The Yoruba movie industry is a melting pot of talents, dreams, and stories, and every actor’s journey into stardom is uniquely inspiring. For Sodiya Hannah Omotayo, her path to becoming a notable actress is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering dedication.
Born in Lagos State as the seventh of ten children, Hannah grew up in a family that emphasized discipline and hard work. Her parents, both industrious businesspeople, provided her with a stable foundation. Hannah began her academic journey at Trinity Nursery and Primary School in Abeokuta before progressing to Baptist Girls College. She then earned an NCE (National Certificate in Education) from the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, and recently graduated with a degree in Social Work from the University of Ibadan. Her education not only broadened her worldview but also fueled her ambition to make a difference both on and off the screen. In a chat with Citypeople, talked about the many hurdles she scaled through to launch her acting career. Her responses were carefully paraphrased with different captions.
The Inspiration Behind Her Acting Career
Hannah’s love for acting was ignited during her teenage years. Watching Nollywood legends light up the screen filled her with awe and determination. “I told myself, ‘I want to be an actor,’” she recalls. Encouragement from a friend who was already in the industry gave her the final nudge to pursue her dreams. However, the journey wasn’t straightforward. A lack of fluency in Yoruba initially held her back from taking up acting roles. Determined not to let this deter her, Hannah joined a production crew, learning the intricacies of filmmaking while working on improving her language skills.
Landing Her First Role in Alase Aye
Hannah’s big break came when she joined the cast of Alase Aye, a movie directed by the late Ahmed Durojaiye, popularly known as Alasari. Her journey to this point wasn’t easy, but her time as a crew member proved invaluable.
“The director had to be patient with me because of my Yoruba,” she shares. “But I acted well, and my earlier experience with the crew taught me not to look at the camera during scenes.” This role marked the turning point in her career. The challenges she faced on set only strengthened her resolve to improve her craft, setting her on a path of continuous learning and growth.
Navigating Challenges in Nollywood
Hannah’s rise in the industry hasn’t been without its hurdles. She recalls a particularly challenging moment during a late-night shoot when an accidental flashlight glare into a superior’s face led to an unwarranted slap. “I was confused and hurt,” she says. “I cried and even vowed never to greet him again.” However, the situation was resolved the following day when the superior apologized, teaching her an early lesson in humility and resilience. “Challenges like these shape you,” she reflects. “By God’s grace, I’m overcoming them.”
Role Models and Inspirations
Hannah draws inspiration from iconic figures such as Sola Sobowale, Fathia Balogun, and Genevieve Nnaji. “They are exceptional in their craft and have set the bar high for professionalism and excellence,” she notes. These women serve as beacons of what she hopes to achieve in her career.
Aspirations and Vision
Looking to the future, Hannah is determined to take on more challenging roles that push her limits as an actress. She also plans to deepen her understanding of the industry by pursuing a master’s degree and exploring the technical aspects of filmmaking.
“I want to direct and produce films that stand out,” she says. “Studying filmmaking will give me the skills to carve out a niche for myself and make a lasting impact in the industry.”
Leaving a Legacy
For Hannah Sodiya, acting is more than just a career—it’s a platform to inspire and connect with audiences. She hopes her journey will encourage aspiring actors to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting the challenges may seem.
With her passion, talent, and commitment to growth, Hannah is poised to leave an indelible mark on Nollywood. Her story is a testament to the fact that with perseverance and the willingness to learn, success is within reach.
