Interview with Actress Arike Akinyanju Best (AKA Eyinjuolodumare)

Actress Arike Akinyanju is smart and fab in her job. A quick internet search of her name will show that she just might be one of the hardest working women in her profession today.

YP recently caught up with Arike to chat exclusively about her life in front of the camera, her burgeoning career and many more. 

Interview by Yetunde Adewole

YP: A little hint about your personal life. 

Arike Akinyanju: My name is Arike Akinyanju Balogun... Married with a kid, born into a Christian home but married to a Muslim. A graduate of English language and literature TASUED.. Easy going, zero tolerance for deceit . I don't really know my Bible(kidding) but I know GOD.

YP: What does originality mean to you?

Arike Akinyanju: Originality to me means Being Normal and Real regardless of stardom or what have you . Yes, you can step up your game due to stardom and influence but that doesn't mean being artificial...

YP: What was your very first job?

Arike Akinyanju: My first Ever was acting before Event Planning.

YP: Have you always wanted to become an actor? How did it all start? 

Arike Akinyanju: I had always loved acting. Right from my Primary school days i would join cultural and dramatic society/club . Acting/Entertainment was all I ever wanted.

YP: What drives you?

Arike Akinyanju: The zeal to correct vices in a way that won't be limited just to the 4 walls of a class..  YP: Many of your fans called you Eyinju/Eyinjuolodumare. Who is Eyinju? 

Arike Akinyanju: Eyinju Eledumare is a girl named after a Movie and that name became a household name cause indeed I am EYINJU ELEDUMARE...

YP: Mention two funniest things that has happened to you on camera.

Arike Akinyanju: Two funniest things before camera,. Ummmmm , every moment before the camera gives me joy really and I'm always eager to give my best. But funniest? I just enjoy every bit though or maybe when I featured in IFEMi, the character was something else, that should be the only time I had my funniest expression on set.

YP: Which movies have you played major roles? 

Arike Akinyanju:  I have played major roles in different movies like Ejika, Eyinju Eledumare, Omo determined,dedicated and above all TRUST GOD.

YP: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Arike Akinyanju: I may not really have a certain achievement in terms of Material stuffs but I'm always grateful I don't look like what I've been through and I'm still here standing..

YP: Can you clear the air about not featuring in movies lately?  Arike Akinyanju: Not featuring in movies lately is just a way of GOD telling me "i can't be everywhere to be relevant " I have a purpose much more than just being popular. 

YP: Have you got any recent upcoming job? 

Arike Akinyanju: Not hit job of recent ...

YP: What else do you do, aside from acting? 

Arike Akinyanju: For now acting is all I survive on... "Based on logistics" #smiles 

YP: What advice would you give the youth willing to join the industry? 

Arike Akinyanju: To the youth Willing to join the Industry, I would say , "be really sure you are ready cause it looks good from the outside till you get unside ,Be sure it's your calling,. Be determined,dedicated and above all TRUST GOD.