By FLORENCE AMAGIYA

Gbenro Ajibade Emmanuel is a young man of many talents. He is a TV presenter, a model of international standard and an actor. He features in the soap opera, Tinsel which is showing in over 72 countries in Africa and in Europe today. In this interview, this handsome dude tells us how he got involved in that soap, his unique modeling style, his acting and his plans for the future. Excerpts

My background

Ajibade Emmanuel Gbenro is the fourth of six children (5 boys and 1 girl). I was born in Maiduguri to Engr. and Mrs. P.O Ajibade; I grew up in Makurdi in Benue state. I attended Makurdi international school, Mount Saint Gabriel Secondary School and the Benue state university and obtained a B.sc/Edu. in Biology.

Gbenro Ajibade

Choice of modeling, acting and TV presenting

I think it all boils down to the fact that these are the things I love doing. Yes, l am a graduate of Biology and one would have thought that l should be working in that field, but l am modeling, acting and talking on TV! I could have gotten other jobs like a professional, but l love showbiz. And the passion I have for them makes it easy for me.

Preference for acting

I have done both local and international jobs in modeling, but l if l am asked to choose between the two, l would go for acting. They are both challenging in their own unique ways, but one is more rewarding and gratifying. It is a beautiful feeling when you see yourself entering a role and bringing the life out of it.

Even though in modeling, there’s a form of acting, l prefer acting proper because it is more challenging and rewarding at the same time. Speaking from experience, l know they are connected but I’d go for movies because in movies,you are given a chance to be flexible. The model doesn’t have that flexibility.

How Tinsel came to be

Tinsel is MNET Africa’s first ever Nigerian soap-opera; it was originally created as a localized content for international sat cast on Multi Choice’s premium DSTV formats. It is shot on locations in Lagos, Nigeria with the most sublime filming/programming artistry. TINSEL is that thought-provoking daily soap-opera that the Nigerian film industry can be proud of!

How l came on Tinsel

I started as a model like l said and modeling actually got me on Tinsel. I went for an audition at Quarter Jack in Surulere thinking it was a TV Commercial that my modeling agent then (Wildhoney) sent to me. On getting there, I was given scripts to read, I acted for the camera and I was called back!

The difference between Tinsel and other soaps in Nigeria

Tinsel has a multi cam shoot. It is M NET’s first daily soap, it has got mad fan base in about 72 countries across Africa and now Europe.  The cast and crew are amazingly serious people from practically everywhere in Africa.  It is the first soap to go on HD and lastly, we work hard!

Producers seeking to sleep with female actresses before they are given roles

I do not think any movie maker in his right state of mind would give a role to a lady because he has had carnal knowledge of her; everybody wants the best in their movies. So if a lady foolishly allows a movie maker to sleep with her for a role, yet she cannot even act; then as far as l can say, she is on her own. Except the film maker doesn’t want to sell his movies.

The way forward for movie production and modeling in Nigeria

Coming from the part where they are both babies of one big industry, the showbiz, the mother industry; we need to come together and be united as ONE! That way, we can grow bigger.

My challenges since my debut on TV

I have noticed that I am pleasing everyone except myself. I do not like this, but there is nothing l can do about it at the moment.

Coping with female fans and ladies on set

For the ladies on set with me, it is strictly business. I do not mix business with pleasure. And for my female fans, God is helping me.

My relationships

I am in a serious relationship, but I do not want to discuss it. Thank you.

My plans for the future

That matter is between God and I. It is not for public consumption.

My role models internationally and locally

My role model for the foreign scene would be nobody else than Jackie Chan. I love his natural stunts; I wish l can do those things he does in his movies. As for my role model in Nigeria, I would choose Dangote. Who doesn’t want to be that rich?

My best food

My best food is beans and dodo

My take on the fuel subsidy removal

My take on this matter is personal. l do not have to say a thing.

My advice to the youths in these trying times of the strike

The youths should take it easy in order not to lose their lives and also to make good use of their time now. My advice is that they should work and pray at the same time.