He
is Bolaji Amusan aka Mr. Latin. An actor in Nollywood Yoruba, for over 28
years, he remains in the movies. He shares with KEMI ASHEFON on why he loves
acting with ace artiste, Odunlade Adekola
Kindly introduce
yourself
My
name is Bolaji Amusan. I’m a native of Gbongan in Osun state. I was born in Gbongan
but spent my childhood in Abeokuta, Ogun State. That is why people mistake me
to be an Egba man. I attended Army Children
Primary School, Abeokuta and had my secondary school at Gbongan High School,
after which I relocated to Abeokuta, where I started working. I didn’t attend
any higher institution until recently when I enrolled for a programme in Tourism
at the Exceldel Institute in London, United Kingdom.
How did you derive
the name, Baba Latin?
When
I ventured into comedy, we had actors such as Baba Suwe, Baba Sala and so many
others. Then, I was always speaking big grammar on set. One day, a man on set
asked if I was speaking Latin and everyone laughed. The name stuck and I
decided calling myself Baba Latin.
What made you go into
acting?
I
never had intentions of acting. In fact, I hated it and dreamt of being a
footballer instead. I loved Segun Odegbami and I wanted to be like him. But
each time I played football, I came back home with injuries which I would nurse
for three days. I just concluded I was not destined to be a footballer. Later,
a friend of mine, who observed that I love to talk, dragged me into the
industry. He invited me on the set of a movie and I started to act. I still
love football anyway.
What do you do aside
acting?
I
am into business. I sell cars but I am very involved with my foundation, Mr.
Latin Foundation: Save a life today. I had to travel abroad to source for ideas
on how to help people and proffers solutions to their problems.
Why are your roles
always comical?
The
audience determines what we churn out. Unfortunately, that has stereotyped me.
Even when I want to play more serious roles, they will complain that the film
isn’t interesting! Whenever I am given a role, fans expect that I must be a
comic.
You are always
featuring with Odunlade Adekola in films. Any special liking for him?
He
is like a brother, a friend, and a colleague. He respects me a lot and I love
him. I have always loved him even before he became a star and he took to my
advice. You know Odun is also a very funny chap, so we blend well. Our
relationship is very cordial.
What clothes do you
like wearing?
I
love to wear jeans, shirts, polo shirts and other casual attire. I am not a
designer freak but I wear clothes that fit me. I dress to suit whatever
occasion I am attending.
Do you have any
favourite food?
Yes.
I love asaro (yam pottage) served with stew and fried fish.
How do you unwind?
I
am a member of Abeokuta Sports Club. I go there to relax. If I want to relax
indoor, I play a game called ayo in front of my house with my friends.
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