Former Big Brother Naija Reality TV star, talented actress and entrepreneur, Bamike Adenibuyan, popularly known as Bam Bam is a lady who knows what she wants and goes for it. Driven with great passion for the arts, the Season 3 BBN housemate plunged into the Nigerian film industry and carved a niche for herself in the entertainment world. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she shares her journey into acting, character in the new series ‘Manless’ and other sundry issues.

I come from a family of four, with my mom hailing from Delta state (Asaba -Agbo) and my father from Ogun state (Ilaro -Yewa south). I have a younger brother, and our family background is deeply rooted in discipline, owing to my father’s retired military background and my mother’s career as a retired nurse and midwife. I have a BSc in Microbiology, I am passionate about filmmaking, God, love for my country Nigeria, and working towards becoming the world’s wealthiest and most influential woman. I am very result-oriented, I am very kingdom-minded and very people-centric as well. 

After completing my NYSC, I had a regular job, but deep down, there was dissatisfaction. One day, while at home, I prayed to God, seeking clarity and direction for my purpose in life. I embarked on a period of fasting and prayer, asking for divine guidance. Following my fast, I was living alone in Abuja where I had a moment of clarity while watching a movie called “Columbiana” on my GOtv. I felt so immersed in the whole process of cinematography, acting, and storytelling, this ignited a fire within me. Like a live vision it hit me, I knew instantly that I was destined to be either an actor or a producer, so I am either acting or producing my own film or perhaps both. Instantly I began my journey into the world of storytelling and filmmaking. 

What were your initial challenges when you started and how were you able to surmount them?

After experiencing a reality check and realising my passion for the film industry, I pondered on how to break into this competitive field and stand out. Despite being comfortable and financially stable, I made the bold decision to leave everything behind and move to Lagos. I applied to join the Royal Arts Academy, which is owned by Emem Isong and Uduak Isong. I stood out as one of the best actors in the film school, I featured in a few of their productions. However, going for auditions were proper hectic. Friends and I discussed how we were going to survive this industry, there was no way I was going to survive in Lagos living from hand to mouth, waiting to be auditioned, and being paid very ridiculous amount for the films. as an actor. There’s no way those earnings could sustain me, and when you make an impression one director offered their hotel key card to me to spend quality time with them in exchange for more meaningful roles. it suddenly felt like a trap, did I make mistake?
Determined to make a breakthrough, I decided to audition for Big Brother, viewing it as a platform to be seen by the right people and for them to feature me on their major productions, Taking a chance, I entered the Big Brother house and made it as far as I did, I came out and God has been faithful. I have been earning okay and I have been doing well as an actor, influencer and more. 

What was your first acting role?

My debut acting opportunity was in the film “Back-up Wife,” where I had the privilege of working alongside Bimbo Ademoye and Seun Akindele. The film was produced by Uduak Isong.

You played a character in a new series “Manless,” tell us about the character

Fejiro was quite an interesting character, I put myself in the shoes of a single lady in Lagos trying to find love. I can’t wait for everyone to meet her, she was such a beautiful mess. I am eagerly looking forward to sharing her story with everyone, as it beautifully captures the essence of finding love amidst chaos. 

What interest you most about this character and what should the audience learn from the role you played in the series?

Fejiro was a young lady desperate and in search of love, driven by a strong desire to find companionship. She was also a hardworking and dedicated content creator living with a roommate who worked as a nurse. Fejiro had a close bond with her, as they navigated life’s challenges together Both friends had a male friend in common who had a crush on Fejiro. Despite his affection, Fejiro’s absent-mindedness often led her to overlook this. Through her experiences, Fejiro inadvertently taught us valuable lessons. One lesson was about discretion in content creation. Fejiro’s tendency to over share personal struggles publicly highlighted the importance of maintaining privacy. She showed that not every detail of one’s life needs to be exposed for the sake of content. Sometimes, preserving the sanctity of personal matters is crucial. Another lesson was about the quest for love. Fejiro’s desperation to find a romantic partner reminded us that rushing into relationships out of loneliness or societal pressure isn’t the solution. Instead, seeking counsel, trusting in divine timing, and being attentive to the people already present in our lives can lead to meaningful connections. In essence, Fejiro’s story serves as a reminder to approach life’s challenges with mindfulness and discernment. It encourages us to value our privacy, seek genuine connections, and trust in the process of finding love, knowing that sometimes, the right person may be right in front of us, waiting to be noticed. 

You met your husband in the Big Brother Naija house. How is family life and motherhood generally?

I met my husband on Big Brother, It’s been quite a journey. It was just a gift from God that we met each other and family life has been great. We are both raising two beautiful amazing daughters and of course, he has a son Jayden in America. We are actually a big family, even though Jayden is not physically with us. It has been an amazing experience being a mom, a wife, a businesswoman woman, an entrepreneur and a general manager at The Pelican Rooftop Ikate, which has been quite an experience as well. The work-life balance is still a work in progress but I am truly honoured and blessed to be a mom, a wife and a huge support system to my husband and a blessing to the community and Nigeria as a whole.Overall, the journey has been amazing, filled with growth, love and gratitude. 

The women in my life have been a gift from God, each playing a significant role in shaping my aspirations and influencing my journey towards success. From my mom Mrs Mabel Olawunmi, Mrs. Bolanle Austin Peters, Mrs. Efe Kragha, Mrs. Funmilayo Okigbo, my best friend Anita Agent Ifeanyi-Okorie, Mrs Oyeyipo, Mama Shakiperigrino and other admirable figures whom I admire from a distance, they have all been instrumental in inspiring me to reach greater heights.When you want to attain any height in life, it is important you have the right people who inspire you and influence you towards your goal and more. I make sure before I make major decisions I seek counsel, some of these women have been married, have grown children, are succeeding in their various careers, especially Mrs Bolanle Austin Peters. I see her as a mentor and a role model because I am really passionate about film making, owning a film business, owning a film village, my own theatre space, being a film maker and an actor. She’s been there done that and killing it. She’s an icon and a legend in the making. It is also a huge dream of mine to be the world’s wealthiest and most influential woman.The late Maya Angelou as well as Oprah Winfrey also hold a special place in my heart as they serve as huge sources of inspiration. By closely observing those who have achieved success in areas I aspire to excel in, I am constantly learning and growing and I am grateful for them.  

How do you manage business, acting and family effectively without one affecting the other?

To be honest, achieving work-life balance remains a work in progress. I own a skin care brand named Bam Beauty Products and Services, I am the General Manager at The Pelican Rooftop and Apartments, I am an actor, a filmmaker, a devoted mother to two children, and a wife. Amidst these endeavours, I rely on God and continuous self-discovery to navigate through each phase of life while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

I love to watch movies, sleep, take long walks, and go out for movie or dinner dates with hubby. However, my absolute favourite way to relax is cuddling up in bed with my husband, indulging in a good movie, accompanied by a slice of chocolate cake and a cup of green tea. Depending on my mood, I might opt for movies, quality time with my husband, or just sleep.

For anyone aspiring to enter the film industry, it’s crucial to invest in learning and education. Aim to acquire a degree, certificate, or relevant training in filmmaking. Additionally, try to connect with successful filmmakers and attach yourself to their projects as an intern, production assistant, or project manager. Even if it starts as unpaid work, prove your worth and dedication to the team, and gradually work your way up. Stay diligent at what you do, opportunities may arise unexpectedly, such as being needed as an extra or for a quick scene (“waka pass”), so always be ready. The film industry is competitive, so ensure you stand out by showcasing your talent. Do monologues and post on your social media pages, tag all the directors, producers and filmmakers, attend auditions, and network by being around people who are already in the field and position yourself. Please don’t sell your body for roles or any fill opportunity, it’s not worth it. Prayer and divine favour are important, but it’s equally essential to be seasoned in your field. When opportunity meets the prepared, success follows not as luck but as a result of excellence and dedication. 

To my wonderful fans, thank you all for your unwavering support for all I do, selling out brands I influence for and watching movies I’m in!, for loving me, and for believing in me. Your encouragement and constant push have been the driving force behind my journey, propelling me to achieve both small victories and significant milestones. Your active engagement on my posts, your enthusiasm for my successes, whether big or small, and your presence in my journey mean the world to me. We are a team, and I cherish the bond we share as we navigate through this incredible journey together. Please know that I do not take your support for granted.  I love and appreciate you all deeply, and I look forward to sharing many more exciting moments and achievements with you in the future.

Where do you see yourself five years from nown?

In the next five years, I should be a home owner, own my beauty space and wellness center. I also, hope to own my food court, bag some national and international endorsements. I see myself producing a few of my movies and win one or two awards as a filmmaker or actor. I hope to be in the right circles that will take me closer to my goal of being the world’s wealthiest and most influential woman, or more.