When Diekololami Olu-Adegoke my talented friend and music minister asked that I co-compere for her album lunch a while ago, I gladly accepted because I am a supporter of a good cause. When she told me it was Joseph Benjamin that would be my co-compere I said Yaaayy!!! It was indeed one of my best co-compering ever. I am aware he sings well so I thought in my head that we do a duet at some point on the program and guess what? He had the same plan too and while we did an impromptu rehearsal, Dieko walks in and said “That’s exactly what I had in mind for you guys to do during the program” so we were all in sync. Joseph is an amazing singer, if all you know about him are skills that include acting, compering and the likes, please add singing to it…top notch I dare say.
Joseph is an award winning actor in Nollywood history and over the years due to his versatility, has become a house hold name across Africa. He is not only an actor, he is an erudite host, model, voice over artist and role model to a lot of youths.
Joseph started modelling in 1995 and has worked with major brands. He has made cameo appearances on popular TV series like Tinsel, The Bachelor, Young, Single and Free and has featured in several movies. Anybody remember the popular Tales By Moonlight? Well, Joseph has been on it too so we can indeed say he has come a long way.
“Growing up was a beautiful experience for me. I grew in an environment with so much love. I was raised by my step father, he is Dutch from Holland. The orientation helped shape me up for the future.” He tells me as the interview begins and he continues “I started acting at an early age, I made my first screen debut on the popular kid’s folktale show Tales by Moonlight. Acting for me was borne out of passion and talent.”
So I asked Joseph what his first movie experience was like and he says “My first movie experience till date is quite memorable, I was an extra in the movie. This would be my first movie role and it was the last as an extra. The movie was shot in 1995, the rest they say is history, I have enjoyed the roles I have played and I always strive for excellence by God’s grace”.
We all love his excellent delivery and stage mastery while he anchors Project Fame among several others well, Benjamin says he has always loved to talk “I have always had a thing for talking, it is quite funny that, I used to stand in front of my mirror to practice being an emcee and an actor. The mirror is always a very good audience; funny thing is I still use the mirror trick” he says with a smirk…well to that I say ‘don’t we all?’
Well if you think Joseph never has the ‘butterfly moments’ you got it all wrong because he tells me “everyone still has butterflies in their stomachs till date, it is just what reminds you that you are human and sensitive. I breathe and tell myself ‘I will pull through’ and I always do to the glory of God’.
Sharing on cherishable moments never to be forgotten, Joseph says “There are a few days and events in my life that are quite memorable like the day I stood out in front of the church to answer the alter call, the day I became a Father and the day I lost my step father.”
Now to the musical side of Joseph, he bares it all “I developed my love for music from a tender age. I remember back in the day my older brother would take me to his school whenever they had a gig…he has always been a lover of music even though he does not sing and yet very supportive of me. I have been singing in my choir since 1997 till date (Revival Assembly Church) my preferred genre is gospel/inspirational. I am a lover of soul, R’nB, jazz and reggae music.” He reveals.
Back to his love for acting; hear him tell you his most challenging role “The most challenging role I have played so far in my career is in a two cast movie. The entire movie happened in one location and it was in a car. It was quite demanding, you have to be on top of your game, you have to be quite engaging to the viewers. It was intriguing and I had fun on set”
For Joseph, “movies must have value; movie making should be seen as a platform to educate and sensitize the audience. We should see movie making as an avenue to reach out to the viewers even as we strive to entertain them. It is important for movies to be relatable, address societal issues, speak to things that they go through or encounter on a daily basis.” He states.
Guess who Joseph would like to act with? He says “I am looking forwards to act with Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Omotola Jalade, Mercy Johnson, Denzel Washington, Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio, Will Smith, Angelina Jolie, Tom Hardy, Sean Penn, Meryl Strepp, Idris Elba, Morris Chestnut, Kevin Hart. It is an endless list trust me.” Yes Joseph, we agree, the list is indeed endless.
Joseph also shares his view on Nollywood and how he would effect changes if placed in position of authority in this field. In his words, “Nollywood has been a self sustaining industry that has created notable personalities today. I am one of them; it is the greatest provider of employment. I am proud of the fact that we are the greatest pioneers of the African culture. I would like to implement firm regulatory policies; such as ensuring things are done professionally. We need to start respecting our craft and industry. I will instill discipline; the guild has to be respected. I will make sure you do not hire an actor who is not registered to the Guild. We aren’t there yet but we are making effective progress” he says.
Did you know that Joseph is a foodie? Yes he is however, he works out intensely so don’t go searching for a pot belly when next you see him because he doesn’t have it. Aside food, Joseph tells me other things he loves “I love to watch movies, I play soccer on my game console, I read and I have been working (on set), my music is in the works, there is a lot coming forth so watch out”
Joseph remains grateful to the past administration saying “I would like to commend the past administration of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, his time as President added immensely to the growth of Nollywood. We need more support from the Government in the area of capacity building, Human development and distribution. Piracy has been our greatest challenge; we can only win the war if we have the support of the government.” He concludes.
Kemi Ajumobi
