Actress, singer, entrepreneur and former Big Brother Naija contestant, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, aka BamBam, tells FAITH AJAYI about her journey into the entertainment industry and how acting is more than just a career for her
Let’s start with your YouTube blockbuster, ‘Love in Every Word’, which is now seen as a major career highlight for you. How do you feel about the success of the movie?
I feel incredibly grateful. Seeing how it has resonated with many people is humbling. It is proof that when a story is told with heart, people will connect with it. The love and feedback have been overwhelming, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we did.
Can you briefly take us through the start of your journey with the production, and what was the experience like working with Omoni Oboli?
From the first script reading, I knew the movie was special. The story had depth, and I was excited about the challenge. Working with Omoni Oboli was a blessing. She’s not just a phenomenal actress but also a brilliant director and mentor. Her passion is contagious, and she creates a space where you can bring your best self to the character.
You’ve featured in quite a number of films. What would you attribute to ‘Love in Every Word’ that made it great and resonate with a wider audience?
I think it’s the authenticity of the story. It wasn’t just another love story; it was about the power of words, unspoken emotions, and the depth of human connection. Also, the chemistry between the cast was real; we lived those moments, and I believe the audience could feel that.
I also acted in ‘A Case for the Heart’, and that film was a defining moment for me. It was my first movie on Omoni Oboli TV, and I had the honour of “sparring” with the legendary Majid Michel. The storyline was unique, and working with such an excellent co-star pushed me to new heights as an actress.
Another one was ‘Seasoned with Love’. That movie allowed me to explore a different side of my acting range. The depth of emotions and the storytelling made it a beautiful experience. Likewise, my first Netflix film—‘Collision Course’— as a female lead, truly tested my range as an actor. The film carries a powerful message, and being part of it was both challenging and rewarding.
How has your journey shaped the way you take on new opportunities?
It has taught me to be intentional. Not every opportunity is meant for me, and that’s okay. I have learnt to trust my instincts, align with projects that reflect my values, and challenge myself with roles that push my limits.
What other career path would you have taken outside of entertainment, and why?
Philanthropy and activism, for sure. I have a heart for people, and I love creating impact. Whether it’s through storytelling or direct outreach, I want to be part of something bigger than myself.
Beyond acting, are there other aspects of the entertainment industry that interest you?
Acting has always been my first love, but music and dance have been parts of me for as long as I can remember. Each one feeds into the other. Music helps me express emotions, dance connects me to my body, and acting allows me to bring stories to life.
What influenced your journey into the entertainment industry?
My journey started with a passion for performance. Years ago, I auditioned for MTN Project Fame because I wanted to pursue music, but my nerves got the best of me, and I didn’t make it into the house. Still, I didn’t give up. I worked as a backup vocalist for Gospel on the Beat for a few months and also sang for a few gospel artistes.
Knowing that I needed proper training as an actor, I enrolled in the Royal Arts Academy, where I earned a diploma in stage and TV acting. I trained in theatre and was one of the best graduating students. After that, Emem Isong and Uduak Isong featured me in a few of their films.
Wanting more visibility, I auditioned for Big Brother Naija to showcase my talent to a wider audience of producers and directors. After the show, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions took a chance on me when I auditioned for ‘Moremi the Musical’ and later ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, which ran in Lagos and South Africa.
But after having two daughters, the acting gigs slowed down. I wasn’t getting roles, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started reaching out to producers directly. Only Omoni Oboli responded, and that one response changed everything. Today, I’ve done over six movies on her channel alone, and the journey is just beginning!
How do you juggle your roles and still stay true to yourself in an industry that is constantly evolving?
What excites me the most as an artist is the ability to move people to make them laugh, cry, or see the world differently. That connection is what keeps me going.
Life itself is my biggest inspiration— real stories, raw emotions, and the beauty of human relationships. I see every script as a privilege, a chance to step into someone else’s shoes and bring their story to life. My approach is deeply emotional, much like (Konstantin) Stanislavski’s system, where I fully connect with the character’s experiences and emotions during a performance but switch back to myself afterwards.
I don’t carry my characters with me off-screen, but in the moment, I become them. This balance allows me to deliver an authentic performance while staying grounded in my own reality.
You’ve been working nonstop for months and are now on a break. How are you adjusting to the downtime, and what does rest look like for you?
It’s a bit of an adjustment, to be honest. I’m so used to the grind that having free time feels strange. But, I’m learning to embrace rest, be still, reflect, and reconnect with myself. Rest for me looks like spending time with family, reading, praying, and just being present in the moment.