Nigerian actress Omowunmi Dada, known for her versatile talent and award-winning performances, has opened up about the extreme dedication she put into her craft while preparing for the 2020 Netflix hit Oloture. In a recent interview, the Unknown Soja actress, who recently won the Best Actress award at the 2024 BON Awards, revealed the lengths she went to in bringing her character, Linda, to life.
To truly embody the gritty reality of her role as a sex worker in the human trafficking-themed movie, Dada visited a brothel every day for two weeks.
I needed to understand their world.
she shared, explaining how she bonded with the women there to grasp their experiences.
The challenges didn’t stop there. Dada, who doesn’t smoke in real life, had to smoke 14 cigarettes on her first day of filming.
By the time I got back to my hotel, I was throwing up
she said, recalling the physical toll of the role. Despite the exhaustion, she pushed through, often refusing rest days to keep the momentum going.
Dada also made striking physical changes for the role, such as abandoning her regular waxing routine to appear more authentic.
Sometimes, I watch Oloture and think, ‘Oh God, this hair,’ but it was all to serve the story
she laughed.
For the actress, Oloture wasn’t just another role—it was a mission.
I knew how important Linda’s story was. If one or two people could avoid her path because of this film, it was worth every sacrifice.
Reflecting on her career, Dada emphasized her commitment to intentional storytelling, often turning down scripts that don’t align with her vision. While stardom has followed her talent, she insists,
I’m just a professional actor doing what I love. Fame was never the goal.
As she continues to shine on-screen with projects like Suspicion and Everybody Loves Jenifa, Omowunmi Dada remains a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and authenticity in Nollywood.
