Afro Beat: Interview with film director Seyi Babatope

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ASM: “So tell us about some of your recent work, especially now that you are in Nigeria.”

SB: “In Dec 2007, I had an opportunity to produce American rapper Talib Kweli’s shoot in Lagos, which was directed by Andrew Dosunmu alongside MTV Base Making the Video. It was a trend setting collabo of bringing an American artist to shoot their video in Nigeria. I also shot the opening scene for the reality show The Apprentice Africa. I got to direct a bunch of music videos, such as that for the song, “Wind am Well” by Nigerian rapper Ikechukwu (Killz) featuring the popular D’banj and Don Jazzy. We won MTV Africa best video award in Nov 2008, which was truly an honor for me.”

ASM:“Wow, so many accolades, especially in such a short time frame. What is the life of a film director?”

SB: “A lonesome trade. Being a film director allows you to search in your down time. One is constantly looking for feedback from your audience, and using that to move forward.”

ASM:“Now that’s quite intriguing I must say. Many aspiring directors would be interested in knowing what the difference is between working in the US compared to Nigeria.”

SB: “There just are not enough resources. This can slow down creativity, you just can’t be overly indulgent, and over experiment, one is subject to things beyond your control.”

ASM: “This brings us to Nollywood, which many say is now among the top 3 movie industries after Hollywood, and Bollywood. Do you see yourself shifting in that direction?”

SB: “Nollywood is not cinema, it’s really a business. There are talented artists, but I am not interested in Nollywood in regards to how it exists today. Film makers have to evolve in that industry. Right now South Africa has a monopoly in African film production.”

ASM: “Well, do you see yourself forming a bridge between the US and Africa?”

SB: “I believe that once they see it is possible to apply creativity and still achieve productivity, there will be a paradigm shift. When I shoot a music video, I use the same tools I use in the US. People might not appreciate it, because it takes time to direct this way, and folks might get impatient.”

ASM: “How would you identify yourself?”

SB: “I am a good director. I also carry what I do into my life, though I am able to disconnect from my profession in my personal life. I am respectful of my gift and I don’t want to abuse it. It’s a God given talent, I didn’t do anything to earn it, and so I shouldn’t do anything to destroy it.”

ASM: “So what is your advice to young people who want to follow in your path?”

SB: “(1) Learn. (2) Ask questions without fear. (3) Do it for the right reason. The beauty of film making is that it transcends age. I can do this even if I am 30, 60 or even 80! It exposes you to all ages, especially when you are working in a team of varied ages, so much to learn from everyone.

ASM: “Is there anything personal about yourself you would like people to know?”

SB: “I think I am good company to be around. I am pretty goofy and playful, it’s my nature. I can seem disconnected and quiet at times, especially when I get deep in thought.”

ASM: “So what motivates you, what allows you to wake up each morning happy about your career choice?”

SB: “It is an exciting profession. This is me, what I was born to do. It’s vibrant, and moving, I am always learning, so it keeps me young. I wanted to do something original and memorable that allows me to make a difference in the world, leave a mark, and this is it.”

ASM: “Any movies by great film-makers that you draw inspiration from?”

SB: “Fernando Meirelles’ City of God, and Frank Darabont’s Shawshank Redemption definitely have stayed with me.”

ASM:“What’s your next ideal career move?”

SB: “I will love to make a feature film. That’s my big move, where my steps will take me.”

ASM: “At the pace at which you are going, I know we will see many box office films from your treasure box. I say keep walking down the street all the way to the Academy’s! Thank you very much Seyi, it’s really been our pleasure talking to you.”

SB: “It’s an honor Afrostyle Magazine. Anytime.”

Seyi Babatope can be reached through his website www.seyibabatope.com.

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n his short career as a film director, Nigerian based Seyi Babatope has already made a mark as an authority figure in his field on an international scale. Afrostyle Magazine had a rare opportunity to catch up with him on a most recent trip to his second home, Los Angeles. As the man behind the scenes, his name might not be familiar to many, but a chance viewing of MTV Africa 2008 best video winner, “Wind am well’ by Ikechukwu(Ekillz) feat. D’Banj, will give you insight to his trademark work.

ASM: “Mr Film director extraordinaire! Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me this afternoon. How are you doing?”

SB:“I am doing great, it’s really my pleasure.”

ASM:A short career most would say, but in so many ways a natural fit, what is your focus?”

SB: “My origin, I’m Nigerian, so telling African stories from an African perspective. There is a need for a sense of originality in presentation.”

ASM: “What was key to you achieving success, when would you say the seed was planted?”

SB: “It’s really been evolutionary. As a kid, I was artistic, and loved to dance. You can say art and creativity are in my genes, my maternal grandmother was a fashion designer, both my parents are writers, and my mother used to be an amateur photographer. So in essence, it made sense for me to be a screen writer.”

ASM: “Take us on that journey, from the young, trendy kid in Lagos, Nigeria to the industry maker that you are now.”

SB: “Well initially I decided to go to university in England, I was at University of Kent at Canterbury and later ended up at University of West England Bristol, to study believe it or not, real estate. It was not a personal choice of mine, something my parents thought was interesting, or what a typical Nigerian parent would say would be a “lucrative profession” (he laughs) and of course that went downhill. After a year of roughing it out, I decided I needed a change, and since the pound is greater than the dollar, looked at the USA. Picking California was a random choice, I knew I didn’t want a cold climate, and I had a friend in the area. I applied to Cal State University-Long Beach to study real estate, finance and pre-law, and voila.”

ASM: “Oh wow, any reason for the triple major?”

SB: “No real reason for the triple major, I guess it sounded cool, and I could convince my parents about my move with all that. I eventually took a theater class, and slowly drifted into Film and Electronic Arts. I realized that this was finally it, this is what I was born to do!”

ASM: ”You found your heart’s desire…”

SB: “Exactly! I was able to do many internships, I worked with Jake Scott of RSA USA, worked with renowned directors Hype Williams, Malik Sayeed and Andrew Dosunmu. Its amazing, Andrew didn’t know me before, but really took me under his wings, and mentored me, like a big brother. This all helped because it assisted in formulating my identity, in learning the language and dogma of film making. This was my transition from being just an amateur dreamer to becoming a professional. In between school, I also took some time off to focus solely on film production, and came back determined to be a screen writer. The field is vast and it’s important to have your niche, and this was more suited to my taste and interest.”

ASM: “What a wealth of experience, both the academic and professional. That is the opportunity that Los Angeles provides right?”
SB: “Yes, it must have been divinely directed, and well orchestrated. God is an amazing screen writer.”

ASM: “I definitely agree. After over a decade in LA, how did you end up making the move back home to Nigeria?”

SB: “Well in Dec 2006, I went home on vacation for my sister’s wedding, and got a chance to see what was brewing on the continent. So much had changed, entertainment was now king. I took a leap of faith and now call Lagos home, though I come back to LA quite often to refuel, and to enhance my learning.”

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