Actor In The Spotlight: Gbenro Ajibade.

"... I know I am handsome. God really did a great job on me"

The entire massive building containing about 90 rooms was quaking with noise from a thousand and one CD speakers as the boys in their usual character scream about unnecessarily. Carols, the then SUG director of socials (DOS) walked into my room "John, I want you to contest for The Mr. BSU pageant" he said almost pleading.
I was taken aback because I never expected him, a 300 level undergraduate and DOS to look my way for the inaugural event as I was just a 100 level student in my first semester. I quietly turned him down and he insisted that they need more contestants but how can I tell him that I was too shy to walk the stage? The next day I disappeared from my room and the noisy hostel Nicknamed "Block 4" the Bigger Boys Hostel in the Benue state University, Makurdi.
Just adjacent my room was Gbenro's (as we call him then) room, a very slim boy in 300 level, that was among other undergraduates that always laugh at us(Theatre Arts students) whenever we are out for our carnivals "Dancecology" they labelled my course of study.
Gbenro contested the Mr. Campus pageant and he won (we all knew a dude in "Block 4" would be the winner), the prize, a CD Player. And he graduated, after a few years, he got his opportunity; he became a hit in Lagos. A star through hard work and brilliant performance on the TV series, Tinsel. And I thought, "Wasn’t he one of the dudes that called performing arts "Dancecology? (John, its okay)

Okay, Can we formally meet you?
My name is Ajibade Gbenro Emmanuel. I am a model and an actor. I am from Kogi State. I grew up in the North and I graduated from the Benue State University, Makurdi. Growing up in Makurdi, I attended my primary, secondary and even my university education there.

How long have you been acting?
I have been acting for about 11 years now.

How did it all start?
In school, I was supposed to study medicine, but I eventually read Biology Education. I was just in school for me to graduate and collect my papers because I already have so much interest in entertainment. Then somehow along the line, my friends knew I lost interest. I would only go to classes when I had an exam, even if it was a test. If it was not up to thirty percent, I would not read. I only read to pass or wrap it up.
So there was a Mr Campus (BSU) contest coming up and my friends wanted me to contest. They convinced me because I never wanted to do so. Eventually they ended up making me do it. They treated me like a king. They said they were going to take care of my meal and all that. So I gave them a trying period of one week, and they were on point. I contested and won the Mr Campus and from then on I saw the passion and love I have for entertainment grow rapidly.
I never knew it was that much, after that I started doing subsequent shows in school, and I said once I’m done with school I would take it to the next level, which is why I moved down to Lagos..

How about the acting; how did it start?
It was modelling actually; they called me up for a casting. They misinformed us. They told us it was a TV commercial for Mnet. I went there and they gave me a script to read, and that was how Tinsel started for me. I already knew a little bit about acting anyway because we also do acting in modelling as well. When you are on the runway, you can’t smile; you have to put on an act.
How long has it been, the journey through Tinsel?
It’s been fantastic, it has been very interesting. The good thing about Tinsel is that I learn everyday not just as an actor but as a film maker. Though the beginning wasn’t that smooth but now I can proudly stand, pick up any role and kill it. Because of all the things I have learnt, my acting style, how to interpret roles, like I said not just as an actor but also as a film maker as well because I listen and watch.

How do you handle your female admirers?
I try; it is not easy. They are very wonderful people. But you know one thing in life you can’t try to please everybody, but I love them all.

Tell us about your relationship?
I am in a relationship, and we’ve been dating for a couple of years now. We are even planning to get married soon. We are just so good and I love her so much.

Have you ever had an encounter with the gays?
I have learnt to accept them for who they are. They are human beings and I respect their decision. It is not like I am encouraging it. It is a normal thing. That is one thing about life; you learn how to behave. I have met a couple of them. They approached me but it is very simple. You just have to put them off your back. Though at first I was really scared, but again it all has to do with exposure. And seeing your reactions to them would not even permit them to walk towards you the second time, because they are even scared what might happen to them. So you see, it is something anyone can handle easily.

Your hair, why the choice of a dread?
I am a very hairy man. Back then in school, my girlfriend used to weave my hair. Sometimes when I am bored, if I am not watching cartoons or playing video games, I draw. I started drawing different hair style, and the good thing about her is that anything I draw she will get the same thing. It was like a competition. She was very good at indicating everything I do, and my hair grew really long and I started. Eventually my mood flipped and I had to take off the whole hair. Well to me it was fun, and when the hair started coming back again, I decided to do something different which is my dread. And I actually locked it myself, I actually learnt about dread online, bought the cream and all that was needed. I did it personally just because of the passion I have for it. And I love it all the way. This is seven years and ten months plus. But I have cut it twice; I have cut the whole length twice. If not it would be above my knee right now.

Tinsel is full of beautiful stars; don’t you feel intimidated among them?
Me too I am beautiful. And I thank God; if I am not beautiful they won’t carry me now. (He laughs). It is not like I am blowing my own trumpet here, but I know I am handsome. God really did a great job on me. One thing is that if you are not confident with yourself, you won’t be able to tell the globe how good you are. I can’t be intimidated, I see myself as everyone’s role model.

Who is that actress you would like to act alongside with?
That will definitely be Genevieve Nnaji or Rita Dominic because they are great actors and they are beautiful women too. And you know beauty inspires a lot.

Have you ever had a crush on an actress?
Hmmm, well I think I have but I can’t mention. The last time I did, it almost cost me my hard earned relationship. So, I have learnt to zip my lips in every matter concerning women. Not that my woman is jealous oh! But you know how it goes. They will always want to be protective.

While growing up as a child, who was your role model in the industry?
That should be Jackie Chan.

When did you have your first kiss?
I did when I was very young. I was seven years old then, so little.

What are the challenges of an actor?
Personally, I would say being professional in terms of timing and getting used to the system with Lagos. I have been seven years on Tinsel; we work really hard since it’s a daily soap. So you can imagine how often we shoot. But at the end of the day I wouldn’t say it is a challenge because I see it as an experience. That is one thing about doing something that you have passion for.

Do you do any other movies apart from Tinsel?
I have done a couple of other movies.

As an actor what has life taught you?
Stay positive and you will be fine.

Any massage to your fans?
Just wanna express my appreciation to all those that have stood by me and believed in me all through the years. God bless you all and remain positive and hopeful in all you do. Go for the target if your heart is convinced its genuine and achievable. Cheers.

Note that Gbenro is an international model as he has strut the catwalk in New york in the recently conclude Africa Fashion week. He has done all the major fashion shows in Nigeria including "Arise"

Gbenro at the African fashion week in New York.

You can follow him via twitter @gbenrostyle
http://www.gbenroajibade.com