Popular Singer Portable Babymama and Actress and filmmaker, Akinyanju Omobolarinde, aka Ashabi Simple, speaks to OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about her career and other issues
Can you tell us about your background?
I come from a nuclear family of six and I am the first child. We hail from Idanre in Ondo State, but we were brought up in Ogun State.
What schools did you attend?
For my secondary ducation, I attended Ijaye Ojokoro High School in Lagos. After that, I proceeded to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Yoruba Language. I wanted to study Theatre Arts but didn’t get the course. I felt Yoruba was related, so I accepted it.
When did you discover your love for acting?
I had always loved acting. In secondary school, I joined the drama troupe and also danced. We attended various events and competitions. I used to play the second lead role. Even before I started filmmaking, I was already writing stories and scripts. After reading them, I would ask people if the story was interesting.
When did you start posting your movies online?
Though I am not much of a social media person, I had been using Instagram since 2016 before my account was disabled. Before then, I was active on Facebook. I may not always talk online, but I’m always present.
At what point did you start producing your own films?
I always wanted to be a producer. I produced my first movie in 2014. It came out in a compact disc. It was one of those movies without known faces and we hawked it around. Then in 2019, I produced my first YouTube movie titled, ‘Ato’.
Reflecting on the journey from hawking movies to uploading online, how would you describe the experience?
Life happens in stages, so I see it as growth. While we have embraced the digital age with platforms like YouTube, some filmmakers still produce physical copies. It reflects the different approaches in the industry. Some focus on online audiences, while others remain committed to traditional cinema. Each method has its challenges and rewards.
Did you receive support or criticism for your early movies?
Nobody criticised us because, back then, producing a movie was an achievement. Ifo (Ogun State), where we were based, is known for film production. My mum would usually host the crew during production. We spent over N100,000 on those productions. I would go to Alaba International Market in Lagos to design the graphics, print the film jacket, and “burn” the disc. Then, I’d come home, package the disc, and hawk it. I even hosted an event to launch the movie. It was quite the experience.
What kinds of messages do you like to pass through your films?
I don’t create movies without meaningful messages. The message must be reflected in the story. In ‘My Relative’, I addressed how not every question needs an answer, and some truths are better left unknown as they can cause damage.
In ‘Teni Teni’, I preached the importance of appreciating people in their difficult times because there’s no correction in the grave. My movies always come with messages to educate, entertain, and inform.
Do you believe in karma?
I do, a lot. I am not a bad person, so if karma comes, I can handle it. I have also seen karma play out for people who had bad intentions towards me. If you do evil, it may take time, but it will surely catch up with you. Everyone reaps what they sow.
Which notable actors do you enjoy working with?
I like working with Odunlade Adekola. He is free-spirited, humble, and doesn’t look down on people. I also enjoy working with Amuda Eko and Juliet Jatto, who’s always ready to work; as well as Zainab Bakre.
What kind of support have you received on your journey, and who has shown you the most support?
After God, my number one supporter is my director, Kayode Adebayo. My story isn’t complete without him. He has always been there for me.
Fans admire your work ethic but often criticise your relationship with Portable. How do you feel about that?
Nobody understands my situation. Only I know what’s going on in my life. People say different things, but I don’t care. My happiness is what matters. I am fine and happy. That’s all that counts.
How do you handle controversy?
I am a peaceful person and I don’t let things get to me. What happens online is often different from reality. Many people don’t talk about real life online, so I’m hardly bothered.
Following past videos of Portable showcasing different types of soap, some fans speculated that he might be using charms to influence those he dates. What’s your take?
Anyone who attends white garment churches knows there are various worship items like candles, soaps, and water. There are also different traditions. People don’t complain when Imams use soap, but when a traditionalist does, it’s suddenly seen as diabolical. Nobody can “use” me because I’m “using” myself. I work hard and I’m not a liability. Sometimes, he does things just to trend. That’s his way of life.
How do you manage personality differences in your relationship, especially with your calm demeanour?
If you follow his updates, you’ll see he sometimes says that social media is not real life. Okiki (Portable) is actually calm in person. We don’t fight physically. We may argue online, but it ends there. When he’s around, he’s like a baby. I just watch his antics online like a fan. I am gentle online and even more so in real life. But if you offend me, I won’t stay quiet.
How do you prepare for a role?
As a crew member, I have observed many actors. If you’re trained as an actress, you’d understand the basics. My background in filmmaking also helps me get into character effectively.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the entertainment industry?
I have faced challenges, but that was in the past. It was hard to know who genuinely wanted to help, as many just wanted what was under one’s skirt. The person who trained me warned me about that. I stood my ground and eventually, people stopped bothering me. I’ve slept in a reception, in a bus, or stayed up all night talking just to avoid sleeping in someone’s room. I’ll never forget. These days, my only challenge is my husband’s issues, but family is different from business.
Has Portable ever had issues with your roles?
Not really, but there was one scene that almost caused a problem. The actor wanted to sleep with me so he pulled up my gown in a scene, and the promoter used it to attract attention by paying bloggers. I wasn’t happy. I explained it to Portable, and he just advised me to be careful. I was surprised by his calm reaction. He ask me not to kiss in movies, and I respect that because I also am not a fan of random kisses.
How do you balance your personal life and work?
It is God who strengthens me. My mum has been my backbone, always supporting me. I am also surrounded by people I feel safe with, and that makes things easier.
How do you handle criticism?
If you’re confident, people’s opinions won’t bother you. If you are selling a drug that is meant for headache and someone uses it for stomach pain and says it doesn’t work, would that make any sense? As long as I know what I’ve done is good, I focus on the positive. Some people abuse one just to get one’s attention.
Some say success in entertainment requires flaunting wealth. How has that influenced your career?
Being content is key. Some say I need more “packaging” or that my pages need to look nicer, but I can’t pretend. My life isn’t hard, and I don’t lie. I talk a lot, and adding lies on top would be too much. That’s why I don’t have friends, just my family, because it’s hard for me to filter my words. I can’t live a fake life.
How did you meet Portable?
I met him online. One day, he posted an interview with BBC saying he’d been singing for 10 years. Someone doubted it, but I knew he had been around. I used to sing too. He sent me a message and I was excited because I had a crush on him. From there, we started talking. I had always admired his vibe and music.
Do you have hobbies outside acting and producing?
Not really. What I enjoy the most is acting, singing, and writing scripts.
Do you see yourself releasing songs someday?
I can’t say right now but, I might create a story and include singing in it.