My lanky and smallish look is hereditary – Toyin Aimakhu’s hubby, Adeniyi Johnson

Popular Nigerian actor, Adeniyi Johnson, tells Ademola Olonilua about his career and style

What attracted you to the movie industry?

The simple answer is passion. It is where my passion lies. I studied Mass Communication at the polytechnic of Ibadan; I proceeded to study International Relations at the Lagos State University. Inasmuch as I would have loved to have a white collar job, acting is all I have a passion for. I find fulfilment whenever I am in front of the camera. It gives me joy and I believe life is too short to indulge in anything that would not make you happy.

Did your parents have any reservation towards your career choice?

An average Nigerian family back then believed that after investing so much in their child’s education, joining the entertainment industry was like a waste of time and resources. Initially when acting was paying peanuts, my parents made remarks like, ‘Instead of earning peanuts with all your education, why don’t you dust your certificate and do something with your life?’ Gradually when it started paying off, they had no problems with me.

But from the outset, my mother had always been a big fan and supporter. She always said that God would lead me and she was praying for me. My father believed that since I went to school, I should not waste his money by being an actor but I am glad that today, he is proud enough to walk on the street and say that he is my father. I thank God for that.

How was your experience on Tinsel?

Femi Bernard actually introduced me to the producer of the soap opera, Rogers Ofieme, and I went to him for an audition. After that, I was given a role. That platform gave me the exposure my career needed. I was made to understand a lot of technical issues. It set the pace for whatever I am doing now. Although I was really playful on set, doing Tinsel gave me the boldness and exposure.

Why do you always rock an afro hairstyle?

I think it started with a particular soap opera that I did. Initially, I kept a V-shaped beard but for the soap opera, the director said he would want the beard to grow around my mouth because my face looked younger than the character he wanted to portray. The old school hairstyle is just a personal decision. But I do change my look depending on the role I am interpreting. Generally, I love my afro and my beard. I see that as my trademark. I am more comfortable with it.

Also based on my nature and physique, people always call me a small boy. Often times, they tend to think I am a 26-year-old man.

How come you look this lanky and smallish?

It is hereditary. My father also looks like this. He is in his 60s but he still wears jeans and walks like a very young boy. I am sure I inherited that from him. He dyes his hair and I think that is what is going to set us apart because I would never dye the grey hair on my head except for a movie. In my 30s, the grey hair is coming out gradually. People find it difficult to know my precise age except I tell them because of my youthful looks. I love the way I look even though I go to some places and people call me ‘small boy.’ When it comes to my face, I may look small but at heart, I know how old I am.

Do you feel bad when people call you small boy?

At times I feel bad but when I think of what I can offer and my accomplishments, I smile within me. A lot of people would look at me and say I am 25 years old and I tell them that was eight years ago. It is the way God made me. At times I feel insulted but I just smile.

Are you happy with the fact that you have grey hair at 32?

Of course, I am. I cannot dye my grey hair. It is not easy to come across this rare gift, how many young people have grey hair in this industry? I love it and I would never dye it except for a movie role. I did not give it to myself; it was a gift from God. The Yoruba call it the ‘wisdom hair’ and I am glad I have it. It sets me apart from everyone else, it makes me unique and it could be my own trademark. Except my character does not need it, then a make-up artiste has to work on it; otherwise I go everywhere with it and I’m proud. I love the grey hair and I hope it grows fast or stay at a corner like General Diya’s own. It commands respect.

How come you did not gain weight even after marriage?

It is because I exercise regularly. It is not because my wife does not cook for me, in fact she loves to cook for me a lot but I exercise every day. I remember an incident that happened in the house a while back. My wife had to pack my jogging kit and hid it. I searched the whole house but I did not find it, I did not know that she hid it in one of the cabinets in the kitchen. Eventually I saw it and she said she hid it because I am not fat and I still jog every day to burn fat. I like to keep fit and I discovered that once an actor gets married, he has tendencies to grow a pot belly and lose shape. Even though I am not muscular, I lift weights too. I also watch what I eat; I cannot eat solid food at night for instance.

Even when I am on location, before anybody wakes up, I would have jogged round the hotel like 8-10 times. It is a part of me now and I have been doing so for years. I am used to it. I wish I could go for Olympics.

What kind of clothes do you feel complement you?

My keyword is comfort. I wear anything that is comfortable. If I am attending a red carpet event and I feel like wearing a T-shirt and jeans, I opt for that. I don’t believe we have to break the bank for a red carpet appearance. I wear what I’m comfortable in and it must be able to boost my carriage. I wear what I am proud of so that when I step out, I would feel comfortable enough to talk to my colleagues. Very soon I would be doing strictly African attires, especially on the red carpet. I am an African man.

Is that why you like wearing beads?

Yes, it is part of my trademark, besides I am an African man. I am proud of where I come from. Something on me must show that I am African regardless of where I am. I don’t joke with my language. I once met an Italian man and I greeted him in Yoruba. He was confused until I told him the meaning; he also taught me how to greet in his language. I taught him more Yoruba words and we became very good friends. All through the conference, we were best friends.

What is your most priced fashion item?

That would be my body. It is my fashion empire and I don’t know what I cannot do with my body when it comes to fashion. I also love wristwatch; it is my fashion fetish and you would hardly find me without a good wristwatch.

Why don’t you have tattoos?

I think it is a matter of choice and the day you see me with a tattoo, ear or nose piercing, plaited hair, then you know it is for a movie. I would never inscribe anything on my body; neither would I ever pierce my nose or ear. I do not criticise people doing it but my upbringing would not permit me to do such. I am also a mentor to my children; I have people who look up to me. If I indulge in such, I am not passing the right message across to them. I am not doing it just for me but for the younger generation. I will never do such.