Nigerian actress Toyosi Adesanya has alleged that several young women entered the movie industry not because of their passion for acting, but to get involved with established actors.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Nollywood on Radio podcast, Adesanya said she began her acting career in 1992 with the Odunfa Caucus, a theatre group founded by Taiwo ‘Ogogo’ Hassan, Yinka Quadri, Abbey Lanre and Ara Ọsan.
According to her, contrary to allegations that male actors often harass women for roles, some female newcomers were the ones who actively pursued actors and executive producers.
“There are even many ladies who came to theatre world because they want to harass men. That is there motives. When I was at Odunfa Caucus, I knew how many ladies who are after Ogogo, my boss Taiwo Hassan,” she said.
“I know how many ladies who came to join Odunfa caucus because of Ogogo and Yinka Quadri.
“Till this present moment, I know how many ladies who are running after stars. Some come to the theatre through someone who may be a marketer and now try to seduce another man. Before you see anything, they would have started dating.
“And that person who brought them does not have the power to produce a film. Because if you complain, they can blacklist you.”
Adesanya stated that she maintained her values throughout her career and refused to compromise herself despite different situations on movie sets.
“There are many film locations I have travelled to for makeup and did not give myself away,” she added.
“But now, there are people who do not have the rudiments of acting, yet as soon as they have N2 million, they call themselves stars. If you have your training under any caucus, you are given a stipend to manage yourself.”