Sierra Leonean/American, Morris K. Sesay, is a Nollywood actor, movie producer and marketer. Although he studied Nursing in America and majored in Cosmetology, he dumped the profession for Nollywood and has been residing in Nigeria since 2009. And in just five years, he has produced over 15 movies and acted alongside several A-list artistes in blockbusters such as Cat and Mouse, Paradox, Breaking Free, Kamara Tree and his latest movie, Birthday Bash, which premiered on Friday, November 28 to mention a few.
In this interview with Chuks Eze, Morris, whose grandmother is half Nigerian shares personal experiences with The Entertainer including why he dumped Nursing and how he was duped $30,000 in Nigeria while producing his debut film entitled Complicated. He also talked about life as a refugee and why he wants to work with Tonto Dike.
Q/A…
How long have you been in Nigeria?
I have been living here and doing business since 2009.
Did you study Drama or Theater Arts in America?
No, I studies Nursing and majored in cosmetology
Why did you dump nursing for Nollywood?
When you have passion for something you want to push it as much as possible; I was driven by passion.
Were you influenced by your parents to study Nursing or did you do that out of personal volition?
I opted for Nursing because I wanted to make money. It is easier to make money in America when you are in the medical profession.
Which was the first Nigerian movie you watched?
It was Glamour Girls. I used to love Sandra Achums and Zack Orji a lot. And I pray to work with Achums someday.
Was it after watching Glamour Girls that you fell in love with Nigeria and Nollywood?
Yes, I got so obsessed with Nollywood after I saw Glamour Girls. Let me share a funny experience with you. I lost contact with my family during the Liberian Civil War in the 90’s and somehow found myself living in Ghana as a refugee. My aunty took me there but abandoned me afterwards. I had nobody and basically became a street boy doing menial jobs to survive. I was ahouse boy and used to fetch water for a certain woman who was running a mama put (local restaurant) in exchange for food. I was also doing baby-sitting working 17 hours daily. One day while on an errand, I saw Charles Okafor (Mr Ibu), in Ghana were he and his crew were shooting. I was so excited I suspended all my activities for the day and ran after the car carrying him which drove into a gated property. I waited outside for hours just to catch another glimpse of him but didn’t see him because I was driven away. When I returned to my workplace, my madam scolded me for running late but I did not care; I was happy that I had just laid eyes on a great actor like Mr. Ibu. For all I cared, she could do whatever she liked because I didn’t give a hoot! Years later when I met John Okafor, I shared the story with him and he remembered vividly. The same thing happened the day I saw Zack Orji at a restaurant in Ghana. I stood on the spot for over an hour watching him eat and relax; I was so excited. I have also shared the story with him too. And as God may have it, several years after, I am now in the industry and also being watched by people too. What I am trying to say is that God has a special purpose for every individual in this world.
How did you join Nollywood?
It was through my younger sister back in America. She knew that I loved acting and introduced me to a close friend who was a movie director in the industry. I called him up and told him that I would like to be an actor and film producer. We later met in Sierra Leone when he met my family and I later came down to Nigeria and today the rest is history.
What impression did you have about Nigeria before coming down, and has it changed now?
All I can say is that outsiders have a terribly wrong impression about Nigeria. The reality here is far from the negative impression out there about the country. This is a country where you can land at the airport and pick a taxi that will take you straight to your destination. All you have to do is give the driver the address of your destination and he will take you there safely without any problems. Those who get duped are set up by those that know them. What we used to hear back in America was that Nigeria was a bad country and all that. But which country is free of bad eggs? I have had my ups and downs here yet it has been a great outing for me. The truth is that Nigeria is friendlier than most of the countries that talk ill of her. I’m not saying this because I’m here but from my personal experiences. Many of my friends had feared for my safety when they learnt I was coming over to this country. And to justify their fears, I have been robbed at gunpoint in Lagos. But the question is, if a Nigerian could point a gun at a fellow Nigerian and rob him, then, why not me? It is not like they target only foreigners for robbery; anybody could fall victim. So I hate it when people generalize that all Nigerians are bad people; that is a fallacy.
How was your first outing as a producer?
I don’t want to talk about it because I was duped to the tune of $30,000. It was a painful experience but I have no regrets. I thank God that the incident didn’t discourage me one bit.
How did it happen since you had an experienced hand in the industry before coming over?
That is why I don’t want to discuss the issue. I spent $60,000 dollars to produce the film. It was a case of being made to spend about N10 million to do a film that should cost a maximum of N2 million. And because of that experience, I only released the film in America and other places but not in Nigeria. The film was entitled Complicated.
And it incidentally complicated your life? What a coincidence…
(Laughter)It wasn’t funny my brother…
Would you say you are better off as a filmmaker than an American nurse?
No, I wouldn’t say so but I don’t have regrets.
What are you working on at the moment?
My new film entitled Birthday Bash premiered on November 28, at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was directed by Desmond Elliot and big stars like Julius Agwu, Yul Edochie, Desmond Elliot, myself, Funky Mallam, Belinda Effa and Bobby Michael also starred in the movie. It is a comic drama, a very hilarious comedy which starts with a comedy and progresses to more serious issues.
What other works have you featured in?
I have featured in over 16 films namely Birthday Bash, which is the latest, The Cupboard,Midnight Whisper, Paradox and Spell Bound and of course, my debut, Complicated, among many others.
Who are some of the A-list actors you have acted with?
I have done stuff with the likes of Desmond Elliot, Chioma Chukwuka, Uche Jumbo, Monalisa Chinda, Yemi Black, Nse Ekpe, Ini Edo, Clem Ohameze and Belinda Effa to mention a few; I have worked with so many of them.
If you are cast with Tonto Dike to play soft porn or semi-nude roles, would you accept it?
Yes, I would. After all, we are both professionals. I would accept the offer 100 per cent (laughter). It is a matter of professionalism.
Are you implying that you have a crush on her and would scramble to do anything that involves her?
No, I don’t have a crush on her. But as a producer and actor, I am a big fan of Tonto’s; I love her as a person. Her acting skills and her personality are quite impressive. I only met her once and my assessment of her was contrary to all the negative reports out there about her. I see her as a very quiet and nice person and I think that people usually have issues with her because she is a very real individual who does what she wants without pretence. I am crazy about her and longing to work with her. I have actually tried to work with her twice but she had a very tight schedule on both occasions.
How many films have you produced so far?
I have done about 16 and currently working on a couple of others.
What is your rating of Nollywood?
My honest rating of Nollywood especially in terms of content, storyline and production is that the industry has come a long way but there is still room for improvement; we are on course but not yet there. Remember that Bollywood kicked-off in the 50’s while Nollywood started in the 90’s. And if the industry can do this much at just 21, then we will get there; it is just a matter of time.
Have you shot any film back home in Sierra Leone?
I have shot about five with some pending. I shoot there as much as I do here in Nigeria. And I am also a film marketer there. I was even nominated for the Grammy Awards there for Best Cinematography for African Wedding, one of my films which is currently on Iroko TV. Another movie isKamara Tree, which is coming out soon.
Are you married or in a serious relationship at the moment?
I’m in a serious relationship.
Is she a Nigerian?
No.
Why don’t you want to settle down with a Nigerian?
Love could take you anywhere and you never say no to love because it takes you wherever it wills; she is not even an African.
How do you cope with romantic overtures from female fans?
It has not been easy. People sending you hundreds of text messages and expecting you to reply all of them is crazy I must confess! But we can’t do without fans because they are our strength. The only thing is that one should devise a means of handling them to ensure they don’t feel you are ignoring or snubbing them.
What is your impression about sex-for-role in the industry?
It is the business of those that indulge in it. Some would say that they have to do what they have to do to get what they want and as far as I am concerned, that is their business. But personally, I have never experienced it though I have heard about it severally. I would not be surprised if it really exists because we hear about it in all sectors and professions. If people can worship Satan, then sex-for-role is mere child’s play. However, I would never indulge in it till I die. Why should I take advantage of a helpless woman in that manner? How would I feel should such happen to my daughter or son?
Since your girl doesn't reside in Nigeria; how do you keep your body warm especially on very cold and lonely nights?
I light up candles all over the room and doze off when it gets warm (laughter).
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