Much Ado About Actress Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson
What was odd about Toyin Aimakhu Johnson’s ascent was that, in 2003, when she seemed to come out of nowhere to become a sensation, she was already in her early twenties having carved out a career in character roles. Besides talent, her overnight success was in fact the culmination of years of hard work, meeting film-makers and then waiting for her appointed time. The sense that she works for the art and not for the money or fame is something Johnson reinforces. Here, the Vice President of the Actor’s Guild of Nigeria for the South West Region talks to twmagazine.net about her career, keeping up appearances and more.
Interview by Ope L. Akinyemi
TW Magazine: You raked a lot of controversy recently when you mentioned that you don’t have a lot of money to afford some of the finer things. Were you just being diplomatic? Also, were you surprised at people’s reaction to that?
Toyin Aimakhu-Johnson: You see, my parents have always told me never to blow my own trumpet. Besides, a lot of celebrities are not being truthful about their lifestyles. I live a very normal life and I am comfortable. I am never one to tell even if I have. Personally, I just don’t see why I should go out to purchase a pair of shoes worth $3,500. I mean, those shoes better take me to heaven! And I’m being honest about it. I simply have the best husband in the world who supports me. We have a car too. We are fine, and that’s all that matters.
TW: Artistically, you definitely seem to have reached a high level of freedom that you must really benefit from. Is there any future project you’re dreaming about?
TAJ: Yes, there are still a lot of roles that I would like to take on in an effort to demonstrate my creativity and flexibility. Having said that, I don’t work a lot like I used to because I also need to create time for my personal life. Ultimately, it’s all about having a solid foundation and finding a balance.
TW: The movie industry in Nigeria is constantly changing. How do you stay relevant?
TAJ: Personally, I believe that there are two types of people: the ones that are naturally talented and the ones being taught. For example, some people are really good with makeup, yet they were never professionally trained for it. If a person delivers a good job, then her work will always speak for her. For me, I strive to constantly do my best with every character that I portray.
TW: Let’s back up for a minute. What was growing up like for you?
TAJ: As a child, I lived in Ibadan and Benin City, respectively. And as the youngest of five children, the earliest memories of my childhood include walking long distances to fetch water and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables always. It was a way of life. I come from a very prayerful home too. My mother is a pastor and my father is retired.
TW: What influenced your career decision?
TAJ: My late older brother was friends with a guy whose uncle happened to be a movie marketer. One day, I got a call from him asking me if I knew someone that could act. Apparently, the actress that had been hired for that role did not show up. I told the producers I could act the part. Therefore I volunteered to replace the actress. I was paid N5,000.00 for the role and I remember feeling very excited about it. It all started in 2003.
TW: What does it take for someone to succeed in Nollywood?
TAJ: Firstly, you have to love the world of entertainment. You must have a passion for it. Interestingly, some people have been in this industry for a long time…yet, they haven’t grown. Secondly, you must also be very submissive and prayerful. Don’t act like you know it all.
TW: What inspires you?
TAJ: God, my family and fans. When a lot of people look up to you, you don’t take that for granted. Therefore, I always want to do my best in everything.
TW: What has been the happiest day of your life so far?
TAJ: That would be the day I got married – July 8th, 2013.
TW: What has been the saddest day?
TAJ: The day I lost my older brother, as well as the day fellow actress Bisi Komolafe died.
TW: If you could have a different career, other than what you are doing now, what would it be?
TAJ: A physiotherapist or pastor.
TW: When it’s all said and done, how would you like to be remembered?
TAJ: I would like to be remembered as a great actress and a God-fearing woman.