Recounting her experience as a caregiver in London, England, renowned Nollywood veteran Sola Sobowale shared her journey during an interview on the ‘Teju Baby Face Show’.
The 58-year-old actress, known for her exceptional performances on screen, revealed that she left Nigeria in 2004 but returned 12 years later for a movie audition.
During the interview, the host inquired about her moniker ‘elevated omo odo,’ which translates to ‘a glorified servant.’ Sobowale responded by narrating her life struggles and ultimate triumph over various challenges.
She mentioned, “Oh yes. It was after my role as Toyin Tomato in Super Story that I left (for London). I totally left Nigeria in 2004 and only returned for the Wedding Party audition in 2016.”
Following her role in the popular TV series ‘Toyin Tomato’ in the early 2000s, the talented actress took a hiatus from acting to work in a different capacity in London.
“When I commenced work in that office, Nigerians, Jamaicans, Ghanaians – everyone knew Sola Sobowale. However, it was perplexing because my tag displayed ‘Olu,’ not Olusola,” the award-winning actress recounted.
She reminisced about a Nigerian man, Seye Fadipe, recognizing her but initially denying her identity. Eventually, after acknowledging her true self as ‘Sola Sobowale,’ he encouraged her to return to the acting scene.
During her time as a caregiver, Sobowale mentioned the tasks she performed, stating, “wash, carry, clean… you’ll do everything. That was my job,” highlighting her journey in obtaining National Vocational Qualification certificates up to the level of a team lead.
Reflecting further, the veteran actress emphasized that there will come a time when the exuberance and noise associated with Sola Sobowale will fade away.
She expressed, “When I commenced this ‘elevated omo odo’ journey, I started from scratch. Then, I pursued my education. I acquired my NVQ 2,3,4 qualifications up to a team leader position.
“I believe in the dignity of labor. I am willing to undertake any job to provide for my family, except for immoral activities like prostitution and fraud.”
When asked about her venture into the Indian film industry – Bollywood, she credited it to God’s grace. Sobowale shared the story of initiating a film project with an Indian colleague named Amsha when Netflix first entered Nigeria.
The host, Teju, who had previously acted alongside Sobowale in Tade Ogidan’s 1998 thriller ‘Diamond Ring’ alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo and Bukky Wright, engaged in the conversation.
Similarly, Nollywood actress Doris Simeon expressed her lack of embarrassment in taking up menial jobs in the United States to meet her financial obligations.
Simeon affirmed, “Starting anew wasn’t easy, as survival is for the fittest in this environment. With the system in place, bill payments are inevitable. Laziness leads to hunger; hence, one must work to sustain themselves.”