Peter Ijagbemi is a well-known actor and producer in the Nigerian film industry. He is the industry leader in Yoruba and English. In this interview with FEMI OGUNTAYO, the thespian—a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria and a master’s degree holder in theatre arts from the University of Lagos (UNILAG)—discusses his goals for 2021 as well as other industry-related topics.
What plans do you have for 2021 and how would you characterize your 2020?
2020 was a fantastic year in my life. God truly set my career path for me during that year. I’ll say that a lot of things changed for the better in my life throughout that year. I hope that everything goes according to plan in the year 2021.
Could you briefly introduce us to Peter Ijegbemi?
I’m a pretty chill guy. Let me clarify that I fall somewhere in between being an extrovert and an introvert. I’m a fun person who also understands when to be quiet. In addition to being a proud husband, father, and son to my parents, I am a married guy.
How did you grow up?
I had an amazing upbringing. Growing up was a fantastic experience for me because I enjoyed playing the roles of both mother and father. Although I was born and raised in Ibadan, I also lived briefly in Kogi and Ilorin. To put it simply, growing up was enjoyable.
So, what is your background in education?
My secondary education was in a boarding missionary school in Kogi State, but I completed portions of my elementary education in Ibadan, Ilorin, and Kogi States. I continued on to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from there, where I majored in performing arts and theater. I had a higher diploma in mass communication prior to that, but I had to choose theater arts instead of mass communication because I didn’t really enjoy the idea of communication.
Before pursuing a BA in theater arts in 2006, I completed the higher diploma. I then enrolled in the same course for my master’s degree at UNILAG, where I focused on dance.
I applied for a Ph.D., but I couldn’t focus on the program at the time due to my employment, so I just started another Ph.D. at the University of Benin by filling out a new form. In addition, I’ve completed a few professional courses.
How did you become a famous person? What brought you to Nollywood? For you, how did it all begin?
Because that’s how he rolls, Jeta Amata visited my school when I was a university student to conduct auditions. He enjoys using students studying theatre arts for his films. I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the winners, and that was my first feature-length film. I completed five scenes.
The film was titled Sarauniya, which means “Queen Amina of Zazzau.” Following my graduation, I traveled to Lagos and then Ibadan, where I joined ANTP, the Yoruba branch of Nollywood. I joined the caucus of my supervisor at the time, Biodun Lawal (Diplomacy). I simply felt that I ought to change after that, so I moved to Lagos and concentrated more on soap operas there. God has been dependable throughout everything. The most crucial thing is that, thank God, I have not remained stagnant as I have been going from level to level.
Which roles are you most comfortable portraying and which do you find difficult?
Each role presents challenges, so I can’t say that I have a favorite. I enjoy playing all the parts, but they are all difficult for me since I am not the character I am playing. As I am attempting to embody someone else, each position is a challenge to an expert in the field. Every role should be loved by a professional because, without love, you cannot possibly interpret the character well. Thus, I enjoy playing every part.
Are there any roles that, as a married man, you wouldn’t portray because of your wife?
When my wife married me, she was aware of the challenges she would encounter. She was mentally prepared for whatever she would encounter because she married me, an actress. I won’t claim, then, that my wife prevents me from playing a certain role. She will actually be the one telling me, “Baby, you can do this.” You might even think that my wife will be the one telling me to kiss the other woman if I had to play a part requiring me to do so because that’s what puts food on the table.
What, in your opinion as a thespian, sets you apart from other performers in the business? What distinguishing style do you have?
I think it is best left to the viewers to decide what makes me unique; I can’t really explain this. All I know is that I make an effort to stray a little from the norm. For instance, even if I was meant to yell when a certain thing happened, I make every effort to communicate my emotions without yelling while maintaining a very composed demeanor. All I know is that each person is unique because of God’s grace. I therefore find it difficult to claim that this sets me apart.
What difficulties did you initially encounter in your acting career?
Every actor has difficulties, but I believe the passion component is something we should focus on. When something is your passion, the difficulties are often invisible. There are many problems you will face as a journalist, but you won’t even notice them; we will be the ones to notice. Occasionally, after you’ve gone through that phase, you’ll look back and ask yourself, “How did I cope?” I was unaware of the difficulties when I first started. The issue that comes up most frequently, in my opinion, is that people wouldn’t want to cast you in leading roles due of your lack of popularity.
A day you will quickly forget yet never forget?
I hope that day will come for good even though I haven’t experienced it yet at work. However, that was the day I gave birth to my first kid, a boy. I was overjoyed on that wonderful day, which I will always remember.
How many films have you made overall?
I’ve only ever produced one film, which I called “Osojumi Koro.” That was four years in the past. Since then, I have not made a single film; all of the films in which I have starred are people’s works.
What is one thing about you that a lot of people don’t know?
The majority of folks are unaware that I didn’t dye my gray beard; it’s just natural. The majority of people always assume that I color it white, but in reality, I was born that way. That’s how it’s always been; I’ve never grown a black beard there.
Do you receive personal approaches from female fans? If so, how are they handled by you?
Just keep yourself in check. People will come looking for you, especially if they think you’re a good-looking actor. I can honestly state that I have never slept with an actress. Even outside of the industry, I get approached by individuals at events, and I just inform them in a humble and kind manner
How do you feel about the situation of the Nigerian film industry right now?
Taking into account the kind of films we are doing, I believe the Nigerian film industry is maturing. We are not falling behind in terms of talent; rather, it is primarily in the technical sector that we are behind. More funding is also required from the government and—above all—from private citizens. They must consider the film business to be one in which they may make investments. Check out their past; the majority of the excellent films that Nigeria has produced were expensively produced. In my opinion, we should return to our roots and prioritize more indigenous films.
Do you possess any untapped talent?
I was able to crack my fingers more than twenty times in one minute. Ijala and “Oriki” are two more chants I do really well, but most people haven’t seen me do in the industry because I’ve never had a part that required it. I have a secret talent: I have good sleep (laughs).
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