Femi Jacobs: The Renaissance Man
From hindsight, actor and musician Femi Jacobs could be categorized as a brooding and an unusual guy. As you get to know him, there’s something really alluring about him. There’s a sense of naiveté that clearly resonates in his demeanor and the way he carries himself. What makes Jacobs really fascinating is that he is genuinely a great guy with an obscure and funny personality that is infectious. The multi- talented entertainer, burgeoning producer and arguably one of the most eligible bachelors in the entertainment industry sat down with TW Magazine feature writer Ope L. Akinyemi for a candid, revealing and sometimes funny glimpse into what makes him “Femi Jacobs.” Here he is, in his own words.
How would you describe your childhood experience?
It was challenging. I was born into a polygamous family. Although mom and dad tried their best, I had to go live with my uncle at some point in Oshogbo, Osun State. At a very young age, I learnt to be independent. At the end of the day, everyone has got a past. Life taught me to trust in God and look out for myself.
What was your educational background?
I attended Salvation Army Primary School in Ife, and then attended Fakunle Comprehensive High for my secondary education. Then I got admission into Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), but found work, dropped out and later attended Lagos State University (LASU) where I studied Mass Communication. I have done a few professional courses in and outside of the country as well, including a Private Pilot Licence from South Africa and a Marketing Management Certification.
How and when did you start performing?
I was heavily involved in performing at church all through my growing up years. So once I graduated, I had to use my talents to pave a way for myself. I did a couple of MC and voiceover gigs. I also joined the music department in church and eventually became the music director. However, I got my first lead role in 2006 in a movie called Choices, which was produced by the church’s drama department. I also acted in the 2008 TV Series, Tango and thereafterauditioned for the soap opera Tinsel, where I have been since 2009. I have since acted in several other movies. As a singer, I released by first CD compilation in 2001.
How would you describe the current state of Nollywood?
I think Nollywood has become a commercial force. It is widely recognized but is still in a stage of evolution. It is evolving because right now, it is still kind of informal, although it has also made a lot of impact. The last couple of years have been better. However, there’s work that still needs to be done in terms of distribution, piracy, etc. Obviously, the industry is growing, but more needs to be done.
In what ways are the acting and music world similar, and in what ways are they different? And is there a particular set of rules from the former that have guided the latter?
I haven’t done a lot of music lately. However, both music and acting are audience based. They have the power to shape culture and influence people; and they often impact each other. The difference is that you can’t be a solo actor for too long, but you can be a solo artist making music on your own. In the acting world, you need other actors and several layers of collaborations to successfully tell a story. However, it is impossible to say that one is superior to the other. Both are powerful mediums.
What inspires you the most?
My faith in God and the power of personal effort. I believe anyone can shape their destiny; I am a moving enterprise. I wake up in the morning thinking to myself, “how can I be better?”, “what can I learn?” Learning is my biggest motivation. I draw strength from the human spirit. There’s nothing that can’t be done.
Are you married or dating anyone at the moment?
Single. Being married is a wonderful thing and it’s even more so when you’re going into it to make the other person better. Marriage is about you and your partnersharing everything together – your joys, pains, successes and failings. And I look forward to getting there someday.
What has been your proudest moment so far?
It would be the day we premiered the movie, The Meeting. It was my first big budget film and I played the lead. The entire time, I was just praying that the film would be a big success because I had seen what actually went into making it. And so when the film ended at the premier, everyone started clapping. It felt good. It was so nice to have created something and then be appreciated for it.
What has been your saddest moment?
It would be the day my father died in 2008. I got a call informing me that he was ill and I went down to visit him. However, I left and was supposed to return after 24 hours. But by the time I came back, he was dead. I remember the look on my siblings faces. It was there that I knew something had happened. I was very close to my father, so his death really affected me.
What can we expect from you next? Are you working on an album or presently reading a script?
Well, last year alone…I featured in 18 films. This year, I have done 3 already. I have just wrapped up a film with the beautifully talented Rita Dominic called Rose Garden. I also did a couple of films with Africa Magic. Then I have a production coming up. A couple of those are on AFMAG and dobox at the moment.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself?
I hope to have done a couple of independent productions, built a successful business as well as empower others around me. On a personal level, I hope to have been married and become a family man.