Every week, The Culture Custodian grants you an all-access backstage pass into the lives of Nollywood rock stars. You get to learn about their fascinating backgrounds, the behind-the-scenes stories, and more. This episode features actor, theatremaker and director, Najite Dede.
An alumnus of Nigeria’s premier institution the University of Ibadan, Najite Dede has made a name for herself in theater and film over the years. It appears her personality in the media is not well talked about, yet every filmic role of hers reveals a certain intentionality that is unique. Few months ago, in a bid to explore new possibilities as a creative, she found a new family in Guguru Media, a talent management outfit also responsible for managing the likes of Adunni Ade, Uzor Arukwe, Jude Chukwuka and Sharon Rotimi.
Najite Dede is known for Nollywood films such as 30 Days (2006), Small Boy (2008), Gidi Up, Ojos in D House, Ordinary People (2014), The Governor (2016), It’s Her Day (2016), Gone Nine Months (2017), Unbroken (2019-2020), Riona (2020), The House of Secrets (2023). Grown (2024) and Love Notes (2024). In Niyi Akinmolayan’s The House of Secrets she played the lead role of Sarah, delivering a notable performance in the psychological thriller.
This conversation has been condensed for clarity.
From your social media, it’s obvious you recently joined Guguru Media. What does this decision signify for your acting career?
I expect a turning point in my career; they know the business and social impact of the film business, especially as it concerns actors, and they’ve been taking really good care of me. Bless them! They’ve been doing their best to end my hermit crab stage.
How long have you been directing stage plays and when did you first get involved in Nollywood?
My debut as a stage director was in November 2004 in Po!, written and produced by Femi Branch. It was a two-hander starring Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and the late great Jaiye Aboderin. My life before then centered around theater, even though I’d done some television as a writer and a presenter. As I made more friends in the film industry, I’d hang out with actors at Winnies but I didn’t take going to film auditions seriously.
Can you recall your first acting role in Nollywood and what movie was that?
My first paid appearance in a Nollywood film also happened in November 2004 when I featured in Bar Beach Blues, produced and directed by Femi Odugbemi.
Apart from being trained as a lawyer at the prestigious University of Ibadan, do you have any other professional qualifications or training as an actor?
I obtained a PG Diploma in Theatre Arts also from the University of Ibadan, majoring in Directing with a minor in Choreography. I’d never worked so hard at academics in my life!
Let’s talk about Niyi Akinmolayan’s psychological thriller, “The House of Secrets”, where you portrayed the character of Sarah, a woman who struggles with mental health and has to remember events from her past. I’d like you to recall memories of that production and the extent to which you went in preparing for your interpretation of the character.
Sarah is my homage to many “broken but never bowed by life” women I’ve known. I took from their grace and grief to fashion the complex person made up as “Sarah”. Along with very intense discussions with Niyi Akinmolayan (The Director) on how far I could go with her. I hope I honored them all in that performance.
You also recently starred in the MultiChoice Talent Factory Project, “Grown”, where you played the character of Mrs Aje. How did you get to join the production?
I was approached by Desmond Elebua who was one of the producers for the project. He sent me the script which was well done, and it looked like it would be fun to do. Enjoying a character is a major factor for me when considering a project.
Having appeared on many Nollywood projects, which do you consider your most challenging work, and why?
Every project is challenging in its own way with its peculiarities.
Are there specific acting techniques or methods that you employ that distinguish you from your colleagues in the industry?
There are things I learned in school, and I also teach acting myself. But the focus for me isn’t on techniques. Except for a critic like yourself, nobody goes to watch techniques. People just want to be moved, made to laugh, think and feel emotional. When I’m teaching or performing, I like to focus on the essence of the story and the characters.
What would make you reject working on a project?
If the script is badly written, I would reject it.
What was growing up like? Are there experiences from your formative years that remind you of your talent?
I’ve had the privilege of growing up in different countries, and experiencing diverse cultures, lifestyles and people, which has opened my mind to the fact that human beings want pretty much the same things even though they may express those wants and needs differently. And most importantly parents who taught me to appreciate and respect these differences. There is beauty and value in everyone and everything. It is that diversity that shaped the expressions of my talent. There are “thousand and one” ways to be an actor, director or whatever form of artist one chooses to be. Knowing and making the best choices (in the moment) to amplify is what creates great performances.
It’s interesting to know that you are a sister to Michelle Dede and also related to the veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo. How have these family relationships impacted your career trajectory?
We are a family that believes in merit. We have worked with one another. I believe that I would not disgrace them if they were to put my name forward for any reason. Some influence from them would be great, but it won’t be nepotism because we are all supremely qualified actors.
Have you had to work with a difficult director or co-actor? How did you maintain professionalism?
Yes. Maintaining professionalism is not hard because this is work. I have a job to do and I have to leave my issues behind. We don’t have to like each other but I still have to treat everyone with respect, courtesy and professionalism.
Outside acting, what other interests do you have?
I direct theater plays. I am a dance enthusiast and I love reading literature. At the time, I worked as a fitness trainer. I have done a lot of sports, such as badminton, basketball, baseball, shot put, snooker, billiards, cycling and horse riding.
You will agree with me that many factors serve as a setback to the development of the Nigerian film industry. If you had the chance, which challenge would you love to solve?
It’s electricity.
Are you currently working on any project?
Yes. I worked on two projects this month. We just wrapped up one, but I’m not at liberty right now to talk about them.
As an actor or filmmaker, what dream project would you like to undertake?
As an actor, I would love to play a villain. That’s a role I’m hoping some filmmaker would give me.
