At just 16 years old, Owolabi Ayosunkanmi Moses is already making his mark in Nollywood—not just as an actor, but as a vibrant poet and performer. Born into the world of entertainment as the son of veteran actor Owolabi Ajasa,
Ayosunkanmi’s journey began long before he could speak lines or recite verses. Today, he is fast emerging as one of the most promising young talents in Nigeria's creative industry, earning accolades for both his screen presence and poetic prowess.
In this exclusive interview, the soft-spoken but confident teenager opens up about life in the limelight, the values passed down from his father, and how he balances fame with humility. From notable film roles to winning consecutive awards as a performance poet, Moses reflects on the blessings and responsibilities of being a young star with a legacy to uphold.
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Let’s meet you. What do you do for a living, how long have you been in the movie industry, and what originally inspired you to follow this path?
My name is Owolabi Ayosunkanmi Moses, I’m 16 years old, a student and a poet. I’ve been in the movie industry since birth because, honestly, I was born an actor. My inspiration came from my daddy, who is a veteran in the industry. Watching him made me fall in love with acting naturally.
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What standout movies or Ewi (poetic performance) projects have you featured in that you’re particularly proud of—and why do they mean so much to you?
Some of the movies I’m proud to have featured in include Afokusoro, Agbogunleri, Iyalode Kudeti, and Segun Ogongo.
As for poetry, I’ve been reciting poems for over seven years, starting from my primary school days and continuing into secondary school. I’ve performed at many events, especially in my association TAMPAN, and I’ve won two awards back-to-back:
– The Most Vibrant and Youngest Kid Actor/Poet Stage Performance 2023
– The Most Vibrant and Youngest Kid Actor/Poet Stage Performance 2024
These projects mean a lot to me because they bring me joy, recognition, and experience.
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Growing up as the son of a respected veteran actor, what values or lessons did you inherit from your father that still shape your approach to acting today?
The biggest lessons I’ve inherited from my dad are to always be humble, cheerful with people, prayerful, and to respect my seniors in the industry. These values continue to guide me on and off set.
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You’re fast becoming one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. How do you stay grounded in the face of growing fame and attention?
Honestly, I feel loved everywhere I go. People take pictures with me, give me gifts, and treat me like a celebrity at events. Even my fellow students appreciate me—many say they want to join the industry because of me. But through it all, I stay grounded by being humble and kind to everyone, just like I was taught.
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Was there ever a time you felt the weight of your father’s legacy on your shoulders? How do you strike the balance between honoring that legacy and building your own unique identity?
No, there was never a time I felt pressure. As I mentioned earlier, humility, kindness, and being cheerful have helped me build my own identity while honoring my father’s legacy naturally.
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When the cameras are off and you’re away from the spotlight, who is Owolabi Ajasa? What truly defines you beyond your career?
When the cameras are off, I’m just a small boy with the best family ever. What truly defines me beyond my career is my humility—that’s who I really am.
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With the film industry constantly evolving in style and substance, how do you stay true to your craft and maintain authenticity—both as an actor and as a person?
I make sure to work hard and smart always. That’s how I stay focused and keep growing while staying true to myself and my craft.
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If you could sum up your journey so far in just one word, what would that word be—and what makes it the perfect description of your story?
Lucky. That’s the perfect word because I feel lucky to have a veteran actor as my father and also lucky to be part of a loving, supportive family. They’ve made my journey easier and meaningful.
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