It's impossible to ignore the reality of trading favors for acting parts, says Abidemi Adisa

n n

Abidemi Adisa

n

By Ayo Onikoyi

n

Fast-rising Nollywood actress and filmmaker Abidemi Adisa has acknowledged the existence of the controversial sex-for-role practice in the Nigerian movie industry, saying it remains one of the factors discouraging talented individuals from pursuing careers in entertainment.

n

The actress, however, disclosed that she has never been pressured to exchange sexual favors for movie roles since joining the industry.

n

Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, Adisa said the problem extends beyond women and is not peculiar to Nollywood alone.

n

“Sex-for-role exists and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. It is not even limited to actresses; men can also be victims. But we cannot stereotype Nollywood because the problem exists in other industries as well,” she said.

n

The International Relations graduate of Hudegbe North American University, Benin Republic, attributed her experience to her refusal to become desperate for fame.

n

“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex in exchange for a role because I am not desperate for stardom,” she added.

n

Adisa also spoke about the motivation behind her acting career, describing her passion for storytelling and admiration for accomplished performers as the driving force behind her decision to enter the movie industry.

n

According to her, watching talented actors bring fictional stories to life inspired her to pursue acting professionally.

n

The actress, who trained under veteran Nollywood actor , has featured in several productions, including Violence, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe and Akete.

n

Beyond acting, Adisa has also made her mark as a producer, with films such as Ota, Ojiji Ife and Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2 to her credit.

n

She revealed that she is currently working on a new movie project titled Iku Ore, which is scheduled to be filmed in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The movie tells the story of a woman who goes to great lengths to please a friend while neglecting her own wellbeing.

n

In addition to her career in film, Adisa runs a fashion business, combining entrepreneurship with her growing profile in Nollywood. She said her goal is to continue producing quality films while working towards becoming one of the industry’s most recognizable faces.

n n