Yoruba actor Oluwole Akeem Cole, popularly known as Baraka, has opened up about his humble beginnings and the challenges he faced on his journey to fame.
In an interview with FellRightNews, Baraka revealed that his passion for acting began at a very young age. During school holidays, he would entertain his peers by performing plays and skits. However, he officially began his professional acting career in 1990.
Sometimes, it’s not about starting your career with a lead or supporting role before gaining fame. For me, the movie that brought me into the spotlight was Omo Ghetto by Funke Akindele. Surprisingly, many people didn’t even recognize me by face, but my voice in the movie went viral and got people talking.
“Looking at me like this, I’ve only heard of cannabis (Igbo); I’ve never even seen it before. I don’t smoke or drink alcohol,” he said.
Baraka added that many people have wrongly assumed he lives a reckless lifestyle due to the realistic way he plays his roles. However, he explained that his commitment to professionalism and acting excellence allows him to convincingly embody his characters without living like them.
Baraka didn’t stop there he also opened up about his personal views on relationships in the movie industry. While admitting that he once dated a fellow actress, he made it clear that he would never consider marrying one.
According to him, many actresses in the industry are romantically involved with influential producers or “bosses,” making it difficult for an ordinary actor to keep up.
“I would be stupid to marry an actress,” he said bluntly. “Some of them are dating our bosses. I can’t endure seeing my wife have affairs with other men on set. I’d rather stay single.”
Despite his strong stance, Baraka clarified that he doesn’t condemn those who find love in the industry. He praised such relationships, acknowledging the emotional strength it takes for both partners to manage the complexities of showbiz romance.
His interview has sparked online discussions, with fans applauding his honesty and discipline in both his craft and personal life