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Nigeria and Africa have a rich history filled with trailblazing women whose legacies deserve wider recognition. Sadly, their remarkable achievements and contributions have often been ignored and not celebrated enough.
However, dentist-turned-actress Kanyinsola Erogbogbo, known as Kanyin Eros, is on a mission to revive the memory and celebrate these trailblazing women.
Through her short film series, Kanyin Eros is thrusting these unsung heroines into the spotlight, ensuring their remarkable contributions are recognised and celebrated.
In this exclusive interview with News Round The Clock (NRTC), she revealed that her vision goes beyond celebrating these overlooked trailblazers.
According to her, her short films also explored the struggles women face, encompassing feminism, femicide, trauma, and the complexities of family life.
Erogbogbo said: “I’m still releasing my short monologues for “The Secret Lives of Nigerian Women”. I’m excited to highlight other women and share their contributions to history. Additionally, I’m working on a couple of films that I’ll be shooting later this month and in August.
“I’m excited about those projects as well. As for producing my work, I’m still searching for the right script and the right inspiration. The meaning needs to be perfect, or at least as close to perfect as possible, before I dive into production.”
Movies roles
Kanyin Eros, known for her role in “Muri and Ko,” reveals a passion for dramatic characters with a strong moral compass. She aspires to portray a lawyer who champions the underprivileged, fighting for those who can’t afford legal representation, similar to characters like Olivia Pope from “Scandal” or Annalise Keating from “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Kanyin Eros, who harboured a love for acting since her teenage years, acknowledges the influence of her dentistry background on her artistic pursuits.
Although juggling both professions proved challenging during her student days, she continues to navigate this unique career path.
“Choosing to go into acting is a very personal decision. You need to understand why you’re pursuing it and reflect on its importance to you because it will challenge you from the beginning to the end. Acting is a career driven by passion since financial rewards don’t come immediately. It also involves putting yourself out there for public scrutiny. These factors are crucial to consider, especially if you’re prepared for the vulnerability and the possibility of not earning money in the initial years.
“However, because I have such a passion for acting and it holds a special place in my heart, I’m willing to go to great lengths to make a living from it. Returning to dentistry isn’t something I foresee because I lack a passion for it. It’s essential to be genuinely interested in your career, and for me, that interest lies in acting.
“In dentistry, the training is highly detailed. You must be observant and empathetic, understanding each patient’s background and identifying what’s wrong. This is somewhat akin to acting, where you need to explore every detail of a character, empathize with them, and understand why they make certain choices.”
Reflecting on her experience in “Muri & Ko,” the star of “The Red Circle” shared how collaborating with director Biodun Stephen and a talented cast including Bisola Ayola, Kunle Remi, and Femi Jacobs significantly impacted her career.
“It was a good preparation for me because these are people that are amazing at their craft and working on such a big scale, it was just inspiring and it helps me to just dream big and know that at some point I’m going to be working with them on a bigger scale. It just makes me excited”, she noted.
Aspirations
The actress revealed her aspirations to move behind the camera, producing her film and casting her fellow actors. She also expressed an interest in starting an acting school or academy—fostering the next generation of talent.
Discussing her inspirations in the industry, the actress singled out Bisola Ayola. She lauded Ayola’s powerful screen presence, describing her as both strong and captivating.
Eros stressed the importance of reading, crediting Nse Ikpe-Etim for inspiring her to constantly delve into acting books and self-help materials. She believes this continuous learning strengthens both her craft and her mind.
READ ALSO: My goal is telling impactful stories – Biodun Stephen (NRTC Exclusive)
“I’m just starting in my career, so I wouldn’t say I’ve landed a truly interesting role yet—I’m still waiting for that to come. However, every project I’ve worked on has taught me something valuable about myself and helped me grow as an actor.
The most challenging role so far has been in a short film called “Ireti’, where I played someone dealing with a terminal illness. It was a significant challenge because I had to embody the experience of someone on the brink of death and then recovering from it. As a former medical student, I had experience empathizing with patients, but portraying one was a unique and enlightening reversal of that perspective.”
Beyond Nollywood
Kanyin Eros envisions a future where Hollywood and Nollywood actors collaborate seamlessly, rather than a competition where everyone aspires to be in Hollywood. “There are so many fantastic actors here,” she says, expressing her desire to work alongside Hollywood stars.
Kanyin Eros hopes to see Nollywood reach a level where future collaborations are initiated by Hollywood, signifying a true meeting of equals.
She urged fans to be understanding towards entertainers. “We are human beings too,” she said, likely referring to recent criticism or online attacks.
“We often forget that entertainers are just regular people in the spotlight. This can lead to forgetting their humanity and treating them differently. It’s crucial to remember that everyone is dealing with their struggles and inner demons. We should strive to be kind to everyone.
“Be kind, exercise your civic rights, and avoid bullying. You never know what others are going through. Mental health is important, and everyone deserves grace. Improving our country isn’t solely the government’s responsibility; it starts with how we treat one another”, she said.
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