From School Drama To Nollywood Production: Olatoun Olanrewaju Shares Inspiring Journey
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — A filmmaker, actress, and executive producer, Barakat Olatoun Olanrewaju, popularly known as Olatoun Olanrewaju, Omo Mose, has opened up on her inspiring journey from participating in secondary school drama activities to becoming a respected producer in Nollywood’s Yoruba movie industry.
Olanrewaju disclosed that her passion for acting began during her secondary school days when she joined the Moroof Olayiwola Acting Group in Oyo, an experience she said laid the foundation for her career in acting and scriptwriting.
According to her, the early exposure sharpened her interest in storytelling and performance, while her decision to further develop her talent led her to join veteran filmmaker Oladele Mati in 2008, where she gained more experience and refined her acting skills.
Speaking on the motivation behind establishing her production outfit, Matfad Production, Olanrewaju explained that the company was created to promote her unique storytelling style and provide opportunities for upcoming talents in the industry.
“The vision is beyond filmmaking; it is about mentorship, creativity, and creating platforms for emerging creatives,” she said.
Commenting on the position of Yoruba actors in Nollywood, the actress expressed confidence in the increasing acceptance of indigenous storytelling in cinemas and among wider audiences.
She noted that Yoruba films are gaining stronger recognition because of their cultural richness, authenticity, and relatability, stressing that Yoruba actors are no longer sidelined in the industry.
On acting versatility, Olanrewaju maintained that she does not restrict herself to specific roles, adding that discipline, professionalism, and proper preparation enable actors to interpret diverse characters convincingly.
The actress, who is a graduate of Osun State University, also revealed that she comes from a polygamous family background.
Balancing her responsibilities as an actress, producer, and mother of two, she described discipline and effective time management as essential tools in managing both family and career.
According to her, motherhood has also contributed positively to her emotional depth and storytelling ability as a filmmaker.
Speaking about her relationship with fans, Olanrewaju appreciated their support while emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, noting that her major priorities remain her career and family.
Reflecting on sacrifices made in pursuit of success, she identified time and personal comfort as the greatest prices she has paid, citing missed personal moments and relentless dedication as part of her growth process in the industry.
Olanrewaju also expressed admiration for renowned Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele, stating her desire to work with her again.
She recalled Akindele’s appearance in her debut movie, Omo Esu (2013), describing it as one of the memorable milestones in her career.
Among her notable achievements, the actress highlighted her transition from acting into filmmaking and production as her biggest accomplishment, alongside her commitment to nurturing young talents and sustaining quality storytelling despite industry challenges.
She further explained that producing and acting in Yoruba Nollywood films require teamwork and culture-driven storytelling from script development to post-production.
While acknowledging challenges such as limited budgets and demanding schedules, she described the industry as highly rewarding because of its deep connection with audiences.
According to her, her most cherished project remains Omo Mose, which she described as the most challenging role she has played and the project that earned her popular stage name.
She also expressed appreciation for her role in Agesinkole 2, produced by Femi Adebayo, noting that the project significantly contributed to her growth and recognition in the film industry.