She describes herself as restless and versatile, and those close to her could not agree less. However, true love, according to Yoruba language actress, Tayo Sobola, aka ‘Soyato’, exists only in the dictionary. She tells The Nation more, delving into career and reasons for her to celebrate this December.
People don’t know you to be this friendly… Why do people see me that way? I don’t understand why people think of me like that. Really, I’m just me.
As head of your business, how does this familiarity with subordinates work for you?
I relate with everybody well; I might not wear that look most times. People look at me from afar and draw conclusions, but I’m just like this. Most times, I don’t even remember I do movies.
How did you come up with a 5-in-1 gig concept?
I just thought of everything and I said to myself, some people don’t get to watch TV. Some don’t get to read newspapers. We know we’ve done a whole lot of things. Some are beginning to say that they know we opened this place sometime last year and they want to know what we have been doing. They want to know how far we’ve gone and what we have been able to achieve within that period. It’s going to be something of pleasure and happiness for them to be able to see what we’ve done within those months.
So, I decided to showcase the things we have been doing in this past year for people to see. We’ve done 12 movies this year. We have also done some things that are not movie related. Then it’s my birthday as well, so I don’t see anything wrong in celebrating everything together. We also want to embark on training and talents development next year. This is not going to be limited to some people. Everybody can come in. indeed, we need people to train.
With all that you do, how do you find time to relax?
I won’t lie to you; the only time I relax is when I ‘run’ away from Nigeria. Every now and then, I run away to be able to get some rest. Even at that, I still don’t get to relax because my ‘head’ is always everywhere.
Which is your favourite getaway country?
I don’t have a favourite place. Everywhere I go is like another home for me. However, when I’m not in Nigeria, I’m in London or America. It is like home-away-from-home situation for me.
How does your man cope with your busy schedule?
He understands. And the good thing is he’s a flexible person too. He can always be anywhere at any time.
Is he into entertainment too?
Never! He’s not.
So you won’t marry an entertainer?
No way!
What are your reasons?
I understand the nature of our job and for a man to want to understand a lady who is into entertainment, it is a whole lot of work. So you can imagine two entertainers in a home? It’s not possible. Ko le werk. One should be able to bend for another. One should be able to calm one down. But when both of you are hot at the same time, it’s nonsense.
I notice there’s a ring on your finger…
I’m engaged. And that you need to know.
What is your definition of love?
I don’t know anything called love. I sha know it’s in the dictionary. There’s no love anywhere. Love is L.O.V.E. That’s all I know.
In that case, what was the attraction to him?
Abeg leave that thing, them dey sell ring na. If the man misbehaves, you sell the ring, chop the money and walk away. Ladies should stop receiving cheap rings. Receive the one you can sell when the man messes up.
Wearing the engagement ring, do men still make advances at you?
That is normal. Even a blind person gets advances from men all the time. So let’s not talk about love.
What does 2017 hold for you?
I want to do three times what I did this year. I don’t know how it would happen but I know it would happen. I’m that person who sets targets for myself. So, whatever I must have done this year, I want to do more next year.
In a nutshell, who is Sotayo?
This is just me. I’m in my early 30s and I’m from Ogun State. There is nothing anybody does not know about me. I’m just a very free-spirited person.
