How I landed the role that changed my life – Seun Ajayi

Seun Ajayi is a multi-gifted Voice Talent, MC and lead actor in the blockbusting movie Suru’lere and AfricaMagic’s Hustle. In this revealing chat, he tells Isaac Oladipupo about finding himself and the role that changed everything.

Congrats on emerging lead character on a pan-African TV show ‘Hustle’. How does this make you feel?

Being cast as the lead character in a pan-African daily show like Hustle is such a blessing. I feel really honoured to have been chosen, from the long line of talented male actors who tried out for the part.

Tell me a bit about growing up…

Seun Ajayi is a young passionate Nigerian artist who has found expression in the area of storytelling. He was born in Kaduna Nigeria as the last of 5 children to a civil servant father and business woman mother. While growing up, I wanted to be a mechanical engineer; I thought it would be cool to be ‘smart’ and build things made out of metal. Of course that did not work out since I was bad at mathematics and physics. I’m so glad about how it’s turned out though.

When did you discover acting was it for you and how did you start out?

I started out as a young member of a church youth drama group. In 2007, I got admitted into the department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, to study theatre. Within the same year I auditioned to be part of a televised National acting competition titled (Amstel Malta Box Office, AMBO Season III) and I emerged 2nd runner up.

Any fear or hesitancy when you first started out, and how did you handle it?

I wouldn’t say I felt hesitant about it. As a matter of fact, acting was a discipline that I would defend with passion at the point where I started. I did have a lot of naysayers mention in passing or directly how taking up a career in the arts can be an uncertain adventure, but I was too busy enjoying my work to listen.

Tell me about handling the pressure to get a normal 9 to 5 job instead of waiting for casting calls when starting out…

The anxiety of the next job can sometimes be very nerve wracking; however, it’s important to be sure about one’s self. As actors we live a life that comes with a lot of rejection. The way I deal with it is by not measuring myself based on external opinions. I also keep constantly improving myself, staying ahead and ready for the next gig, and while I expect a new one, I create avenues of expressing my gift in other ways and on other platforms.

2016 has been a roller coaster year for you; from featuring in Suru’Lere to landing a lead role in ‘Hustle.’ What has changed about you since then?

The 2016 journey was such a rush. From the Launch of Suru’Lere (Patience Pays) to getting on Hustle, the exposure has grown in leaps and bounds. Within the last few months I have had people stop me in the middle of the mall to tell me how they identified with my character’s struggles and how they never miss Hustle because they record it. Very Humbling encounters. My anonymity has reduced considerably and this has its challenges but I am very grateful.

How did you get your role in Suru’Lere?

I auditioned for the director; Mildred Okwo for another project almost 5 years before and then she had told me we would do something together soon. 5 years later, a script came that she thought I was perfect for, and the rest happened after she called ACTION.

Tell us about being selected for the lead role in Hustle…

Being selected for Hustle was actually quite simple. I think the producers were already in talks about having me play the character. I just got an email to come in and read, so I did and about two weeks later I got a call from the producers telling me to clear my schedule for the next 6 months.

What marked the turning point for you, and who are the people most instrumental to this?

The turning point for me came with my first major project as the lead character in a feature film Suru’Lere (Patience Pays). God, My Manager Mildred Okwo, etc.

What has been your greatest challenge, and how did you navigate this?

My greatest challenge has been staying consistent and forging ahead in the midst of doubts, fear and uncertainty.

What are the major factors to consider when building a career in acting?

• Make the work your focus.
• Know the craft, don’t stop learning about it.
• Know why you do what you do. This would help you get out of bed every day and do it again regardless of what you feel at the moment.
• Always remember that when you add value, people will fall over themselves to give you money.

What do you know now that you wish you knew 10 years ago?

I wish I knew the importance of mentorship.

If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have focused my energy on one thing before trying to branch out.

Many actors start well but get stuck along the way for varied reasons. What are you doing differently to guard against this?

Well, I don’t think the actors who you refer to in the question started out with the intention to ‘get stuck’ so I don’t think there is a universal formula. However, the importance of why I do what I do is the force that would remind me of what is really important to keep me going and keep me growing. Constantly growing in the craft and staying on the cutting edge is what helps. Lastly, I would be needing plenty of God’s grace on this journey, so I would not get tired of asking Him for refills.

What are your personal success secrets?

• Start small, think big
• Stay focused on becoming a person of value to others and you would always be needed
• Remember that success is really a function of fulfilling purpose and not about wealth and accolades.

Give us a brief rundown of your daily routine…

• Wake up
• Pray and Meditate,
• Review my to-do list and execute.
• Head out for work

How do you develop yourself?

• Reading – Very important
• Practice – You have to constantly exercise your acting muscles to stay in the game.
• Finding knowledge banks and tapping from them.

How do you unwind?

I like to spend time with friends and family to catch up on old times, do fun things and have a good laugh. Nothing beats laughing as a means of relaxation.

In your opinion, what are the top 3 sectors to invest in at the moment?

• Real Estate
• Digital Video Content distribution
• Alternative Power

How and what do you majorly invest in at the moment?

I am currently investing in making myself valuable by studying to make myself better.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is achieving desired results in a specified area of purpose. An example would be, if you take the world’s most efficient smart phone and use it as a paper weight, it would probably be good enough to keep the wind from blowing your paper off your desk.  That phone has the potential to communicate with millions of people all over the world just from one tweet. The difference here is the question of what that phone was created to do. When you do what you were created to do and achieve desired results, that’s what spells success.

The most inspiring book you ever read on Success?

Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy. This book changed my life.

3 each of your favorite Nigerian and international actors

Nigerian

• Richard Mofe Damijo
• Rita Dominic
• Akin Lewis

International

• Tom Hardy
• David Oyelowo
• Al Pacino

Biggest lesson life has taught you…

Enjoy your journey, don’t be overwhelmed by the anxiety of what will happen next.

3 major things you hope to achieve before leaving planet earth?

• Impact my Family and friends and be a person who made life better for those around me.
• Build an excellent body of work that points humanity in the direction of hope.
• Build platforms that would liberate the work and personal lifestyles of practitioners in the African Film space.

What would you love to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for having a kind heart. Being a person who leaves smiles and not scars behind.

What dream have you never shared before?

I want to learn to play the guitar…

So when are you planning to settle down?

Really soon…

Tell us about the lucky woman…

I’m the lucky one! Lol