Award-winning actress cum movie producer, Habibat Jinad has not restricted herself to acting, she is currently making a head way in broadcasting disclosing that she enjoys the experience a lot. She speaks with SEYI SOKOYA about her life as a single mother and her acting career.
(Laughs…) That I have not been appearing in movie industry doesn’t me I have quit acting. I am still in the movie industry. I agree with you that I don’t really feature in movies lately. I have always desired to garner knowledge and make use of any opportunity that comes my way. But I am glad to be back now. I have featured in a couple of movies that will be out soon. I am pleased to inform my fans and those who have been longing to see my face that I am back for good.
What really prompted you to delve into broadcasting?
As I said earlier, I see it as a platform to garner more experience and expand my frontiers. You know acting and broadcasting are interwoven. I find it very easy to also concentrate more in the media profession. I have not dumped acting for any other profession. I dream acting, even if I have any cause to stop acting, I will find my way back. By God’s grace, I am coming back in a big way. Though, I wish to study more, take care of my family and plan for the future. I want to be ready for whatever plan God has for me few years from now.
As I said earlier, I see it as a platform to garner more experience and expand my frontiers. You know acting and broadcasting are interwoven. I find it very easy to also concentrate more in the media profession. I have not dumped acting for any other profession. I dream acting, even if I have any cause to stop acting, I will find my way back. By God’s grace, I am coming back in a big way. Though, I wish to study more, take care of my family and plan for the future. I want to be ready for whatever plan God has for me few years from now.
How has life as a broadcaster been?
It wasn’t easy at first, but now I am in love with it. The experience is totally different from acting. I have met quite a number of people and I am really enjoying the experience. Before now, I am not the type that liked to talk let alone talk fast, but my new job has changed all that. In broadcasting, you have to think and talk fast. I really appreciate the efforts of the people who actually encouraged me and made the dream possible. Mr Femi Aderibigbe, popularly known as Kwame and Mr Bimbo Ogunsanya, who supported and tutored me. I really appreciate them for giving me such a platform to express myself. I now anchor a programme tagged: “Miliki Express” on Orisun TV, among others.
It wasn’t easy at first, but now I am in love with it. The experience is totally different from acting. I have met quite a number of people and I am really enjoying the experience. Before now, I am not the type that liked to talk let alone talk fast, but my new job has changed all that. In broadcasting, you have to think and talk fast. I really appreciate the efforts of the people who actually encouraged me and made the dream possible. Mr Femi Aderibigbe, popularly known as Kwame and Mr Bimbo Ogunsanya, who supported and tutored me. I really appreciate them for giving me such a platform to express myself. I now anchor a programme tagged: “Miliki Express” on Orisun TV, among others.
You are also into music; what could have prompted that too?
I am not a musician. I don’t practise it as a profession, but I love to sing, because I have good voice. As I said earlier, one never can tell if I would eventually take it up professionally. I love music as well as dancing too.
I am not a musician. I don’t practise it as a profession, but I love to sing, because I have good voice. As I said earlier, one never can tell if I would eventually take it up professionally. I love music as well as dancing too.
Back to acting, could you recall how you discovered you could act?
I could remember vividly that I loved watching India movies. I always felt happy watching different kinds of movies from morning till night. Later on, I switched to Yoruba movies. The funny part is that I have a notebook where I wrote down all the titles of the movies I watched. It was fun then. Much later, I discovered that the interest was growing rapdily. I decided to go into acting fully when I was convinced that I could do it before I finally got to this level. I thank God for the grace to have come this far.
I could remember vividly that I loved watching India movies. I always felt happy watching different kinds of movies from morning till night. Later on, I switched to Yoruba movies. The funny part is that I have a notebook where I wrote down all the titles of the movies I watched. It was fun then. Much later, I discovered that the interest was growing rapdily. I decided to go into acting fully when I was convinced that I could do it before I finally got to this level. I thank God for the grace to have come this far.
You have carved a niche for yourself in the Yoruba movie industry, how do you rate yourself among your colleagues?
I am an easy going person. I don’t see myself as a special person. People who are close to me can attest to that. We are all one and I give no room for anything that might lead to any problem whatsoever. I am always concerned about where God is taking me to. It’s only the Almighty that can make me special so, I would say I am comfortable with whatever I have and the level I am in the industry. I am not in haste for fame.
I am an easy going person. I don’t see myself as a special person. People who are close to me can attest to that. We are all one and I give no room for anything that might lead to any problem whatsoever. I am always concerned about where God is taking me to. It’s only the Almighty that can make me special so, I would say I am comfortable with whatever I have and the level I am in the industry. I am not in haste for fame.
Don’t you feel threatened among the female actresses?
It used to get to me before but I have learnt to be on my own. However, misunderstandings are bound to occur but it is always settled amicably and we move on in like minds. Personally, you don’t know the kind of person I am until you move close to me. Some actors fight for respect, but I have never given it a second thought, because I cannot be intimidated or forced to respect anyone all because of fame, when I know that we are of the same age bracket. I believe that respect is reciprocal. Above all, I can never be threatened by anyone.
It used to get to me before but I have learnt to be on my own. However, misunderstandings are bound to occur but it is always settled amicably and we move on in like minds. Personally, you don’t know the kind of person I am until you move close to me. Some actors fight for respect, but I have never given it a second thought, because I cannot be intimidated or forced to respect anyone all because of fame, when I know that we are of the same age bracket. I believe that respect is reciprocal. Above all, I can never be threatened by anyone.
What about the supremacy battle that has eaten deep into the movie industry, especially among the Yoruba actresses ?
Yes, it happens. I encountered one recently. The fact is that this issue has become rampant in the industry. You will be shocked at times when you come across some of these people. In fact, I don’t take them seriously any longer, because I see them as comedians. However, it is not restricted to the industry alone. There is a popular saying that: ‘One can’t really identify one’s attitude until he or she becomes rich or famous.’ This problem had been in the industry for a long time. It is only God that can solve it.
Yes, it happens. I encountered one recently. The fact is that this issue has become rampant in the industry. You will be shocked at times when you come across some of these people. In fact, I don’t take them seriously any longer, because I see them as comedians. However, it is not restricted to the industry alone. There is a popular saying that: ‘One can’t really identify one’s attitude until he or she becomes rich or famous.’ This problem had been in the industry for a long time. It is only God that can solve it.
So, you also agree that actors rush and do the unexpected for fame?
The fact remains that those who are in rush for fame don’t really last. Pray to God, wait for your time, you will surely make a headway. Take a look at some veterans and seniors in the industry such as Mama Rainbow, Iya Awero, Mama G, Bimbo Akintola, Omotola Jalade, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe, among others. These sets of people are still vibrant and relevant in the game. They have worked and also come a long way. This has made them become a force to reckon with. As for me, I am not in a rush nor interested in doing the unexpected to become famous.
The fact remains that those who are in rush for fame don’t really last. Pray to God, wait for your time, you will surely make a headway. Take a look at some veterans and seniors in the industry such as Mama Rainbow, Iya Awero, Mama G, Bimbo Akintola, Omotola Jalade, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe, among others. These sets of people are still vibrant and relevant in the game. They have worked and also come a long way. This has made them become a force to reckon with. As for me, I am not in a rush nor interested in doing the unexpected to become famous.
What do you think could be responsible for broken homes among celebs?
Infidelity. I don’t think any relationship should continue if love and trust do not exist. No matter how one tries to continue, one will keep hurting him or herself.
Infidelity. I don’t think any relationship should continue if love and trust do not exist. No matter how one tries to continue, one will keep hurting him or herself.
Is this why you are yet to get married?
Yes, I am not in a rush to get married, because I am an emotional person. I have had so many experiences in life that shaped my life. I can only get married to a mature man, someone who will be like my father and someone I can share my problems with.
Yes, I am not in a rush to get married, because I am an emotional person. I have had so many experiences in life that shaped my life. I can only get married to a mature man, someone who will be like my father and someone I can share my problems with.
You seem to have been hurt by men. Could you tell us what happened?
Nobody is perfect.
Nobody is perfect.
Any plans to remarry soon?
(Laughs…) I would say when there is life, there is hope. All I know is that there is no perfect relationship. Nothing is impossible; it might be tomorrow.
(Laughs…) I would say when there is life, there is hope. All I know is that there is no perfect relationship. Nothing is impossible; it might be tomorrow.
It seems you are enjoying being a single mother?
I did not say I am enjoying life being a single mother, but I know I will remarry when the right time comes. You have to look before you leap, because marriage is all about tolerance.
I did not say I am enjoying life being a single mother, but I know I will remarry when the right time comes. You have to look before you leap, because marriage is all about tolerance.
You have kept silent since rumour had it that you are one of the actresses MC Oluomo has dated. How true is this?
Me? I have never met MC Oluomo in my entire life. I guess it is another Habibat not Habibat Jinad. I have never heard about such rumour anyway. Though, it is also widely rumoured that some actresses are dating him. Meanwhile, I heard he is nice and God-fearing, which is good.
Me? I have never met MC Oluomo in my entire life. I guess it is another Habibat not Habibat Jinad. I have never heard about such rumour anyway. Though, it is also widely rumoured that some actresses are dating him. Meanwhile, I heard he is nice and God-fearing, which is good.
God-fearing? Is that one of the qualities you look out for in a man? Will you accept his proposal based on your belief?
You keep making me laugh... Propose to me? No, he is my big brother. I love and respect when someone like him has a good reputation. But to date him? haba! More so, It is not true and unrealistic to say MC Oluomo is dating most of the actresses in the industry. The truth is that he has been useful to the industry and has also helped a lot of actors/actresses. The reason some are peddling this rumour is because of his generosity to actors and actresses.
You keep making me laugh... Propose to me? No, he is my big brother. I love and respect when someone like him has a good reputation. But to date him? haba! More so, It is not true and unrealistic to say MC Oluomo is dating most of the actresses in the industry. The truth is that he has been useful to the industry and has also helped a lot of actors/actresses. The reason some are peddling this rumour is because of his generosity to actors and actresses.
Have you ever been sexually harassed in the industry, as some of your colleagues have said?
It is a fact that nothing comes easy in life. One will always encounter one challenge or the other in whatever one intends to do in life. Sexual harassment has come up so many times back then, but I thank God that I was able to reject it. Now, I do my things in a professional way, because I have attained a level that I don’t have to lobby for roles any longer.
It is a fact that nothing comes easy in life. One will always encounter one challenge or the other in whatever one intends to do in life. Sexual harassment has come up so many times back then, but I thank God that I was able to reject it. Now, I do my things in a professional way, because I have attained a level that I don’t have to lobby for roles any longer.
What about your relationship with your male counterparts?
We are doing great. In fact, some of the male actors are my friends. I am cool and comfortable in keeping male friends than female ones. I realise that they keep secret more than women.
We are doing great. In fact, some of the male actors are my friends. I am cool and comfortable in keeping male friends than female ones. I realise that they keep secret more than women.
Which of the actors would you always want to act with and what will make you reject an actor in a role?
I will love to work with Majid Michel. He is an actor par excellence, talented and jovial. He is not different from Odunlade Adekola. I hope to work with Majid some day. Also, I can’t reject any actor as a professional.
I will love to work with Majid Michel. He is an actor par excellence, talented and jovial. He is not different from Odunlade Adekola. I hope to work with Majid some day. Also, I can’t reject any actor as a professional.
How many films do you have to your credit?
They are three: “Omokomo”, “Ikulokunrin” and “Oba Meji” which will be out very soon. Aside all these, I am also working on my fourth movie which will be released this year by God’s grace.
They are three: “Omokomo”, “Ikulokunrin” and “Oba Meji” which will be out very soon. Aside all these, I am also working on my fourth movie which will be released this year by God’s grace.
It is obvious that you have changed your style and your mode of dressing. You know longer use hijab, why?
Yes. Don’t you like it? I just have to step up my game and you will agree with me that mode of dressing goes a long way in the industry. You will be addressed the way you dress.
Yes. Don’t you like it? I just have to step up my game and you will agree with me that mode of dressing goes a long way in the industry. You will be addressed the way you dress.
Could you recall your most embarrassing moment?
I have lots of them, but the one I can remember was the day a woman walked up to me and said, ‘hope you are not a prostitute in real life, because you always snatched people’s husbands in movies’. She later appreciated my dressing.
I have lots of them, but the one I can remember was the day a woman walked up to me and said, ‘hope you are not a prostitute in real life, because you always snatched people’s husbands in movies’. She later appreciated my dressing.
Would you encourage your son to follow your path in the acting profession?
The only time he can have my full support is when he shows passion in it. I don’t think I would force him. Meanwhile, I think he loves presentation than acting.
The only time he can have my full support is when he shows passion in it. I don’t think I would force him. Meanwhile, I think he loves presentation than acting.
How is life treating you as a single mother?
It isn’t easy at all. I had to put my son in the boarding house just to focus on my career. In fact, my son is a blessing to me and very understanding. He started cooking at the age of 7. I am proud to say that the nine-year-old boy can now take care of himself.
It isn’t easy at all. I had to put my son in the boarding house just to focus on my career. In fact, my son is a blessing to me and very understanding. He started cooking at the age of 7. I am proud to say that the nine-year-old boy can now take care of himself.
You have been able to build your life as a single parent and also raise your son, would you ever think of getting married again?
It takes only a strong woman to go through all the challenges. I appreciate God for surrounding me with good people who have been very supportive and that of my son; he has been cool and very understanding. I know love is a beautiful thing. I am still very young and I hope to get married soon to someone I can call my father, best friend and everything to me.
It takes only a strong woman to go through all the challenges. I appreciate God for surrounding me with good people who have been very supportive and that of my son; he has been cool and very understanding. I know love is a beautiful thing. I am still very young and I hope to get married soon to someone I can call my father, best friend and everything to me.
What is your advice to single mothers?
My advice to single parents is to take good care of their children, especially for the future. Do not abandon or hand them over to anyone. Always ensure they are around you. We must do everything within our care to always make them happy and be prayerful.
My advice to single parents is to take good care of their children, especially for the future. Do not abandon or hand them over to anyone. Always ensure they are around you. We must do everything within our care to always make them happy and be prayerful.
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