Omowunmi Dada on What Separates a Good Actor from a Great Actor

A regular day in Omowunmi Dada’s life took an unexpected turn when an older woman accosted her, accusing her of being a troublesome person. Dada was stunned and confused—until a few moments later, when she realised the woman was referring to her as Kemi Kaziru, a character she once played. What began as an unpleasant encounter ultimately left Dada feeling proud of her craft; she had embodied the role so convincingly that a viewer believed they were one and the same. Two decades into her career in the film industry, Dada has firmly established her place and continues to consistently solidify her reputation as a formidable force in Nollywood. As our Cinematic Vanguard, she speaks about the people who have shaped her journey, her process of becoming the characters she portrays, and the challenges she faces as a film executive.