INTERVIEW: Many times, Tope Tedela ‘honestly considered quitting’

The name Tope Tedela may not ring a bell for a few but he is certainly making his way to the top in Nollywood.

The budding thespian surprised many in March when he took home the award for ‘Best Actor in a Drama’ at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, which seemed to have opened the door to many more awards.

Later in September, he received the ‘Lead Actor in a Film’ award at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The following month, he won the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role (English)’ award at the Best of Nollywood Awards. All awards were for his remarkable role in the movie, A Mile from Home.

Tope beat veteran actors such as Bob Manuel Udokwu , Nkem Owoh, Chinwetel Ejiofor, Majid Michel  and Kanayo O. Kanayo to those awards. Back in July, he had also received the Express Star ‘Rising Star Award’.

He was yet again nominated for the pending Nollywood Movies Awards for the categories of ‘Best Lead Male’ and ‘Best Rising Star Male, same as for the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards for the categories of ‘Most Promising Actor’ and ‘Best On-Screen Duo’.  Again, these nominations were for his role in the movie, A Mile from Home.

Tedela tells TheCable a lot more about a career that is certainly destined for stardom.

Background

I was born in a hospital at Surulere, Lagos. I’m the first of four male children.

I attended Ike- Ikotun Memorial nursery and primary school in Surulere, Lagos. For my secondary school education, I attended Lagos State Model College and I graduated from University of Lagos.

Journalism versus acting

The truth of the matter is that I always loved acting right from childhood and it got me into trouble often. At the time I was going to the university, I was made to pick mass communication instead of the theatre arts because my parents thought it was more professional.

I just like the performing arts, generally. I used to really like presenting. I used to present on TV and radio. I did a little bit of writing, too.

Even while I was in school, in my first year, I got an acting gig, playing the role of Julian in the TV drama, Edge of Paradise.

It wasn’t much of a switch from journalism to acting, just that at a point in your life, you have to take a decision on the path you want to follow. I had a lot of things that I was passionate about and that am still passionate about. You just have to ask yourself, ‘Where do I think I will excel more?’ or ‘Where do I think I will influence lives the most?’ When I asked these questions, I felt acting was it, so I pursued it.

Childhood pranks

While in the primary school, my friends and I would always act up dramas, just on our own. They were not organised by our schools. We were just kids being happy with ourselves.

On one of those our drama sessions, I was given the role to play the king and I was meant to bring a crown. I got home and naively asked my dad for the crown, saying it was meant for a school play. The next day, my dad took us to school and normally, he would just drop us and leave but he decided to have a chat with my school teacher, who then revealed the lie. You know that kind of situation. That stayed with me for a very long time.

The journey to Nollywood

The journey has been filled with some thorns but you have to keep having a positive attitude. To be honest, at many points, I had considered leaving because things didn’t exactly go as I wanted them to. When you are not really seeing results from jumping auditions, two or four a day. Sometimes, the pay could be ridiculous but they keep telling you to pursue your passion, that it’s not all about money. You look and see that you have been doing this for a few years and there is nothing really to show for it. You just want to run away into a comfort zone but I just felt this was what I wanted to do, so let me push it and not just give up.

I also have colleagues, family and friends who have been supportive and that really helps.I’m grateful for how far I have come.

Combining studies with work

It was difficult. I had to stop at a point, as it was affecting my grades. Even in school, I was involved with a lot of stuff. I was involved in my departmental stuff. At some point, I was the class rep and I was also active in my school fellowship. I had a lot going on and could not combine it with acting.

I would not advise one to combine work with studies, but there is a way to do it. I don’t like to see people start something they won’t finish, but if there is a way you can combine it, all well and good, especially if you don’t have much going on.

Success so far

I’m very grateful. It’s a huge honour winning in those categories and it’s humbling.

However, success is relative. There are many heights to attain. Awards are good but I just feel that’s not all. There are still many grounds to cover and many things to do. One could fall into the temptation of getting complacent but for me, I’m a learner. Luck or God’s blessings smiled upon me, but there is still a lot to do. This is just the beginning.

What next?

Thankfully, a lot of projects are in the works. Some will soon be out. Expect projects I’m featured in, on television, film and even stage.

Change in lifestyle

Change is ever constant but I still get away with a couple of things. I’m sure I bought boli (roasted plantain) recently and no one looked at me in a funny way or maybe I was oblivious of it. I try to live a normal life as much as I can.

Leisure time

I do a lot of reading and I love listening to music. I could just be in my room, play the guitar or listening to music. Other times, I hang out with one or two friends or go see a movie.

Relationship with fans

It’s pretty cordial as I appreciate their love and support especially on social media.

Love interest

Aren’t we all in a relationship? The basis of a romantic relationship, isn’t it love? I love my parents, I love my siblings.

Other interests

I host events and I used to do business. I write occasionally, also.

Advice to aspiring actors

Know the industry you are going into and know what you want. On the fundamental level, train yourself, ask questions and pray.