think about win­ning the award because I was there just like a normal guest attending the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, a replica of the Oscars. I actually went there to catch some fun alongside my colleagues in the Yoruba sector. When the nominee list was called out, I thought to my­self, that well even if I did not win at the end of the day, at least it can be counted that I got nominated for the first time at the AMVCA.

What went through your mind when you were called as the eventual winner of that category?

Honestly, I was totally blank, I couldn’t remember anything at that moment because I could re­member telling my friends that my name was wrongly pronounced and shortly after, I heard the an­nouncement of the winner and my name was called out. I was excited that I won on the AMVCA platform and what is required of me now is to put in more efforts into my work so that more of such awards can keep coming.

What is the inspiration behind the award winning movie Iya Alalake?

Well I think what makes an ac­tor tick is your ability to blend into any role you are playing. Over the years, I have been known to act in very serious movies but this time, I decided to shoot a movie that will make my fans see another side of Fathia. That was how the comedy movie idea came in. I sat down with some group of people and we made the Iya Alalake script.

Since the commencement of the viewing of the film in LTV, what has been the views of your teaming fans that have seen the movie?

I have been receiving good com­ments since we started showing the film during the Easter period, some of my fans were of the view that I did well in the comedy role, much better than the roles I play in serious movies and have voiced out their expectation to see me act such role in my next flick. I feel proud and honoured that movie lovers love me so much and what that ordinarily means for me is that I need to intensify my efforts in my job so as not to disappoint my teaming fans.

What project are you currently working on?

I just wrapped up the shoot of a traditional movie with the working title Sijuade. It features stars like Saheed Osupa, Adebayo Salami, Fali Werepe, Yinka Quadri, Muy­iwa Ademola and Femi Adebayo amongst others. The movie is cur­rently in its post-production stage and is expected to be released be­fore the end of 2015.

Why are you always particular about the culture and traditions of the Yorubas in your movies, knowing that you are from Urhobo in Delta State?

Because I love everything about the culture and traditions of the Yo­ruba people. It is rich in history and I thought it wise that it will be good if I help with the promotion of the culture and ever since I have been doing that, it has endeared me to so many people. My first tradi­tional movie was Asa and every­body loved it then I shot Torera and it was well accepted too.

So when do we get to see you produce an Urhobo movie?

I have been putting pen on paper as my people there are really clamoring for me to shoot a full fledged Urhobo movie in our local dialect. As we speak, I am working on the script. I just want to assure them that I am coming back home with the project and they will love it at the end of the day. I can­not forget my lineage.

In your own perspective, what is your definition of a good script?

A good script must be balanced on all sides depending on what you are looking to get and what your audience wants. Scripts should also cut across all genres, religion and ethnic group such that each sector can have the opportu­nity to pick one thing or the other at the end of the day. In other words, a good script is determined by its content and person behind it.

Despite your busy schedule, how do make time for your kids?

I don’t take my kids for granted, I create time for them despite my busy schedules. When I am not working I am always with my kids.

What are you most comfortable being, a movie producer or an actress?

I will say I prefer to be an ac­tress than a movie producer be­cause producers go through vari­ous challenges especially when you are on location and you would have to attend to so many people at the same time on set. At times you feel frustrated but it is impor­tant that you attend to everybody on your set as a producer. On the other hand, as an actress, when you are on location, you get pam­pered and when you tell them you are tired, they begin to beg you to come back on set especially if you have so many lines to take. In all

I still prefer to be an actress Even though you make more money as a movie producer, it is stressful.

Will it be right to say that since you ventured into acting, you have been smiling to the bank?

Well I thank God but not it isn’t every time but most importantly, I have not lacked in anyway. I am comfortable, I am able to put food on my table, take care of my kids and my family members.

During the election period, we saw a lot of celebrities campaigning for politicians. Will it be right to say that the Unique Charitable Foundation, of which you are a strong member, is politically affiliated with the All Progress Congress (APC)?

Well I stay in Lagos which is an APC state and obviously we at the Unique Charitable Foundation decided to pitched out tent with them. Apart from supporting the party, I love the people o make up the APC. That is the more reason why you see me and my other col­leagues in the foundation support them.

What is the Unique Charitable Foundation all about?

The foundation was solely cre­ated to give back to the society where we have stayed and have become accepted by the people. We celebrated our one year an­niversary in February and we vis­ited several homes and hospitals where we gave out relief materials and we hope to spread our tenta­cles to other places soon.

You are one of the few stars, who are not active on social media. Are you too busy to be active?

Sincerely speaking, I am not social media savvy but things will change pretty soon as my fans will soon get an opportunity to interact with me so well on that platform. My team is currently working on it as we speak because I don’t have a choice now than to be as active as others. My twitter account is @ fathia_balogun and I am on Insta­gram as well.

Some of your colleagues have delved into the production of English movies. When do plan to produce one too?

Very soon from the stables of Fathia Balogun production, you will get to see my first full fledged Eng­lish movie that will be shown across the cinemas, all things been equal.

If you were not into acting, what other profession would you have been in?

Well I don’t have an answer to that because I have a law diploma from Kwara State Polytechnic but I did not finish which means I can’t be a lawyer. So if I am not acting, obvi­ously I would be singing because I don’t like the 9 to 5 job, where you clock in and clock out.

You are in your 40s and but you look like you are 33, what is the secret behind your youthful look?

First it is God Almighty. It is he­reditary as well. Members of my maternal family have a youthful look. Besides I try to stay healthy always and watch the kind of meal I take. I am not the gym type, I just sleep and eat well, that’s all.