Before Stardom With… Korede Soyinka

Could you tell us about your educational background?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a discipline that shaped the way I think, analytically, structurally, and with attention to detail.

How did you become an actor?

Acting has always been integral to my life. My earliest experiences in front of the camera were in my father’s productions, Sunday Soyinka at Korede Film Production, beginning at age four. However, in 2013, I intentionally committed myself to acting as a dedicated craftsman.

Who were your mentors when you started?

Honestly, I wouldn’t say I had any when I started.

Could you share some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?

I remember a season when I attended auditions consistently for over five years without receiving a single call back. It was a humbling period. Somewhere within that stretch, I was cast in a production outside Lagos, where I played a supporting role, and I got paid N3,000 for a two-day shoot. Looking back, I would say those were moments that built endurance in me, but they are certainly not days I miss.

Which of the movies or series you acted in would you say shot you into the limelight?

During the first phase of my career as a child actor, I do not remember every detail, but I featured in notable films such as Ija Omode and Alekuwodo. In the next phase, Refuge, an Africa Magic Original Series produced in 2023 by Paladin Studios, significantly expanded my audience as an actor.

What qualities should a good actor possess?

A good actor must first be an excellent listener. Beyond talent, the ability to observe human behaviour, absorb emotional truth, and respond authentically is what gives performance its depth.

How did you feel when you were called up to act in the popular Wura series?

It felt rewarding, but it also stretched me creatively because it demanded something different from what I had done before, and I welcomed that challenge.

Are you currently working on any project?

Yes, I am.