When I attended the Makemation premiere in April, the usher at the gate confirmed my name as Tomi Ojo and handed me a ticket for the front row. How awkward it was a few minutes later when another person accused me of impersonating the lead character of Africa’s 1st feature film on AI and gave me the appropriate ticket. While the two Tomi Ojos did not talk for long that night, we caught up over the weekend to discuss her career, Nollywood, and other things that concern our Pop Culture for this piece.
Unlike me, a boring journalist working behind the scenes to bring attention to people and issues that matter, Tomilola Ojo is an effervescent force, captivating audiences from YouTube to Netflix screens and cinema halls. She isn’t just another actress in the latest era of Nollywood; she’s a quiet revolutionary, embodying the very essence of the industry’s evolving narrative. Her story, as she shared with me, is a compelling blend of innate passion, serendipitous opportunities, and a profound commitment to craft that belies her relatively young age.
For many, the path to stardom is paved with sleepless nights, relentless auditions and years of struggle. For Tomi Ojo, it appears the stage was always calling. “I always loved acting. I’ve always found myself in acting,” she tells me, recalling a childhood filled with school plays, church dramas, and plenty of opportunities to perform.
Although she did not know it at the time, this was a call to the big stage. The idea of pursuing acting as a full-time profession didn’t crystallise until she was in her early twenties, when a moment of existential reflection that many young adults can relate to led her to this point. “At the time, I was thinking about what I would like to do with my life and decided that I could actually take this as a profession. I can actually do this for a very long time. I think I want to do this.”
Remarkably, her entry into Nollywood was almost effortlessly smooth. “It was easy. I think it was really easy for me going in like the first two auditions that I did, I got a role.” This early success, while not indicative of the industry’s typical grind, certainly validated her decision and propelled her forward.
‘Far From Home’
If there was a project that truly catapulted Tomi Ojo into the national, and indeed international, consciousness, it was the Netflix series, Far From Home. Her portrayal of Rahila Bello, the younger sister of the protagonist Ishaya, resonated deeply with audiences. Her involvement in the show, she confessed, was almost a twist of fate. “Far From Home was like destiny,” she declared, recounting how she could have easily missed out on the role.
The production faced a re-shoot, leading to recasting for some characters, and Rahila was among them. The fact that the role fell back to her a second time was, in her words, “ a sign that it was meant to be.” Far From Home, produced by Inkblot Productions and one of Netflix’s first Nigerian originals, premiered in December 2022 and quickly became a hit, cementing Tomi Ojo’s status as a rising star.
Beyond the dramatic flair of Far From Home, Tomi Ojo has embraced a role that could very well define a generation: Zara Sodangi in MAKEMATION. This film, which she describes as a pivotal moment for Nigerian tech, aims to inspire young girls, teenagers, and children to explore the world of technology.
“I mean, it’s interesting because the tech future is already here,” she asserted, recognising the immediate relevance of the film. “Everybody’s using AI one way or the other… and I’m glad that we’re able to pick it at the time that we did.”
Her involvement in MAKEMATION positions her as an accidental icon, a relatable figure through whom young Nigerians can envision their place in the burgeoning tech landscape. Much like how Toby Maguire’s portrayal of Peter Parker inspired a generation to dream of becoming superheroes, Tomi Ojo, as Zara Sodangi, might just be the face that sparks a thousand tech dreams across the continent.
She acknowledges the weight of this potential influence: “I’m glad that we were able to pick it at the time that we did, and I hope that we do more (to promote tech inclusion). I mean a lot that needs to be heard has been said, but I feel like we need to let more people who feel like it’s far from reach see that it isn’t. You can also be in this space and have that opportunity.
“I definitely want to be part of that success because I know it’s gonna be a success eventually.” This commitment to inspiring the next generation, particularly in a field as crucial as technology, speaks volumes about her vision beyond the silver screen. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji told me that a Makemation series is in the works for next year, and Tomi Ojo simply says, “We’ll see” when I asked if she would be a part of that.
Navigating the New Nollywood
Nollywood is experiencing a renaissance, a new wave that aims to tell the Black man’s story to the world. This comes with immense pressure, a burden Tomi Ojo acknowledges with thoughtful introspection. “I find myself these days slowing down and reviewing how far we’ve come first and seeing what I need to do differently in my own capability,” she explained.
This isn’t about chasing fleeting trends but about a deliberate pursuit of excellence and differentiation. She speaks of relearning and evolving, a continuous journey of self-improvement that she believes is crucial for the industry’s collective growth. “I want to slow down. I want to take it piece by piece… because most of the time, I feel like what we do is we burn ourselves out as actors that we don’t see how we can be more creative because we want to do so much.”
This self-awareness, this understanding of the need for pause and re-evaluation, is a rare and commendable trait in an industry that often demands relentless output. Her commitment to growth extends to her work. While she used to cringe at watching her performances, she now embraces them as a vital part of her learning process. “I have to watch and see… It’s a forever learning journey,” she stated, embodying the spirit of a true artist dedicated to honing her craft.
Fame, as Tomi Ojo admits, comes with its own set of challenges. The loss of anonymity, the constant scrutiny, and the need to be perpetually guarded are aspects she doesn’t envy. “I don’t like to be famous… it doesn’t give you as much freedom as you would when you’re not popular,” she confessed. This raw honesty is refreshing in an era where public personas are meticulously curated. She recalls her days as a “troublemaker on Twitter,” a freedom she can no longer afford.
Yet, she finds solace and motivation in the genuine appreciation from fans. “When people come to me and be like, oh, I saw this movie and it did this, and it did that, and it made me feel this way… that’s what keeps me going.” Her coping mechanism is simple yet profound: self-preservation. She reminds herself, “You’re still you, you’re still Tomi, you’re still the girl next door.”
This grounding philosophy, coupled with the wisdom to take breaks when overwhelmed, speaks to a maturity beyond her years. It’s a lesson applicable not just to public figures but to anyone navigating the pressures of modern life.
When asked about her dream roles, Tomi Ojo’s responses were as intriguing as they were insightful. A self-proclaimed fan of complex characters, she expressed a desire to play a psychopath, believing she could “kill it.” Yet, she describes herself as a ‘soft girl who loves a classic romance’ who would love a lead role in a rom-com.
Her admiration for industry veterans like Chioma Chukwuka, Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, whom she watched growing up, speaks to her deep respect for Nollywood’s foundations. Her experience working with Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha on the set of Makemation, where the veteran actress’s warmth made their mother-daughter dynamic effortless, further solidified her appreciation for genuine artistry and mentorship.
She also admires directors like Kayode Kasum, Akay Mason, Kemi Adetiba, Biodun Stephens and other African directors who bring compelling stories to life. Looking ahead, Tomi Ojo’s ambitions extend beyond acting. The “end goal,” she revealed, is to become a director or producer. This natural progression, from interpreting stories to shaping them, reflects a holistic understanding of filmmaking. “I know that I could do well in that space. I trust that I will do well in that space,” she stated with quiet confidence.
As she was preparing to head to the premiere of The Wives, she remained tight-lipped over the other projects she is currently involved in but hinted that there was a lot more to come. To aspiring actors and her devoted fans, Tomi Ojo offers a message rooted in authenticity and self-discovery: “Find what works for you.”
In an ever-changing industry, she stresses the importance of being strong in one’s identity and trusting one’s unique path. Her advice on handling criticism and negative comments on socials, which she admits she rarely gets, is equally pragmatic: “Scroll and pass.” She views unprovoked attacks as reflections of the critic’s struggles.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of acting, Tomi Ojo is an R&B and jazz enthusiast, finding solace in slow, swaying melodies.
In a Nollywood that is constantly evolving, Tomi Ojo stands as a beacon of talent, resilience, and genuine passion. Her journey is a reminder that true impact comes not from chasing fleeting trends but from a steadfast commitment to craft, self-awareness, and the unwavering belief in one’s destiny.
And that, my friends, is a narrative worth watching.
