Connect with us

Entertainment

Mustapha Bakare Opens Up on Debt, Survival

Published

on

Mustapha Bakare

Mustapha Bakare opens up about falling into debt after his marketer’s death and how pastor Agbala Gabriel helped him rebuild his life and career

Mustapha Bakare opens up about one of the most difficult periods of his acting career, recalling how tragedy, debt, and despair nearly ended his journey in Nollywood.

Also read: Ibrahim Chatta Becomes Highest-Paid Nollywood Actor

In a recent interview, the 68-year-old veteran, popularly known as Baba Otolo, revealed that he was plunged into financial turmoil after the sudden death of his movie marketer.

Bakare explained that he had taken a ₦4 million loan from the then Oceanic Bank to finance his film, Ise Oru. Just weeks after the movie’s release, his marketer, Lady Prince, unexpectedly passed away.

Advertisement

“I’ve worked with many marketers, but there’s one I really love and respect, her name is Lady Prince,” he said. “After releasing my movie, within two months, the marketer slumped and died.”

Left without anyone to handle the film’s sales or returns, the actor said the debt quickly became overwhelming. “The bank started asking for their money, which I didn’t have,” he recalled. “When the pressure became too much, I relocated to Oshogbo, Osun State.”

During his lowest point, Bakare met clergyman Agbala Gabriel, who offered timely support. “He helped me refund a huge part of the money to the bank,” the actor said, describing the gesture as a lifeline that restored his hope.

Bakare, whose career began in the 1990s, rose to fame through stage plays before transitioning to film and television. His breakthrough came in the hit TV series Tinsel (2008–2012), after which he featured in productions such as Isoken (2017), Merry Men 2 (2019), BushBaby (2025), and The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos (2024).

Despite his struggles, the seasoned actor remains grateful for his journey and determined to keep inspiring younger talents. “Life will test you,” he said, “but every fall is a chance to rise stronger.”

Advertisement

Also read: Azeezat Shorunmu Opens Up on Nollywood Sexual Harassment

Bakare’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into the unseen battles of Nollywood veterans, reminding many that behind the glamour of the screen often lies a story of resilience, loss, and redemption.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

Published

on

Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

Advertisement

He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

Published

on

Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

Advertisement

“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

Advertisement

She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

Published

on

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

Advertisement

She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

Advertisement

“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

Continue Reading

Trending