When think you of a talented, brainy and passionate actor, you can’t ignore Segun Dada. He is a rising actor, theatre practitioner and singer.
The lanky role interpreter has starred in movies like Burn, Reciprocity and King Invincible. The graduate of Lagos State University who is currently in the Season 6 of MTV Shuga opens up on his passion for acting, the ongoing Big Brother Naija, heartbreaks, among other issues.
What prompted your passion for acting?
I grew up watching cartoons and playing video games, so I have always liked imitating other characters and mimicking voices.
Right from secondary school days, I usually analyse movies with my friends. I just knew acting was what I’d always love to do. It comes effortlessly to me. I am extremely passionate about using my whole being to tell a story. So, here I am. Look where it got me.
How did you get the role for the ongoing edition of MTVShuga?
I did with serious prayer and fasting. You know as Nigerians we say “It is God o!” Yes. I prepared my monologue based on a scene from Wole Soyinka’s DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN. I had recently performed it with THE NATIONAL TROUPE OF NIGERIA, so the fire was still hot. Then I attended the auditions and I was glad to get a call back.
How has that impacted on your career?
Well, it has got me quite a lot of attention as an actor and even as a model. The massive publicity that comes with being on Shuga has also opened some doors in high places.
It has also boosted my confidence and experience as a growing actor. Of course that is the biggest job on my CV right now. And there is always room for improvement.
How has your theatre arts background given you leverage In Nollywood?
They say if you’re good on stage, you’ll be great on Tv.It has been a thrilling transition for me since I started acting in film and tv. Especially when I have to learn lines quickly in short periods of time, arriving early enough at the location for shoots, character building and analysis, etc. All of which is the proper Stage and Theatre training. But I have also had to learn the arduous trick of not speaking too loudly while acting for film, as opposed to the loud vocal projections used on the stage.
Was there a time you wanted to quit acting?
No. I could never think of quitting. What else would I do? Nothing else could give me joy and that feeling of fulfilment. I have had discouraging moments and down times. I have gone jobless for several months, but all I ever wanted was to get better at my craft. I get up and show up anyway.
If you are to change anything, what would that be?
I would change my location, maybe even my origin. I will love to be in a developed country with global level playing chances. Hollywood would be great.
On what occasion do you lie?
I don’t lie. Unless I know you can’t handle the simple truth so I tell you an alternative, for your own good. Or if I really need to move on to something else, I can decide to. I’m not an angel though. And honesty is always the best policy.
What is your most challenging movie?
That will be King Invincible. It was an adventure. I was checked into a hospital and got two injections while shooting that one. The fight choreography, the workout sessions, the long nights of filming, not forgetting that the location was far away from civilization. In the end, I got the growth and experience I needed, having worked with Tope Tedela, Gabriel Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada and other great actors.
Can you date an actress?
I’m happily married now so that’s out of it. But if I wasn’t, I still couldn’t really date an actress. I’d need someone who will be aloof to all the drama I already pack in my head and give me some stability. Actors are professional “psychopaths”, and in my opinion, two of those together won’t work.
What is your opinion on BBNaija?
I think BBN is the perfect show that helps the populace drown their responsibilities for a moment. It is an epitome of domestic immorality. A proper dehumanization of the seemingly intelligent generation of individuals. Don’t get it twisted; I could be starring in the next big semi-nude cinematic flick. Like I said, I no be angel.