My Life In Nollywood: Olawale Morgan Junaid

Every week, The Culture Custodian grants you an all-access backstage pass into the lives of Nollywood rock stars. You learn about their fascinating backgrounds, the behind-the-scenes stories, and more. This episode features fast-rising actor, Olawale Morgan Junaid.

The story of Olawale Junaid is beautiful but with rough patches.  His parents  separated while he was young. His mother was into education, while his father was an engineer and real estate consultant. Growing up in Ijebu-Ode, he lived with different relatives. His boarding school days at the boys-only government college, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, were marred by experiences of bullying, bad company and academic underperformance. But things would take a wonderful turn, thanks to a relative whose foster presence straightened his life and provided the golden opportunity to aspire for excellence. Reflecting, in hindsight, on his traumatizing beginnings, Junaid takes a swipe at the ineptitude of supervising authorities of his hostel days and hopes to “open a foundation for children from disadvantaged homes some day.”

Junaid is perhaps most recently remembered for his supporting role as Tolu the younger brother to Akin in the 2024 Prime Video Christmas-themed film, A Danfo Christmas. Directed by Sebastian Ukwa, the  film explores a family’s financial hardship amidst a conflict-ridden Yuletide reunion. In the film, Tolu, traumatized by the demise of his wife, mismanages the family’s collective inheritance.

When it was least expected, Junaid had gotten a place in Nollywood. In 2018, after his youth service,  he relocated to Lagos. A friend of his, also new to the city, had informed him of an acting opportunity that landed them on the set of Jenifa’s Diary as extras. Junaid associated with the then Scene One Productions, a film company co-owned by JJC Skillz and Funke Akindele, which opened more doors for him. Ever since then, he has navigated the industry with guts and faith. Looking back, he credits his growth so far to mostly women, including Joy Isi Bewaji, Uche Jombo and Funke Akindele. He also believes in the empowerment of women, describing himself as “pro-feminism, the positive side of the movement.”

Junaid’s refusal to be economical with the truth makes his personality the more attractive. He laments over the prejudice towards developing actors like himself in the industry and complains about the declining quality of storytelling. “Nollywood is all about the faces and influence,” he says. “People don’t pay attention to the skills because most producers just want to make money. That is why we make a lot of shabby, low-quality films.” However, the presence and influence of streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video provides talented but not-too-famous actors like himself a level playing field. These outfits, he believes, are just interested in good films. “If A Danfo Christmas wasn’t going to a streaming platform but instead a traditional one it’s possible I won’t get the role because I don’t have the face to sell the film,” Junaid admits.

Junaid also starred as Corper Ray in Aiyetoro Town, Ben in Symphony, Kenneth in One Way, Larinto in Itura, Ojo in Battle On Buka Street, and Elijah in Dr Love series, among Nollywood productions.

This interview with Olawale Junaid has been edited for clarity.

What inspired you to pursue an acting career?

In 2018,  I followed a friend to a film location where they needed extras. It turned out to be Jenifa’s Diary set. Meeting Funke Akindele , her ex-husband JJC Skillz and a couple of the series’ main characters was surreal for me because, when you live in Ijebu-Ode, you don’t get to see a lot of celebrities. I think we were paid #3,500 that day but I was more satisfied with the experience itself.  JJC Skillz came around to inform us he was shooting a web series and wanted us to be a part of it. That was when I got featured in House Helps. While I was on the set, people were impressed with my performance and I was told I had the talent to pursue a career. That was when I started attending more auditions and doing stage plays. 

If acting hadn’t worked, what would you have done?

I probably would have been a university lecturer. From 2018 till this point, I would have been done with my Masters and PhD programmes.  As of that time, I was also looking for means to travel abroad, make money and start producing my own movies. Unfortunately, my father died and I couldn’t follow up on that. 

How would you describe your relationship with Funke Akindele?

I respect her so much. We don’t have a personal relationship; it’s strictly professional, but I appreciate her. Ninety percent of those who have contributed to my growth in Nollywood are women, and she’s one of them.

Did you audition for your role in Battle On Buka Street (BOBS)?

No, I didn’t. Before BOBS, I featured in some episodes of Jenifa’s Diary, Aiyetoro Town, and also appeared on House Helps Seasons 1 & 2, all credited to Scene One. So, due to the professional relationship I already built with Funke Akindele, I believe she told one of her Production Managers to call me to be a part of the production. 

Tell us about your educational qualifications.

I received my primary education at Morlaks Primary School, Iju, after which I attended Ijebu-Ode Grammar School and Isonyin Grammar School. I am a Political Science graduate from Tai Solarin University of Education. 

You recently attended training at KAP Film and TV Academy. Can you tell me about your experience and any other formal training you have as an actor?

I needed more experience because I wanted to go into directing. So, I went to KAP Film Academy to gain deep knowledge and learn from one of the best. It was a two-month masterclass and he was very much present. We also got to learn from the likes of Tunde Kelani, Dami Elebe, etc., and I also met people from different backgrounds who wanted to get into filmmaking. I featured in four films we made, including one that I directed.

What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was a traumatizing experience for me because my parents separated early. I lived with different family members—uncles, aunts, grandparents, etc.—and stayed out of school for some years. But my dad ensured all his children were educated. In high school, I didn’t make enough good friends, and I repeated classes. In SS1, I was put in a hostel facility which only did more damage to me.  On leaving there, I went to my stepmother’s uncle’s boarding school. His name is Mr Wale Kuku, a retired teacher in Ogun State. I was integrated into his family and he positively influenced me as I often went to school with him and faced my books squarely.  I knew I wouldn’t get a second chance and had to take my education seriously. I was a prefect in his school and a member of a Catholic Church-funded peer education group. I did my WAEC and JAMB exams in single sittings and got into Tai Solarin University of Education.

Can you recall any fond childhood memories with your family back then?

I stayed mostly with my mother’s family. But there was a time when my dad came and took me for Ileya holiday during which I got to meet my extended family, particularly older brothers and sisters. Everybody was just taking care of me, and I had fun going to places and eating whatever I wanted. 

Tell us about the most challenging role you have ever played.

Every role is challenging to a Nollywood actor, especially for growing actors like us who are not really given enough time to immerse ourselves in the character. 

What are your thoughts about the challenges of fast-rising actors like yourself in Nollywood?

Growing actors need to be given more opportunities in the industry.  Another concern is how we are unfairly treated by crew members. Upcoming actors aren’t treated like the professionals that they are, and this has been ongoing for the longest time. I am not saying I should be treated like a god or like Michael Jackson. I understand there might be budget constraints for some films, but when they tell us to come with our things to set, they should do so with a bit of respect. These producers make it seem as if it were a norm, which should not be. A producer should not have to rely on actors to bring their clothes to set—and they do this to us because we are upcomers. 

Can you walk us through how you balance your personal life and professional career?

As a Nigerian you have to be able to do more than one thing at the same time. To an extent, I am an introvert. But any time I get the opportunity to go out, I really have a nice time. I think one of my bad characteristics  is not knowing how to follow up with people. I don’t like to go to places uninvited so as not to embarrass myself, and most of my friends are not in Nollywood. Most of my acting gigs have come from referrals. Acting is my primary profession, and I will always drop everything to go to a set. Besides acting, I am into hospitality and I manage hotels. 

What are your hobbies?

I am a football lover and support Chelsea football club. I visit the gym to work out. I am an Afrocentric person, so I listen to any good African music. I am a big Wizkid fan and I often sit down to listen to his music or that of Sade Adu, James Brown, Tony Braxton, etc. on Apple for hours. I also listen to Fela, Sunny Ade, and Musiliu Haruna Ishola.

Who are your role models?

My number one role model is Denzel Washington. I also like and respect Femi Adebayo and Richard Mofe-Damijo. I grew up watching films like Saworo Ide, which made me fall in love with Tunde Kelani. 

Can you mention some of your favourite Nollywood films?

Saworo Ide, Seven Doors, Anikulapo the film, Blood Sisters, and Shanty Town.

Are you currently on any project?

Yes, I am working on an Africa Magic series, The Yard.

Do you have any long-term career goals in acting or filmmaking?

I want to produce my films. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I want to start my YouTube channel when I have the resources to do so. It may not be a lot of money but I want to be able to produce beautiful films that can compare with any other in the world.  To be truthful, I criticize a lot of films, including ones from Hollywood and Bollywood. For me to think of producers in that manner, I don’t want to put myself in that position.