By Bolatito Adebayo
Fast rising actress, Bamidele Adunke popularly known as G-money, is no doubt beautiful and talented. The single mother of one believes it is much easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a lady to get movie role in Nollywood. Here, she shares with Entertainer her experiences, and also talks about how she finally found love after waiting for some years. Adunke equally opens up on her new movie entitled, Osan (Afternoon), which she says has been widely accepted by movie buffs. Enjoy it.
What is G-money doing lately?
I have a new movie in the market entitled, Osan (Afternoon). I, Bamidele Adunke aka G-money, wrote it and I used the production name for my son, Ibikunle Ibijuwwon Abiodun. The movie stars Ibrahim Chettah, Bamidele Adunke, Yinka Quadri, Tope Osoba, Jamiu Azeez, Dipo Olajide and many more.
What is the acceptance of your new movie in the market?
The acceptance has been great and people have been saying a lot of positive things about it.
For how long have you been in the movie industry?
For over eight years now.
What have been the challenges you have faced?
There are many challenges in the movie industry but the biggest of all is that of piracy. Secondly, there is a lot of politics going on in the industry. You have to know people before you are called up for jobs. So you have to mix with certain kind of people to get called for jobs. But I don’t know how to do stuff like that; I wait until I am called. And I’m not going to date anyone to get jobs either.
Are you saying it is much easier to get roles when you date someone?
Well, to an extent. I think it will be easier for you if you date some notable people. However, dating is not by force, they don’t force people. If someone asks you out, I think you have a choice to either say ‘yes or no’ to the person. Really, if we must tell the truth, if you are dating someone and that person has jobs, he will automatically call you for jobs.
Is it true that producers have to sleep with marketers in order to get their works out into the market?
I can’t say. But like I said earlier, it takes two to mingle. Obviously, if you are dating that person, you will sleep with that person. So, I don’t know if they are sleeping with each other because of the jobs involved and all that. I really don’t want to get into that because I don’t know the details.
Aside from piracy, what are the other challenges? Have you been sexually harassed?
No. I have never been sexually harassed by anybody.
Some believe that people belong to caucuses in the Yoruba movie industry, what caucus do you belong?
I don’t belong to any caucus. I am myself. I am G-money. I have friends, yes; loads of friends that wherever they are, even if they want to shoot a job, they remember me. They’d say ‘okay, let’s call Bamidele Aduke’, but I don’t belong to any caucus. If I belong to a caucus, that means I have to be stagnant. But since I want my talent to be well exploited, it will be better for me to move around.
Who do you look up to in the industry? Who are your role models?
I love Funke Akindele a lot, and I do look up to her for many reasons. She is talented, hardworking and well focused.
Is G-money in a relationship?
Yes, I am in a relationship. A very good one.
How has it been?
It’s been the sweetest and most lovable relationship I have ever been in my life.
Going into this relationship, were you not scared of your past experiences?
At first I was scared, but at the end of the day, he gave me hope and made me see the other side of men. I saw men in a different way with him. He is like a father to me, and you know fathers can never hurt you. He is my best friend who knows everything about me, and likewise, I do know a lot about him.
How did you guys meet?
We met through my movie, LIMA. He tried looking for me and luckily we became friends through Facebook. One thing about me is that, I don’t reply strangers in my inbox. You know it is hard to keep up with a lot of messages. But that very morning, I saw his message and I replied because I was bored. I saw he was much mature and I gave him my number and since then we have been talking. Things I have not seen in other guys, I see in him and it changed my life totally. I’m not really into church as such but he made me believe in God again. He also made me realise the importance of going to church.
You have a son from your previous relationship, what is his relationship like with your son?
He has been a very good father to him. He has always seen Juwon as his own, and my son loves him too.
Is wedding bell ringing soon?
Yes, by the grace of God. I have loads of hopes because my heart chose him. I want to remain with him for the rest of my life.
How do you handle your male fans?
I handle them so calmly and I don’t give very wrong impression to them. My fans are wonderful people and I respect them a lot.
Would you act naked for $10 million dollars?
(Laughs) It’s quite tempting but I won’t, because of my son and because of my family background.
What’s the greatest advice your mum gave you?
Always be satisfied with whatever you have. And she has always been like that. She is not the materialistic type and I am not materialistic either.