Presh Nation!
It’s a beautiful Sunday and I’m pleased to bring another wonderful guest. She needs no introduction. Bolanle Olukanni is a Fashion Queen, broke out through MOments and went on to host Project Fame West Africa. She’s the Founder of God’s Wives Foundation. Ladies and gentlemen, the amazing Bolanle Olukanni. Enjoy;
PRESH: You did a lot of moving around while growing up, how much of an impact did that have on you?
BOLANLE: I lived in a lot of different countries and met so many people. It made me curious and open minded. I also learnt how to make friends easily.
PRESH: Although, bar Israel, language wouldn’t have been a barrier, cultural beliefs don’t align. Did you find it difficult growing up in those different countries?
BOLANLE: No I didn’t, I was younger so I didn’t understand the nuisances of feeling out of place. Also I went to international schools which meant everyone was from a different country. So in many ways we were all Cultural misfits. There was no one way of doing things.
PRESH: You’ve in the past listed people like Mo Abudu, Leymah Gbowee, Zain Asher and your mum as role models, tell us about her, your relationship and how much of an influence she’s been.
BOLANLE: My mom has been a major influence in my life. Her character and the way she raised me and my sister has been monumental in what I value as an adult.
PRESH: Why do you enjoy reading so much?
BOLANLE: I feel like I can zone out when I am reading. It helps me relax and take my mind off of things.
PRESH: After MOments, Project fame was the one that increased your popularity. How did it feel to replace someone as reputable as Adora Oleh on the Show?
BOLANLE: The show was a huge step for me and Adora is a great presenter. It was important to me that I showcase my capabilities as Bolanle and I was really happy to be chosen to be part of Project Fame
PRESH: One of your major highlights on Project fame was the proposal prank 😂 While Joseph was on one knee, tell us, what was going through your mind?
BOLANLE: That was hilarious, but I kind of suspected. I mean Joseph and I were just friends so it didn’t make sense
PRESH: If it was real, on that spot, what would you have done?
BOLANLE: It can’t be real, we were just friends
PRESH: You took a shot at acting, played Rume on Isoken, how did you get the role and what was the experience like?
BOLANLE: I really enjoyed both roles. Acting is such an intense craft and it takes a lot of practice to understand interpretations of characters. I like to put my heart into everything I do and I had to pause because I could not juggle it alongside my other projects.
PRESH: So, it means you had an acting project simultaneously with Isoken?
BOLANLE: No, I mean with presenting and my hosting gigs, creating content. I would run between sets and it was very stressful
PRESH: Your last movie feature was in 2018, did you take a break from acting or have such projects just not come your way recently?
BOLANLE: No, I haven’t been on any sets since the last two. If I get a good script, I will dive in but I also need to be in a place that I can seriously commit
PRESH: From Documentary to foundation, the story of how God’s wives started is an interesting one, tell us about recent progress from the foundation.
BOLANLE: It’s been an intense last few months. We have focused mainly on relief funds for the widows, we also started a food bank as well and that has been going well. We partnered with Unilever on it.
PRESH: So, you started food bank, is it a one off thing or is it something you’d like to continue going forward?
BOLANLE: No, it’s not one off, it’s been on going
We usually do some once a month, a pick up or distribution.
PRESH: Is your mentorship platform “Girls for the future” still on?
BOLANLE: No that was a Program I did during NYSC in Ekiti state. I am focused on the widows now.
PRESH: That’s great, what’s the secret to your bubbly personality, cos it’s sweet and we don’t want it to stop 😌
BOLANLE: Not feeling stressed. I am actually not a bubbly person per say. But I really like to laugh
PRESH: Well, we see you. What was your biggest childhood dream? And would you say you’ve lived it?
BOLANLE: I had a fun childhood and always thought I would be a lawyer. That’s because I liked to argue with everyone. When I was 16 I knew I wanted to work on radio and use radios as a platform for influence. So in many ways I am doing that
PRESH: What challenges did you have to go through on your way here?
BOLANLE: I think the challenges are always on going. There is the constant struggle of being self-motivated and holding onto what one values the most. In addition, I always am asking myself how can I be more impactful and sincere with the people I interact with
PRESH: You won TFAA OAP(visual) of the year. How much of a game booster was that for you?
BOLANLE: It was such an honor and it a great prize to receive. I knew I had put in the work and was thankful that I was awarded the prize. It motivated me even more to do more
PRESH: Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to explore media generally as a profession
BOLANLE: It’s important you are clear on your intentions and know why you are choosing this career path. It will help give you focus and have clarity throughout the process. Also try as much as possible to stay true to yourself and be intentional
PRESH: Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking it time to talk to me.
BOLANLE: Thank you for the questions
PRESH: Peace ✌
Follow Bolanle Olukanni on IG @bolanleolukanni
Also Bolanle Olukanni has a foundation @godswivesng
Originality is borne out of self worth, to be original you have to stay true to yourself. You’re busy doubting yourself while some are intimidated by your potential. Ire oo 🥂
