Tobi Bakre is undoubtedly one of the fastest rising stars in Nollywood. Since he came into limelight as a contestant on the 2018 edition of the reality show, Big Brother Naija, he has gone on to work on several projects, including web series and box office films. It’s officially TOBI SEASON and we absolutely love to see it!
Tobi Bakre is the star of the newly announced Amazon Prime Video Original (The very first Nigerian Original!) Gangs of Lagos, and he is also set to take the Nigerian box office by storm with his role as Akin in Greoh Studio’s highly anticipated film, Brotherhood, which premieres in cinemas across Africa from September 23.
Tell us a bit about the character you play in Brotherhood?
I played the role of Akin Adetula aka Kalashnikov, one of the brothers whom the story centers on. Based on what myself and the producer Jade had discussed which also was the vision of the director–Loukman, we wanted a totally different look and feel for the character, and I was willing to go all the way. I changed my diet, changed my workout routine, shaved my head, pierced my ears to look like the character we all envisaged. I loved it. Getting into character wasn’t too much of a hassle; the story, the stage design, my look, it made it easier to stay locked into the character.
You are also the lead character in Jade Osiberu’s highly anticipated film, Gangs of Lagos. Tell us a bit about that experience.
GAAAAAAAAAANGS OF LAGOS!!!! You have to shout it whenever you say it. Everybody around you must hear it, everybody around you and in the world must see it. So far in my acting career, I will say this is THAT movie. A movie of many things to me. It holds many sentiments. It’s my first LEAD ROLE as an actor. It’s the first time anybody was going to trust me to deliver on what I will call a big stage which has now become a global stage. It was the first time in a long time I really feel like I impressed myself and impressed everyone that has come across this project. The movie will mean a lot to the Nigerian movie industry, and to have played lead on such along with the most amazing actors you can only dream of working with, I can only tell you God indeed works in miraculous ways. Being given such an opportunity and possibly delivering beyond expectations. I just keep saying, God you did that! Oluwatobilobaaaaa, you did that! Jade and Lala YOU DID THAT!
What should the audience look out for in these two highly anticipated films you play the lead role in?
The audience needs to see in real time the future of Nollywood shows facing in present times. True storytelling at its best. Best directing, Best acting, Best Lighting, Next level creativity, Next level collaborating, genius marketing and much more. It will inspire a lot of great things to come.
What should the audience look out for in these two highly anticipated films you play the lead role in?
The audience needs to see in real time the future of Nollywood shows facing in present times. True storytelling at its best. Best directing, Best acting, Best Lighting, Next level creativity, Next level collaborating, genius marketing and much more. It will inspire a lot of great things to come.
Which movie would you say is most challenging so far and why?
They have all been challenging in their own unique ways. None was a breeze through. They both took blood, sweat and tears. I’ll call it a truce on this one.
Describe what having fun after a long day at work is to you?
Fun after a long day’s work is coming home to make silly noises to my infant and watch him laugh and play all the way.