Temitope Akinyemi, also known as Integrity Icon, is a prominent Nollywood actor and filmmaker who has made a name for himself by consistently producing highly educational movies in the Nigerian film industry.
During a recent interview with our correspondent, Akinyemi shared his insights on the importance of integrity in the entertainment industry and how it has shaped his career. With his passion for storytelling and commitment to producing quality content, Akinyemi has become a respected figure in the Nigerian film community.
Can you tell us about your journey in the film industry and how you became involved in filmmaking and acting?
Answer: Well, I had a passion for acting at a young age, but I didn’t do anything about it, but luckily for me, I have an older sister who used to work under AINA GOLD. Her name was ‘Funke Akinyemi’ and she late now. I met a lot of people in the industry through her with whom I later became friends. This made my journey in the industry a little easier. I became a full member in 2011.
What motivated you to start your own production company, Integrity Icon Productions, and what is the vision behind it?
Since 2011 has been on and off, for some reason I had to put my acting career on hold for some business ideas. But in 2015, I moved to Ogun State and that was when I decided to revive my acting career. I wanted to do a group with one of my friends who also had a passion for acting. A lady also joined us and there were 3 of us.
We debated what the name of the group should be, I came up with INTEGRITY and a lady ICON came up with, and that’s how INTEGRITY ICON PERFORMING ART came out. It was actually run like a school, we had some students coming in to join after that and I’m the only financier.
Unfortunately, I had to disband the group after a few years because I came back to Lagos but I kept the name of the group and a lot of people started calling me ‘ICON OF INTEGRITY’ because that was the name I opened my Instagram account with, the first production was made after I came back to Lagos called ‘INTEGRITY’ ICON” and that’s how the name became a trademark.
Do you think Yoruba actors are relegated?
No, Yoruba actors are not and cannot be disembarked. We have always put Nollywood ahead. Our prowess in acting and our filmmaking skills always put us on the world map and I don’t see that stopping any time from now. You can see that we are getting better every day, our actors have produced the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time and the highest-grossing original movie of all time. So, what more can I say?
What is that one role you can never play?
As an actor, you need to be versatile and creative. But I will not take a part that would harm my faith and endanger my home. Role that does not teach morals. I will not go nude or have straight sex in movies.
Can you tell us about your educational background and family?
I am from Akinyemi family, first male child of 4 and I am number 3. My father hails from Oyo state and my mother is from Ogun state. I am a UNILAG graduate and I am happily married and blessed with two wonderful children.
As a filmmaker, producer, and actor, how do you balance your various roles and responsibilities
Well it wasn’t easy but i thank God all the way. Being an actor made it easier for you to be a filmmaker. It gives me the necessary perspective on the kinds of actors I want to have on my set and the kind of story I want to work on. It prepares me for what’s to come and how to have proper communication skills with the cast and crew. I am able to balance the roles well by having a comprehensive understanding of the two and what they entail. Fortunately for me, I also have people around me who help me and ensure that the burdens are not too overwhelming.
How do you handle attention from your female fans?
I’m always diplomatic about how I treat my females fans and all fans and not even just the fans but all of my fans. Unavoidable, most will come to Dm with different messages and all that. But one has only to be more careful and apply wisdom. God guides us and guards us always.
What is the biggest price you have paid for your career?
It was one of the greatest prices I’ve ever paid over a friend’s production. I was supposed to be on his set for 5 days and we planned to produce together but I was admitted to the hospital ahead of schedule. I couldn’t afford to miss the production because I knew it was going to affect a lot of things, so I literally escaped from the hospital without anyone’s consent. I removed the drip from my hand and left. Thank God I already packed all my costumes in the car, and I didn’t even tell my wife I was going to production. I went, and i spent 5 days, and did an amazing job the whole time.
Who is that one personality you will love to work with and why?
The only person I like to work with is Odunlade Adekola. I am very impressed with his craft and ability to produce. It’s very agile and I love the way it handles production. He is that actor who always strives to bring out the best in every actor he is suitable to work with. He has been on my set before and I still want him any day any time.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievements in the film industry so far, and why?
My greatest achievement? I can’t really say but I have to thank God for where I came from and where He’s taking me. I know God has a huge plan for me and I just haven’t been able to get there yet. My greatest achievement so far is being alive and doing what I love most. Actually it privileges me.
Can you share some insights into the process of producing and acting in Nollywood Yoruba movies? What are some unique aspects or challenges of working in this genre?
The production in every genre is almost the same, the thorough preparation makes the production better but what makes Yoruba film production more exciting is the incorporation of our different cultures, languages and religions into the film. It gives us an edge over others and makes our films and roles unique. You can see someone who hails from Oyo state speaking in totally Egba dialect and also a Christian playing Muslim roles without pressure. We have trained ourselves to be versatile and creative. We can also go to any length, travel anywhere just to make our productions the best.
Which of the films you have worked on as a producer and actor holds a special place in your heart, and why?
Well, all of the films I have made hold a special place in my heart. There hasn’t been a movie I’ve made that I haven’t seen my best but I can say that “IPIN” (FATE) stands out. It enables me to realize that nothing is unattainable when you put your mind to it. It is the direction of Segun Ogungbe and a lot of great actors were part of the production. Bimbo Oshin, Akin Lewis, Akin Olaiya, Bukunmi Oluwashina, Saidi Balogun, Myself and many more. Hakeem’s influence was also part of the production and he has a lot to tell. Until Tomorrow is a movie you will watch and re-watch. It has replay value as they say.
