By CHRISTY ANYANWU
Tayo Babatunde Bernard is half Egba and half Urhobo. The actor who features in Yoruba and English movies started his acting career while at Ogun State University now Olabisi Onabanjo Universty. Very funny and dramatic even when talking to you, he revealed that aside acting and stand up comedy, he is also a poet like the late Gbenga Adeboye and he’s currently working on an album which will be out soon titled, Agogo Oro. Also, he noted that his vision is to concentrate on stand up comedy with his acting career. He spoke about his firsts.
First day as actor
The title of the movie I first acted in is 14th of February by Paul Obasele. I acted with Stephanie Okereke, now Stephanie Linus in 2002. I played the role of a policeman with Zack Orji. Subsequently, I became a member of Actors Guild of Nigeria.
First Yoruba movie
It’s titled Owo agbara nla by Lukmon Raji and was released in 2007. I did one scene. I acted as an old man, a troublesome landlord that speaks different languages.
First salary as an actor
It was N5,000 from the movie 14th of February and I never expected money anyway. I felt it was a big opportunity given to me by Obasele to prove my mettle.
First car
It was a Benz 190 and I nicknamed it Agadinwanyi (old haggard woman) (laughs) it never messed me up. It’s a strong German car. I eventually sold it after three years.
First day as stand up comedian
I had stage fright because all I did in school was, Jambite night and departmental dinner night but coming to the labour market was somehow and I delivered. I did Laugh Caffe by the late Nicholas of Galaxy Television. I performed with Seyi Law, Baba di Baba. I still do that and I do MC, anchor shows and I featured in Ali Baba. I featured in Stand Up Nigeria 2016 edition.
First pet
It was a mongrel I named Bully and tamed well. My personal assistant sold it when I traveled to London. My PA is a Calabar guy and he ate Bully (Laughs) I came back and learnt the guy and Bully had disappeared but later he came and apologized. He told me he sold it but I’m sure he ate Bully.
First trip abroad
It was for the Afro Hollywood awards and I was nominated for The Best New Talent In Comedy award. I received an award in Stratford London in 2011. They paid for my flight ticket and accommodation. That was my first journey abroad. So many veterans were recipients of the award.