Tunde Olaoye Opens Up About Co-directing “Everybody Loves Jenifa”

Tunde Olaoye is no stranger to the complexities of filmmaking. From directing gripping dramas like “Lugard” to collaborating on comedic projects like “Everybody Loves Jenifa” (ELJ), his ability to adapt to diverse genres has earned him recognition in Nollywood.

A graduate of Performing Arts with a focus on writing and directing, Olaoye’s passion for storytelling traces back to his childhood, where his grandmother’s role as a community mediator introduced him to the dynamics of conflict and resolution.

With “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, the latest film in the beloved “Jenifa” franchise, Olaoye teams up with Funke Akindele to expand the story of Jenifa, a character deeply entrenched in Nigerian pop culture.

The film, set to premiere on December 13, 2024, promises to reignite audiences’ love for the iconic protagonist while showcasing fresh storylines and challenges. Akindele’s creative leadership, combined with Olaoye’s directorial expertise, has crafted a film that bridges humor and complexity, all while reflecting the evolution of one of Nollywood’s most celebrated characters.

In this exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Olaoye reflects on his journey, his collaboration with Akindele, and his thoughts on the changing landscape of Nigerian cinema.

TNR: Can you tell us about your journey into filmmaking? What inspired you to pursue this career, and how did you transition from acting or other roles to directing? 

Tunde Olaoye: My penchant for storytelling dates back to my formative years when I lived with my grandmother, a community leader who often resolved disputes brought to her by various parties. Sitting in her courtyard, I watched as conflicts were presented, escalated, and resolved. This process introduced me to the art of creating conflict, building tension, and finding resolution.

I was always involved in drama clubs during my elementary school days, and later, I pursued Performing Arts at university, specializing in Writing and Directing. Although directing was always my goal, I entered the industry through acting and writing before transitioning fully to directing.

You codirected Everybody Loves Jenifa with Funke Akindele. What was the collaboration process like, and how did you balance creative responsibilities on such a significant project? 

Codirecting Everybody Loves Jenifa was both exciting and fulfilling. Funke Akindele and I share a long history of creative collaboration, which made the process seamless. Funke is an auteur director with a clear artistic vision, and she communicates her ideas vividly, which makes working with her an absolute delight.

On a project of this magnitude, I focused on inspiring the cast and crew to deliver their best. I believe everyone brought their Agame, contributing stellar performances that brought the script to life on the big screen.

Your work includes dramatic and actionpacked films like Lugard. How was the shift into comedy with Everybody Loves Jenifa? Did you encounter unique challenges? 

For a visual storyteller, adapting to a genre shouldn’t be rocket science. Whether it’s action, drama, or comedy, the ultimate goal is to tell a compelling story.

Everybody Loves Jenifa came with its own challenges—complex scenes and sophisticated setups often meant working day and night. Thankfully, we had some of the best filmmakers in the country on set, and their expertise made it possible to overcome these hurdles.

Jenifa is an iconic character in Nigerian pop culture. What do you think makes her so relatable and enduring, and how did you contribute to her development in this film? 

Jenifa’s relatability lies in her authenticity. Everyone knows a Jenifa—a character with unique quirks that Funke Akindele embodies so believably. Funke’s portrayal is one of the best actortocharacter fits in Nollywood, and she continuously enriches the role with fresh idiosyncrasies.

As a director who has worked on Jenifa’s evolution over the years, I credit Funke for her stellar interpretation of the character. My background as a comedy writer and head writer for Jenifa’s Diary allowed me to contribute meaningfully to shaping Jenifa into one of Nollywood’s most beloved characters.

Considering Funke Akindele’s A Tribe Called Judah grossed over a billion Naira, did that success put added pressure on Everybody Loves Jenifa? 

Absolutely. The success of A Tribe Called Judah raised the stakes for all of us working on Everybody Loves Jenifa. The pressure was a springboard, motivating us to create something remarkable. I believe we rose to the occasion.

You were part of the creative team behind Jenifa’s Diary. How did the transition from series to feature film impact the story, and how did you maintain Jenifa’s essence? 

I was the head writer and director for Jenifa’s Diary during its first 10 seasons, and I thought we had exhausted the character’s narrative possibilities. When Funke approached me with the idea for a spinoff, I was skeptical at first. But her vision for Everybody Loves Jenifa revealed a fresh and exciting direction for the character, evolving her journey in ways we hadn’t explored before.

Given the success of Everybody Loves Jenifa, can fans expect more spinoffs or films featuring Jenifa? 

While the possibilities are endless, it’s not my place to say if or when another spinoff will happen. That decision rests with Funke Akindele and the production team.

In Lugard, you addressed social issues like cultism. How do you balance entertainment with tackling social themes? 

Visual storytelling should entertain and educate. Striking this balance keeps the audience engaged while conveying meaningful messages. For me, the goal is always to create stories that resonate deeply and inspire positive change.

How would you describe your directorial style, and how do you adapt it across genres? 

My style focuses on sparking conversations, evoking emotions, and advocating for social change. I value visual aesthetics and storytelling layers, ensuring that each project resonates regardless of the genre.

Can you tell us about your upcoming projects? 

Unfortunately, I’ve signed nondisclosure agreements, so I can’t share specifics at this time.

What do you look for when selecting collaborators? 

I prioritize working with people who are passionate about the craft and committed to delivering quality. For me, it’s about respecting the audience by offering them nothing short of premium content.

What advice would you give aspiring filmmakers in Nollywood? 

Start now, even if it’s with your smartphone. Collaborate, learn continuously, and stay persistent. The journey may be challenging, but determination always pays off.