Martins Omosigho Ogbebor is a fast-rising actor who has got a lot to offer in the movie industry.
Since 2016 when he joined the industry, he has been putting on foot ahead of the others gradually and he has been working hard to make sure he’s part of the new breed of actors who are changing the narrative of Nollywood movies.
In this interview with ADEWALE ADENRLE, the fast-rising actor Martini shares his experience and challenges in the movie industry and how eager to work with living legends.
Below are excerpts:
Can you tell us briefly about yourself, your family, and your educational background?
I am Martins Omosigho Ogbebor, popularly known as Martini. I was born on the 8th of May in Benin City but grew up in Lafiaji, Lagos State. I am the first child with two siblings. I graduated from the University of Benin (Ekenwan campus), Edo State where I obtained a Degree in studied fine and applied art. I later joined the Itele D-icon school of performing art and graduated with a certificate.
How did you begin your acting career?
I started my career professionally in 2016 as a trainee and in 2017, I was introduced to the ” D-icon school of performing arts, owned by Ibrahim Yekini Bakare a.k.a ITELE, by one of my big sisters, Bimbo Oshin. Where I was awarded Theatre Art Certificate in November 2019. I met Bimbo Oshin through her elder sister MUMMY OGUNYE, who handed me over to sis Bimbo Oshin and she advised me to join the school of art then since then my Acting Career.
What are the challenges faced when you started acting?
The only challenge I have is finances, leaving a paid job for acting. It has not been so easy but I still thank Almighty God that has been using my Boss “Itele” for me all along. Financial assistance is killing all actors in the industry, the Government is not supporting too and Pirates are not helping as well because we hardly see our profit.
Who are some of your contemporaries in your industry?
I’ll say Rilwan Ologolo (BENZEMA), Olotu Yusuf (OLOTU), Akeem Adeyemi(SUGAR BOY) Kiki Bakare, Feranmi Oyalowo, Babatunde Aderinoye just to mention a few.
How many movies have you produced?
Two movies at the moment OLOGBOJO and ASOGBA ( the gardener). But presently working on another project, so my fans should be expecting another great movie from me. Y’all should watch for my next production.
Do you have any favourite actors whom you would love to act alongside? Yes sure,
I’ll love to work with Zubbi Micheal, Ramsey Noah, Gabriel Afolayan, Osas Ighodaro, and other great icons. Though have worked with big shots in the industry but still wish to work with the likes of Richard Mofe Damijo, Kemi Adetiba, Funke Akindele, Dakore Akande, Joke Silva, and a lot more. I will love to work with these people because their acting inspires me, when I see them acting, I can see other professional acting skills in them.
Which particular Yoruba movie brought you to the limelight, and which is the defining movie?
‘WURA MI’ brought me out, produced and directed by ITELE D’icon. The magnificent role in the movie earned the attention of many producers and directors. WURA MI is an intriguing movie where a child decided to marry his mother as a wife simply because of the love he had for his mother and the promise the mother made for his husband before his demise. I played the role of the husband (Bode) a man who loves his wife but dies when his wife was pregnant.
How do you take negative stories and comments?
Critics is very important to growth. Negative critics make me double up, I don’t let negative comments bring me down because people will surely talk even when you are doing the right thing, I am not perfect and I go with the positive ones and it makes me work harder.
If one pays too much attention to noise, one would put oneself in trouble.
What do you do next?
Like I said earlier if one pays too much attention to noise, one would put oneself in trouble. I ignore the ones that are not useful to me because if you pay attention to it, it’s gonna bring you down. People will surely talk but for me No Negative vibes
When did you get your first shot at a financial breakthrough?
I’m yet to get that financial breakthrough though, still praying for more grace upon my career so as to get to the peak but I still thank God that I’m not where i used to be. Hallelujah!!!
Poor subtitling of Yoruba movies has been recurring; do you think it can be nipped in the bud?
The subtitle is very important in both Yoruba and English movies. However, the mistake is inevitable though, I’m not indulging them, and I can only beg the part of production that handle it to please pay attention to details.
What do you like about African Culture?
African culture is rich in cultural values. Edo, for instance, has the most beautiful traditional wedding attire, I like our language. I also love Yoruba food, dance, traditional festivals, and many more.
Amazing memories are unforgettable; can you share with us the most amazing memory?
The most amazing memory is when I emerged the 1st runner-up in Glo Rock and Rule in 2011 in Benin City. Because I remember I was not even expecting it. Someone back then in school forced me to go for it. And he noticed I was reluctant to go get a form that was free. He told me “MARTINI, go get the form, I believe in you”. I now thought about it that someone else believes in me and I don’t believe in myself. So I went to get the form. And the rest was history.
What advice would you give to people wanting to pursue your profession?
Advice to those who are coming into the industry, firstly, they have to be sure they are really passionate about it, and focused, they have to go to either a film academy or University to study it because fundamental knowledge about the industry is very important. Again, they should remember persistency and consistency wins the race here.
No competition but be determined to win and bring others up. Lastly, they should put every in the hands of God.
Thank you for sharing with African Development Magazine (ADM)
Thank you.
