Facts about fame different from what people think outside, not lucrative – Bukunmi Oluwasina

Actress, singer and filmmaker, Bukunmi Oluwasina, tells FAITH AJAYI about her career, motherhood and other issues
You’ve had an incredible run both as an actress and singer. How do you balance the demands of both careers, and what fuels your drive to keep excelling in both spaces?

Like the Bible says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It hasn’t been easy over the years, but passion keeps me going. When I started, music was something I did for fun, while acting was always my dream.

To be honest, if you look at it from a financial angle, the money doesn’t always match the fame. And then there are expectations—how you should look, live, or spend—which can get overwhelming. The profession itself isn’t stressful, but people can make it so, if you let them.

Until recently, not all my songs were even on streaming platforms. It took a while before I started uploading them because I never saw music as a commercial pursuit. I made songs because I enjoyed it. Most were soundtracks or personal projects. I only began sharing more when I realised people genuinely connected with them.

Even when I featured Tatiana Manaois (an American singer), there was no major PR push. I released it on social media and streaming platforms, and my colleagues helped to amplify it. The same thing happened with ‘Ori’; it gained traction organically. It’s not stressful because I do it when I feel relaxed and inspired.

As for acting, it’s a deep part of me. Doing something you love makes it easier. The only real challenge is occasionally getting carried away with one and neglecting the other. Right now, I have multiple projects lined up, but I haven’t had time to hit the studio. Thankfully, there’s always time to return to one when you’re taking a break from the other.

Interestingly, I started with music before acting, even though acting was always the original goal. Music just happened to be the easiest entry point at the time.

What kind of stories or characters pique your interest at this stage of your career?

For some reason, it’s always easy for me to play emotional roles, especially tragic or romantic ones. I am a lover girl. And when I love, I love deeply, and I find joy in watching others in love, too.

My ability to cry on screen comes from being in full control of my emotions. I studied Theatre Arts, and that training has been invaluable. Many great actors struggle with switching emotions on and off effortlessly, but that emotional precision is something I’ve been trained to do.

At this point, I am interested in stories that explore technology and the future; roles that require research and deeper reflection. We’ve seen many variations of the same stories, but the world is changing, and our films should reflect that.

As creators, we have a duty not just to entertain, but to create awareness. Our art should reflect what’s happening around us and prepare us for what’s ahead. I would love to be part of a Nigerian film that boldly explores futuristic, tech-driven themes. It’s rare in our industry, but it’s time we embrace it.

Take us through the creative approach that went into the production of your forthcoming film, ‘White and Black’?
It is more than just a movie. It was born from an unexpected, deeply personal experience. I had to process a lot before we even considered releasing it. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. The story is unlike anything I’ve written before.

Working outside Nigeria and collaborating with new people also influenced my creativity. Every time you step into a new space or face a bigger challenge, it expands your knowledge and opens the door to greater success.

Becoming a wife and mother has also shifted the way I see life. It hasn’t changed what I create, but it has certainly influenced how I create. It made me more reflective, intentional, and determined to tell stories that are bold and unique.

Growth has become my compass. If my experiences don’t show up in my work, then I’m not really evolving. All these changes—personal and professional—have shaped my storytelling, music, and the way I navigate the industry.

When it comes to music, how does your songwriting process begin, and where do you draw inspiration?

Love is my biggest inspiration. I am a romantic at heart, and I love with my whole being. Thankfully, I have never experienced heartbreak, so when I write love songs, they come from a place of genuine joy.

Surprisingly, I can also write heart-wrenching break-up songs. Even though I haven’t gone through heartbreak, I know what deep love feels like, so it’s easy for me to imagine the pain of losing it. I put myself in that emotional space, and people can feel that when I sing or perform.