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Movie Director, ADEBAYO TIJANI Tells City People
If you’re looking for one man who has carved a niche for himself in the movie industry, then, look no further, Adebayo Tijani is your answer.
Adebayo Tijani is a film producer, story writer, director and actor. He’s a voice to reckon with in the movie industry.
Many filmmakers/producers don’t joke with his with his skills and professionalism. He has directed many outstanding movies. Many movies in the cinemas have his signature.
Tijani was ranked second highest-earning Nollywood directors by FilmOne in 2022.
Recently, City People Head of Tv, SUNDAY ADIGUN met with him and he revealed how his journey into entertainment industry started. Please enjoy the conversations.
You are one of the most popular and highly-rated directors. How did you start directing, and when?
I started directing when I was in primary school. I happened to be the drama president during my primary school days at Community Primary School, Idi Mango, Agege. I have loved drama since then. We would look for tins and other materials to set up our stage in those days.
When I got to secondary school, I was fortunate to become the drama president in SS2 and SS3. Unfortunately, when I got to higher institution, I attended the Federal School of Survey in Oyo, where I studied Survey and Geomatics because I was a Science student in secondary school. This course had nothing to do with theatre. However, our results were delayed.
St. Andrew’s College of Education, which is now where Ajayi Crowther University is located, was nearby. I used to go there to read during my break time, and I had friends in the Yoruba class. I used to attend Yoruba and drama classes with them. That rekindled my interest in theatre. So, I joined a theatre group—Prince Demola Adegbite Theatre Group in Oyo Town.
In that group, I met Sanyeri, Golugo, and others. We moved to Lagos in the early ‘90s and settled in Ijora Badia, where we gathered ourselves and started our journey.
I happened to be the continuity manager for the group, and I also handled dialoguing. From there, I gradually rose to become a director.
You have succeeded in many areas of life. What lessons have you learned in your directing career?
There is something about nature—everyone has their own time. Everyone has their turn. Someone who doesn’t make it today may succeed tomorrow. When it is your time, don’t overdo things. Someone else’s time will come too.
“Igbo ti Omo Erin je to fi ri ola ni, Agborin je tan se lobe.”
The person who cannot help today may be the one to help tomorrow. The one who cries today may smile tomorrow. The person who comes last today may be the first tomorrow. Don’t lose hope. Keep pushing and moving forward—you will surely get there.
Tell us about your background and the schools you attended.
I was born in Oyo Town, from the Alubata family in Oyo. I was brought to Lagos in 1979 at the age of four. I attended Community Primary School, Idi Mango, Agege. However, when it was time for secondary school, I couldn’t cope with the stress of Lagos, so I returned to Oyo and enrolled at Alaafin High School, where I completed my secondary education.
After that, I attended the Federal School of Survey in Oyo, where I studied Survey and Geomatics. Since then, I have taken courses in directing.
Looking at your industry, what steps do you think are still needed to take it to the next level?
Government support. We need more government support. Without funding, we cannot do anything.
In a recent interview, someone said the money they spend on post-production is huge—it is even bigger than our entire production budget. The biggest production in Nigeria is not even up to their post-production budget.
We are already making progress and gaining global recognition, but without financial support, we cannot truly excel. Once we have good funding and capital, we will perform exceptionally well. The lack of capital is why we can’t maximize our potential.
You are a busy person, always moving from one location to another. I’m sure if we check your calendar, there will be no free day. How do you make time for your family?
I try to. For instance, after working on Alakada in Cotonou, I gave myself three days to rest and stay with my family. Even though today is the third day, we will start another production tomorrow. Sometimes, I take a two-week break to relax after a production.
What do you do to maintain your dynasty and sustain your reputation since you started?
I always go for good and quality productions. I don’t work for money alone. If I see a good production, regardless of how much I will make from it, I prioritize quality. As they say, “A good name is better than gold and silver.”
I protect my name, I respect my name, and I always try my best to manage my work properly.
How have you been able to manage the challenges that come with directing?
I’m already used to it. At this point, nothing surprises me anymore.
