Veteran Nollywood actress Binta Ayo Mogaji has opened up about her decades-long career, the transformation of the Nigerian film industry, and her hopes for better regulations in Nollywood. With over 1,000 movies to her credit, she remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian cinema.
Her Acting Journey: From Childhood to Stardom
Mogaji’s career began when she was just 16 years old, starring in Rivalry. Introduced to acting by her brother, she initially never saw it as a career path. Instead, she dreamed of being an air hostess to fulfill her passion for travel. However, fate had other plans, and her talent quickly established her as a Nollywood powerhouse.
Nollywood Then vs. Now: A Shift in Values
Mogaji lamented the industry’s transition from traditional storytelling to a more commercializedapproach, emphasizing that older films focused more on morals and values.
“We weren’t getting tattoos in obscure places or wearing short dresses just to show our legs. We had good legs too! But we had values. We had morals,” she said.
She noted that modern Nollywood prioritizes box office appeal over meaningful storytelling, a trend she finds concerning.
Why She Avoids Nollywood Films
Despite her vast experience, Mogaji surprisingly doesn’t watch Nollywood movies.
“I don’t want to criticize anybody,” she explained. However, she made an exception for movies like Oloture and For Maria, which she found deeply moving.
Instead, she enjoys Bollywood films, known for their emotional depth and rich storytelling.
Personal Life: Motherhood and Relationships
The actress got emotional discussing her only biological son, Farid Mogaji, who recently graduated from Lead City University. While she raised over 40 children whom she considers family, she proudly highlighted that her son is her own bloodline.
Addressing her past relationship with actor Jibola Dabo, Mogaji clarified that they were never married, despite public perception.
“He was my boyfriend, but God gave me grace through him to conceive a child. He didn’t even want the pregnancy to start with,” she revealed.
Industry Reforms: The Need for a Stronger Guild
Mogaji passionately called for better industry regulations, including royalties for actors.
“If you pay me N30,000 for a role and your film makes N3 million, I should still get a percentage of the profit. There should be a regulatory body ensuring actors continue to earn from successful films,” she said.
A Legacy of Excellence
Despite her four-decade career, Mogaji remains a versatile actress, willing to take on any role with conviction. She admires Ibrahim Chatta among today’s actors, praising his talent and versatility.
As she continues to push for industry reforms, Mogaji’s legacy stands as a testament to talent, resilience, and dedication in Nollywood.
