Tobi Bakre, the former banker turned Nollywood star, has made a remarkable transition from the corporate world to entertainment. He won Best Actor at both the 2023 AMVCA and AMAA Awards and was accepted into the Berlinale Talents 2024 programme, a prestigious global platform for filmmakers. With blockbuster films like Brotherhood and The Blood Covenant, Bakre has become one of Nollywood's highest-grossing actors. Despite his fame, he cherishes quiet family time, video games, and a simple lifestyle.
From Big Brother to Nollywood
Before the awards, many Nigerians knew Tobi Bakre as the lively Big Brother Naija housemate. Fame came fast, along with pressure. Years later, he has built a different name for himself in Nollywood with films like Brotherhood and Gangs of Lagos, moving from reality TV fame to a serious acting career.
In 2023, he won Best Actor at the AMVCA and AMAA, and he was selected for Berlinale Talents 2024, placing him in wider film conversations beyond Nigeria. Away from the wins and film sets, Bakre sounds calmer than his public image. He describes himself as more religious, family-oriented, and happiest around his wife, children, food, and good internet for video games.
Exclusive Interview with Guardian Life
Speaking exclusively with Guardian Life, Bakre discussed fame, family, money, acting, ambition, and why he believes he has not scratched the surface yet.
On His Journey
When asked what part of his journey still feels unreal, Bakre said: "All of it. The young me saw a future in corporate life and nothing particularly tied to my current reality. Doing what I do now, to love it, be loved for it and be successful at it. I'd say it's all God's grace, and for that I am always grateful."
On His Private Self
Describing the man behind the cameras, he said: "I am still the same person. But sometimes a lot calmer, religious and very family-oriented. Spending time with my family is my favourite thing to do. I can be really introverted these days. Leave me with food and good internet for my video game, and I'd be just fine."
On Fame and Identity
Regarding whether fame confused his identity, Bakre explained: "I always knew who I was and was always understanding of the fact that I would change as a person over the course of my life and experiences, and I have always been open to that fact. How I was in the transition of fame and the different levels of fame simply helped reaffirm who and what I thought I was."
On Family Pressure
Addressing the pressure of carrying the Bakre name, he said: "I have always had the most supportive parents. They have been very present and encouraging on every step of my journey. They are the most amazing humans, and my goal is to live a good life that they will be proud of and will be worth all their sacrifices."
On Representing African Men
When asked about the kind of African man he represents onscreen, Bakre stated: "Every story has different characters. It is never up to me to determine the nature of the person I am trying to play on screen. My job as an actor is to stay true to the character and how it ties to the story. And that can take so many different forms."
On Misunderstandings
Bakre dismissed any misunderstanding about his intelligence or ambition: "I honestly do not feel misunderstood with regard to my intelligence or ambition. A lot of people witnessed the beginning of the journey and have seen what it has become thus far. I guess it's just curiosity about where eventually all of this will lead. I have been very intentional and authentic on my journey, and I believe people see that clearly."
On Fame and Happiness
Discussing how fame affects his personal life, he said: "I prioritise happiness for myself and my loved ones. I believe happiness is a mindset. Fame does make it somewhat difficult or slightly impossible to live a private life. I knew what I was signing up for. So while I'm here, I plan to stay true to myself and enjoy the journey. I live a very normal life regardless of the fame. I do not put myself under any of the pressures that come with fame and popularity. That makes it easier to be happy."
On Financial Lessons
Reflecting on success and money, Bakre advised: "Financial literacy has always been a strong part of my growing up and adulthood. More than anything, I see the importance of being financially savvy and knowledgeable with the way income is structured in the creative space. In simpler terms, you don't spend all you earn, invest and prepare for the calm seasons. Reinvention, expansion or breaking new ground will require investment that majorly has to come from you. So yes. Save and invest wisely."
On Staying Hungry
When asked how he keeps his hunger alive without letting awards define his worth, he said: "I don't feel like I have scratched the surface with my talent and career path. I'm still very fresh in it all. I love film, and I really love to tell compelling stories. That keeps my urge to work very much alive. The awards are nice and appreciated when they come, but nothing beats the satisfaction of a beautiful story well told. And that gives the win. Which, in my books, is emotions from the audience. The fact that you can make them feel something."
On a Perfect Day
Describing a perfect day, Bakre said: "I start my day with prayers. Working out. And spending all of the day with close family and friends without any sad events or news about the country or fellow citizens, and also earning passive income while at it."
On Marriage and Fatherhood
Regarding changes brought by marriage and fatherhood, he said: "I didn't have to quit any part of myself. I only had to adjust a few things to fit my new reality. I have always been family-oriented. I just had to learn that the dynamic of being a husband is different from being a son or sibling. Every part of that process has been interesting and beautiful."
On His Legacy
Finally, when asked what he hopes people will say about his impact, Bakre said: "I can't predetermine or think of what my journey will change in celebrity culture, Nollywood or modern masculinity, but I sure hope it is a lot of positive things. I remain very true to who I am. I put my best into all that I do. I don't set out to be an exemplary human being; I only try to be a better version of myself by that day. And the world is open to a lot of the transitions in our lives, and I hope people find hope and inspiration from my journey."
This interview was conducted by Musa Adekunle for Guardian Life.
