By David Ajiboye
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi is an acclaimed actress, TV/radio presenter, show compeer and entrepreneur. With an acting career now spanning over a decade, a successful radio programme and an agency that has made its mark in event staffing, Funlola has maintained a remarkable presence in the entertainment industry.
Born in Lagos, the last of seven siblings - five of which were boys, she grew up and schooled in Lagos and London during which time she developed a love for the English language.
Though a quiet child, acting came naturally to her and coupled with her fascination with human behavior it was inevitable that she eventually forged a career in the entertainment/performance.
Her professional career took off in 1996 whilst on a diploma course in the University of Lagos, she auditioned for and got the part of Ese in Violated, a movie in which she featured alongside Richard Mofe Damijo and Joke Silva. After this role, greater recognition came her way due to her superb diction and delivery, affording her other roles as Kofoworola Baker, the lead female character in Palace, an AIT production aired in 1998; Tam Tam in ‘Keeping Faith’ and television and stage productions like Doctors’ Quarters on MNET, Vagina Monologues, BBC’s Wetin Dey and many others.
In addition to her flourishing career the actress felt compelled to go into radio broadcasting in 1999, presenting and producing her own talk show, ‘Touch of Spice’ on Star FM, with which she has been able to reach young people and impart in them positive values of decency, responsibility, self esteem and ambition.
In December 2003, with the launch of Africa Magic on DSTv, Funlola, and a team of young professional ushers, also launched her ushering outfit, Spice Angels, which she conceived with the aim of providing professional ushers for events and affording young persons a responsible avenue to earn extra income. Now with about fifty members, the agency is well on its way to becoming a major name in the events industry.
Motivated by the thrill of success, the ability to inspire others while exhibiting her creativity and, of course, the financial rewards of her career, Funlola plans to continue to feature in more national and international productions and also to develop her ushering agency into a national brand.
Down to earth, passionate and emotional, Funlola says the importance of true friendship and family cannot be overemphasized; living by life’s golden rule – do unto others as you want them to do to you. And professionally, to never compromise on standard. Her dreams include meeting her yet unborn children and, of course, winning an Oscar award.
For leisure, Funlola enjoys traveling; watching movies, good food and any spicy music though she particularly admires what has evolved of Beyonce as a brand.
Why I don’t feature in most movies - Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi
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