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I’m working seriously on my music – Scarlet Shotade-Gomez

I’m working seriously on my music – Scarlet Shotade-Gomez

Background

I was born and bred in Surulere, Lagos. That part of Lagos holds a lot of memories for me because I lived there all my life. I eventually moved out when I got married. I am the last of three children although I have six step-siblings. My family is very close-knit. My parents tried their best to make sure we had all we wanted. I also remember my dad telling us bedtime stories and sometimes we’d star-gaze with his binoculars and talk at length about science and life before bed. He was an amazing man and it really hurt when he passed.

Polygamous home

Growing up in a polygamous home will be tough on any kid. My parents tried their best to shield me from all the negative impacts of it but it was nearly impossible to achieve that when my dad passed on. After he passed, a lot changed. I was just eight but I had to grow up fast. My mum did an amazing job despite all the family drama. We were told to leave home shortly after that for whatever reason and God bless her, she stepped into the role of father and mother from then on.

Education

I attended Princeton School, Surulere, Lagos, for my elementary education. For my post-elementary education, I attended Ogunlade College, also in Surulere.

Dad

My dad, Adetokunbo Shotade, was and still is my hero. He was my everything and we shared a special bond. He studied music in Australia and became a sound engineer when he graduated. He influenced me a lot with his craft. He worked with the likes of Sunny Ade, Papa Wemba, Sunny Nneji and other renowned acts. He was lovely, very friendly, content, slow to speak, ready to listen and slow to anger. He liked and enjoyed his quiet time. Although he spent a lot of time working, he always made time for family. He was very religious too. I can say he was a legend though forgotten by most but not by us his family.

Parent’s reaction

My mother was extremely supportive when I told her that I wanted to be an actress. Since she’d had some experience in the entertainment industry from being with my dad, she was able to give me solid advice and ideas along the way.

Acting

I believe my career was engineered by God. At a time, I was a model and was participating in beauty pageants, appearing in music videos and magazines/adverts. I got tired of that and wanted something more challenging. One day, I tagged along with my friend who was going for a Tinsel audition and somehow got involved. The first movie I featured in was Doll House by Kayode Peters. I was very anxious and star-struck because there were many A-list actors on the set. I was also eager to see the finished product.

Modelling

I had an amazing experience as a model. There are things I learnt that helped me ease into becoming an actress. There were also challenges having to go for endless auditions. You have to know someone that knows someone and you have to stomach the negative stigma associated with being a model in Nigeria. Models aren’t treated with respect and are underpaid, so it was a challenge. I cherish my memory of winning the World United Nations Tourism pageant in Jamaica in 2012.

Music

I’m always working seriously on my music though I am not in a hurry to become a big commercial artiste. I’m working on growing my body of work and collaborating with producers, songwriters and artistes  when the time is right.

Challenges

It was not easy breaking into the industry. There was a fierce competition and a lot of people were trying to get in at the time. Right now, I’m trying hard to be better at scheduling my work with other activities. Most times in our industry, you get called for jobs impromptu and there is little or no time for preparation; so you have to always be ready and flexible with your plans. There’s also the challenge of making sure you are not stereotyped into any role or character. I’m also working hard to ensure I get more challenging roles.

Roles

My role in the TV series, Casino, was very challenging. The character was a troubled lady with a split personality so it was a challenging but fulfilling experience. I also love the challenge of playing the character, Fadeke in Flatmates because I have to keep up with the seasoned comedians on set and learn a lot from them.

Breakthrough

My breakthrough role was in the movie, Scarlet. The director felt I did really well and they named the movie after me.

Handling people

It’s a tricky industry but I try to be as cordial as possible. I network as much as I can but I try to seek genuine, serious minded people who are dedicated to the art and not just the glamour that comes with the job. I don’t look down on anybody and I believe that on a production, nobody is more or less important than the other; so I treat everyone with respect.

Lessons

It is important to mind your business. Everybody claims they care but they don’t.

Marriage

I have been married for over a year now and it has been blissful. We both understand that it is hard work and we always keep an open dialogue. I guess I’m lucky that I married someone who is understanding and knowledgeable about the industry, so I don’t have issues at home. There’s always the challenge of balancing the demands of work and home but I believe that is not unique to me or my type of work. I feel it’s about being with the right person and having all the support you need. My husband is my best friend. He is caring, reserved and his creative nature reminds me so much of my dad.

Role models

I admire Bimbo Akintola, Tina Mba, Zack Orji, Meryl Streep, Viola Davies, among others. I will like to work with Majid Michel, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Stella Damasus, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Lupita Nyong’o.

Relaxation

Karaoke and being with my husband.

Fashion

I love my clothes free, classy and comfortable.

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