Technology: Actress Kenny Adepoju tells her story as Yoruba movie producer
Kenny Adeyoju is popularly referred to as “Iyawo Osun” in the Yoruba movie industry. She’s a wife, a mother, producer of over eight movies like “Temilola” “Osunwande” IyawoOsun” “Wahala Promax” “Mr and Mrs Promax” “Iya Ijebu” and so on. Kenny is a well endowed beautiful actress with a very curvy body and fresh fair skin. She has been acting for almost 20 years and has been one of the very few who are scandal free in the entertainment industry. In this interview, Iyawo Osun opens up on her journey and what she stands for. Enjoy.
Please give us a snapshot of Kehinde Adeyoju behind the camera?
Kehinde Adeyoju is a very hardworking woman, a very calm lady, friendly and very smart. I don’t poke nose in what is not my business and I try to develop my skills everyday.
Tell us about your growing up?
Growing up was quite challenging because I lost my daddy when I was 18 years, and I lost my mummy three years after my dad’s demise. I had to self- sponsor myself in school as I had limited support from people close to me. But here I am today, to the glory of God.
Aside from acting, what else do you do?
I do some other business on the side. I sell fashion items and I am also an influencer for so many brands.
Being a married woman with kids, how do cope and achieve family-work (movie production) balance?
Balancing the home and acting career as a woman particularly in our society can be tasking, it has not been easy at all, but I have sufficient support from my in-laws and I am so grateful to God for that uncommon grace. That has made life easier in that regard.
Is your husband in the entertainment industry as well?
No, not even close to it.
How old are you in the industry?
I joined Adebayo Tijani’s group in 2008. Do the math, that is over 15 years, laugh out Loud. So, me too no be a baby for this industry o. I just pray to God to grant me biig success to back up my story in this industry.
How many movies do you have to your credit?
If I am not missing any out, I am presently sure of eight fantastic movies.
What’s your most challenging role ever?
Seriously, movie making is never for a lazy bone because you will have to fit into a character that you have never experienced before. Most roles I have played were not jokes at all, but when I was shooting Osunwande that character was very challenging and emotional, but I tried my best to pull it off.
Would you say you are living the life of your dreams as an actress?
To the glory of God, on my journey and with my very supportive husband, I will say a big yes.
What would you say acting has stolen from you?
Nothing really because I am not of the opinion that you fake it till you make it. I do me and nothing but me always.
Do you have any regrets ?
None, I don’t have any regrets being an actor. Honestly, I am so happy that I am a filmmaker, so many good things surround it as much as you know how to play your game. Don’t over do you and never push yourself on people who don’t want you.
I must say that you are beautiful, and your body is a bang, how best do you maintain it?
I eat a lot of good food and drink a lot of water, rest and by minding my business always like I said earlier.
What do you think the Yoruba sector of Nollywood is not doing right that the other sector has surpassed?
If you had asked me this question like five years ago I would have known what to say, but for now the Yoruba industry is really doing so well. We shoot good movies and we have demonstrated resilience as technology and the world changes. For me, without no bias, I will say the Yoruba movie industry is the best for now.
When calling bosses in this industry, who would you call yours?
I trained under Adebayo Tijani and Afeez Eniola so those are my bosses anytime, anyday.
What is the most embarrassing rumor you have ever heard about yourself?
For now, no bad rumour. I always mind myself. You hardly see me where I am not needed.
How do you get your story lines and selection of your cast and crew?
All my Osun stories are not mine. I get support from a very skilled scriptwriter. But all the stories that I shot that are not Osun related stories were mine…. I think a lot and draw inspiration and ideas from happenings in my environment. Most times my stories do come when I am alone and I write them down, call my writer to do the fine tuning.
When it comes to the casting, I don’t let people choose my cast for me. I know what I want, I know the cast that is good for each role, then I go for the casting.
Who is your first run to when you find yourself in a big mess?
God, only God is my run-to because I don’t trust anyone born of a woman.
