Tunbosun Odunsi is a celebrated veteran Nollywood actor who has graced the entertainment industry for over 50 years. Renowned for his impeccable English despite having only a primary school certificate, Pa. Odunsi’s fluency and eloquence have always amazed many.
Recently, he was a guest of Dele Odule at the City People Event Centre in Gbagada, Lagos, where he shared insights about his illustrious career in an interview with City People’s Abiola Orisile. Here are excerpts from the interview:
How did acting begin for you?
My name is Olatunbosun Odunsi. My journey into acting began in Lagos with the Olayemi Sycostration Orchestra at Ile-Nla in Ebute-Metta. They performed for churches, but because they wouldn’t leave Lagos and I was eager to explore, I joined the late Hubert Ogunde. I worked with him for almost eight years before forming my own group, the Araba Concert.
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You have been acting for how long?
I have been acting for over 50 years. Before joining acting full-time, I was a student and a member of the Sycotration Orchestra. After obtaining my G2, I fully joined them before moving to Baba Ogunde’s group. I also briefly worked at a company in Apapa as a machine operator before fully dedicating myself to acting.
Was there ever a time you felt like quitting acting out of frustration?
No, I never considered quitting because I took acting as my true profession. The nature of our job took us around the country and even outside Nigeria, which I enjoyed. However, I did embrace agriculture at some point, particularly animal husbandry, to finance my acting career.
Which movie catapulted you into the limelight?
Before the movies, our stage performances made us popular, especially during my time with the late Hubert Ogunde. Productions like “The Ologbo Dudu,” “Yoruba Ronu,” and “Otito Koro” earned me recognition. In the movie industry, “Idamu Padi Mi Kailu,” written by Alagba Adebayo Faleti, and the television performance “Inspector Adegboye” also made me popular.
How many movies have you produced?
I produced “Ejo ni Igboro,” my first film in 1983, followed by “Ayorunbo” and “Ogun Abele.” Although I wrote “Ogun Abele,” someone else bought the script and produced it.
How many movies have you acted in?
I have acted in countless movies, probably more than 2,000 or 3,000, both locally and internationally. Notable international movies include “Changing Faces” and “The Sun in Japan.”
Why do we see you less often in movies these days?
I still act, but I am also deeply involved in farming. I have a large farm in Ago Owu, Osun State. Balancing both professions keeps me busy.
