We had a very pleasant experiencegetting to know the nollywood "New kid On The Block" here are a few things we confirmed. Contrary to what he says on his INSTAGRAM bio, he does look much better in person. And what's even better, he's got such a chill vibe.. I mean after a busy week he still made out time to honor our interview request. That sounds like a gentle man right? Yes, He is.. ladies, don't say I told you ooo, but he's single, so maybe you wanna shoot your shot. Anyway, here's how our chat with Micheal went... Enjoy the read!
rayscorner: Michael Dappa. That is quite a unique name... tell us, whats the story behind it.
Michael: (chuckles..) I don't understand, if there should be a story behind my name. (Laughs) Anyway if there were, it would be that, my family name is Dappa and then I was given birth to and named Michael.. hence Micheal Dappa. It's not a nick name, it is my real name.
rayscorner: on your IG bio... you have a caption that reads "I don't look this good in person " is that an attempt at irony, or is that how you feel? ðŸ˜
Michael: Hmmm about my Instagram bio, it is definitely an irony. I don't feel that way at all. I be spec abeg. (Smiles)
rayscorner: So what do you enjoy most about your line of work
Michael: I think I enjoy the whole process. But for the sake of the question I'd say.. the networking, meeting different minds, and for me I like to learn. So I learn from colleagues, and every individual I come across. But ultimately, I enjoy the whole process, the Acting , Breaking down the character, getting into Character, I enjoy the whole process.
rayscorner: Definitely there are a few challenges here and there, you care to share some of those challenges?
Michael: For me I love what I do, so i know there are challenges, but I don't see them as challenges, I see them as part of the process. Challenges of getting into some characters that may be quite difficult for me as a person. Like playing a mad guy, or like in the series where I played "king of the underword". Now I've never met "A king" or "The king" of the Underworld so getting creative with such a character can be challenging but i find it also enjoyable.
rayscorner: How long have you been in the movie business
Michael: I'm still a newbie, I just started acting early last year. But so far so good, I've done well for my self. I've been on the grind back to back, I did take a break though, but I'm back now.
rayscorner: you have any dream roles,
Michael: I wouldn't call it a dream, but there are characters i wish I could play, like Chadwick's role in black panther or any super hero movie.
rayscorner: I feel like people with soft guy looks like you, get stereotyped as the lover boy or playboy. What do you think about that?
Michael: well I don't think I have soft boy looks (chuckles) but I get what you are saying. However, I don't get cast as a lover boy as often as I get cast as playboy or villian. Maybe cos of the dread-locks, or my look in general. But, I do like playing the roles of a villain. I find them much easier to get into.
rayscorner: Does being in the showbiz have any effect on your romantic life... you know, keeping the overzealous fans away and making The one feel safe
Michael: Uhm presently I do not have a romantic life, if i did, I think it might affect it in such a way. But like I said, I'm still kind of new in the industry, so the fans are not yet here. So I guess we will cross that bridge when we get there.
rayscorner: Which Nollywood actor or Actress would you love to work with.
Michael: Nollywood.. at the moment, Just two, Nse Nkpe Etim and Ramsey Noah. Those are the two who have given me goose bumps, and being in the same room with them would be an honor. I did attend a master class with Nse, but you know, it is a totally different ball game when you are on set.
rayscorner: So far based on your experience, what do you feel about the movie industry?
Michael: Based on my experience, I think Nollywood has a lot to make up for as regarding what I feel needs to implemented as far as film making go. But yea, I think the industry is upcoming fast, someday we will close the gap with Hollywood, but I feel like we have a long way to go.
rayscorner: I think Blood Sister is so far the best Nollywood movie I've seen.. followed by maybe Glamor girls.... do you agree?
Michael: Hmmmm.... Blood sister was okay, considering where we are at the moment. Glamor girls? first of all, scrap Glamor girls. Glamor girls could have been better if the ending was different. But no I don't think those movies are the best. I would say.. King of Boys, or Living in bandage.
rayscorner: Which old nollywood movie would you like to see re-done, one that you would love to be a part of?
Michael: when I was younger I never watched Nollywood movies, but recently I watched karishika, and watching it now, just makes me laugh. I mean i heard it used to frighten kids at the time. So I would love to see that re-done and hopefully be a part of it.
rayscorner: Actors eventually step into directing and producing.. Do you see that happening for you?
Michael: uhmmm.... for now I don't see me going into that, but Definitely at some point, I do see myself directing actors.
rayscorner: Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams? How do you get past that?
Michael: well yes, I have felt like giving up some of my dreams. I have given up some, and I'm still here with more dreams, bigger dreams and i'm still pushing through.
rayscorner: Finally... Whats the best and worst Advice you ever received?
Micheal: Ah.. there's none I can think of right now, but acting wise, in terms of my career. The best advice is " Stop Acting" as Ironical as that sounds, the advice to play a Character without looking like you are acting cannot be over emphasized. It's definitely easier said than done, but it is achievable. The worst advice...uhmmm ( tries to think) Men, I can't think of any right now..
rayscorner: Well, thank you so much Michael Dappa, this has been awesome, every second of it.
Micheal: Thank you for having me, I hope I did justice to it (Smiles). Enjoy.
