For Tunji Sotiminrin’s book presentation and stage play tagged, Molue, it came as a shock that he didn’t extend invitations to young artistes. Apart from comedian Kofi, who was a co-host of the event, it was hard to find known young artistes at the event.
However, Sotimirin told Sunday Scoop that he extended invitation to some young artistes. He said, “I gave them (young artistes) invitations but they didn’t come. Once actors attain a particular position, they give some importance to themselves. It is not a bad idea, but they should respect people they met in the profession. You shouldn’t say because you are a celebrity, you wouldn’t respect elders. Africans don’t behave like that.”
The actor noted that he had met many younger actors at occasions and they would expect him to greet them. He said, “Some of these young actors are very rude; they will see me and expect me to greet them. I cannot do that to my elders I met in the business.
“That is why I hate their stupid red carpet (events). Once they wear their stupid makeup and lousy tattoos, they will just look at you and put their head up. They will be looking at you like fools; it annoys me a lot. Even though I don’t mention names, they know themselves. Sometimes, you will call them and they will not pick their calls. We know that people can be busy, but we also know they do it deliberately.”
Speaking on his one-man show, the University of Lagos lecturer said he deliberately held a book presentation and stage performance on the same day. According to him, he had to perform some of the stories in the book and Molue was a major issue discussed in the book.
Sotimirin added, “The name Molue charmed many people and those who know the molue bus wanted to see what I would do with it.
A book presentation could be boring; so, it was deliberate to mix things up with the live performance. It also gave a novel dimension to book presentations.”