Picture Credit score: RMD/Instagram
Richard Mofe–Damijo has spent a long time as one in every of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces. From his breakout function as Segun Kadiri within the 90s cleaning soap opera ‘Checkmate’ to his commanding presence in an ever-expanding catalogue of movies, he has constructed a profession outlined by versatility, longevity, and a quiet sort of magnetism. He’s performed the whole lot from the suave romantic result in the flawed patriarch, every function a cautious steadiness of charisma and depth.
His contributions to Nigerian cinema had been formally recognised final yr when he acquired the Trade Advantage Award on the Africa Magic Viewers’ Alternative Awards, a second that felt much less like a coronation and extra like an inevitable acknowledgment of his affect. RMD, as he’s extensively recognized, is a reputation that carries weight. A presence that hardly requires an introduction in Nollywood.
However now, for the primary time, the actor is stepping behind the digicam, taking up the function of govt producer for his upcoming movie, ‘Radio Voice.’ It’s a shift he speaks about with each pleasure and a level of reverence.
“For years, I’ve had the privilege of bringing highly effective tales to life in entrance of the digicam. However this time, it’s totally different. Embracing this function as producer, I received to inform a narrative that had lived in me for therefore lengthy… Radio Voice is a type of tales,” he says.
The movie, a drama steeped in themes of redemption and second probabilities, follows a intercourse employee who unexpectedly turns into the saving grace of a struggling radio station. However simply as she begins to carve out a brand new life, the ghosts of her previous reappear, forcing her to confront the alternatives that introduced her there. It’s a narrative of reinvention, of survival, of the methods by which folks try and rewrite their narratives whereas the world insists on reminding them who they as soon as had been.
“It’s new, it’s thrilling, and if I’m being sincere, somewhat daunting, however isn’t that what makes the journey value it?” RMD displays.
For RMD, Radio Voice is a artistic evolution, an opportunity to form a mission not simply as an actor however as a storyteller with a imaginative and prescient. And with a forged that features Nancy Isime, Deyemi Okanlawon, and extra, the movie is already shaping as much as be one in every of Nollywood’s most anticipated releases.
In dialog, Mofe-Damijo speaks about entering into this new function and what ‘Radio Voice’ represents.
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Hello RMD, on a scale of 1-10, how excited are you?
I’m feeling like a stable 10 out of 10! Life’s good, and I’m embracing each second with gratitude and pleasure.
In a single phrase, how do you’re feeling about your Radio Voice and its launch into the world?
I’m feeling enchanted and completely elated as Radio Voice prepares to make its manner into the world. It’s a mission near my coronary heart, and I can’t wait to share its magic with everybody.
We’re used to seeing you mild up the display however, this time, you’re stepping behind the digicam as a producer. What made you’re taking the leap?
Curiosity, actually. From time to time, you’re feeling the urge to attempt one thing totally different, and that is me stepping out of my consolation zone and exploring new artistic floor.
You’ve talked about that Radio Voice is a narrative that lived in you for a very long time. Was there a selected second whenever you knew it was time to inform it?
Sure, once I pitched it to the director and she or he resonated with it like her personal story.
You’ve referred to as this movie private, however you’ve additionally mentioned it’s a tribute to girls. What’s the connection?
I used to be raised by a robust girl, grew up surrounded by girls, and have beloved and misplaced outstanding girls far too quickly. This mission is my manner of paying homage to womanhood. Past that, I’ve been impressed by the unimaginable younger girls making waves in Nollywood, and I felt it was time to shine a highlight on their expertise and contributions.
Nancy Isime, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Deyemi Okanlawon, Blessing Obasi-Nze – you had fairly the forged. What was it like bringing this story to life with them? Any enjoyable or unforgettable moments on set?
Sure it was enjoyable working with all these superb and gifted folks
Producing is an entire totally different ball sport from performing. How have these totally different facets of filmmaking influenced your method to storytelling?
Effectively, it was an thrilling problem. Discovering the suitable expertise isn’t simple, however that’s what made the method so rewarding. I knew I needed to go for one of the best, and I’m proud to say that’s precisely what I did. The result’s a forged that really brings the story to life.
You’ve had such an unimaginable profession, evolving by means of totally different eras of Nollywood. Trying again, what do you suppose has been the important thing to your longevity within the trade?
I’d say dedication to the craft has been key. I’ve at all times believed that development comes from continuously studying, evolving, and staying true to the artwork of storytelling. By committing myself to the work, whether or not it’s honing my expertise, embracing new challenges, or adapting to the altering panorama of Nollywood. I’ve been capable of keep related and related to audiences over time.
Come April 11, folks might be trooping into the cinemas to look at Radio Voice, what would you like them to take with them?
I need folks to stroll away with the message that love may be present in probably the most surprising locations, and whenever you discover it, it has the facility to beat all obstacles.
