Nollywood : Odolaye Aremu speaks about Binta Ayo Mogaji’s raw talent

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Ayo Mogaji speaks her lines in every movie – be it Yoruba or English with the natural ease of a professional. Methodical, with the appropriate body mechanics to go along with the dramatics. Not riotous when she’s dialoguing in Yoruba. Not one of those to act in Yoruba films and proceeds to start making ‘mashed-potato’ – or the potpourri of jargon. Or Àmúlùmálà.

I wont to see her as the female version of Baba Wande as far as her interpretation or immersion or and into her roles. Ethically sufficient. Her technique is old school – but she herself is relatively a modern version of Oredola, Iya Osogbo and, or that brilliant wife of the late Isola Ogunsola a.k.a Isho Pepper that has now turned Evangelist. Remember that feisty thespian that brought Efunsetan Aniwura back to life? Yes that one. She played her part near perfectly that her role as Efunsetan, several years later, in the psyche of a generation of her fans still struggle fervently with her spiritual calling. Matter of fact, personally I view her discovered spiritualism with certain entertaining cynicism.

Even better than Evangelist Efunsetan – Ayo can steadily swing both ways like a pendulum in Nollywood – English or Yoruba. She’s Funke Akindele without that one’s breakthrough opportunities or marquee potential- and that may be primarily because she’s traveled back far, way back – from the industry’s middle ages- into the present times of the internet and its global reachability. Mogaji, sadly is one of the industry’s longstanding journey women. I detest seeing her in roles that tends to diminish her star quality. Roles like ‘housemaid’ and a times a ‘bumbling fool’ with a cream of black polish on her face are just ridiculous for an actor of such immense talent. I saw a movie recently where Baba Wande played a gateman! Yes I realize and understand well, that – economics play a huge factor in Nollywood like in every other industry. Gender inequality and ageism too. But I strongly feel (my bias though) that some players ought to be shrines unto themselves! They ought to be granted the privilege to call their own shots!