Hafiz Oyetoro: From Acting to Lecturing – A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Veteran actor Hafiz Oyetoro, popularly known as Saka, reflects on his 60-year journey in the entertainment industry and how his acting career has shaped him.

Hafiz Oyetoro, the renowned actor, comedian, and lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya University of Education in Lagos, fondly known as Saka, recently celebrated his 60th birthday. In an exclusive interview, Saka shares his reflections on his journey, from his unexpected foray into acting to his successful career in comedy roles. He also delves into his passion for teaching and the unique balance between theory and practice that he experiences as an actor and educator.

1: A Serendipitous Path to Acting

Saka reveals that his interest in acting was not part of his initial plan. He had dreams of becoming a pilot but found himself consistently chosen for acting roles throughout his school years. This led him to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). The discovery of his natural talent in drama and a lack of resources in his school’s science department further solidified his decision to pursue a career in the arts.

2: Comedy as a Specialization

While Saka is versatile in various aspects of theatre arts, he acknowledges that comedy is his area of specialization. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Stand Up Comedy, Saka explains that his expertise and experience in comedy roles have made him a sought-after actor in the industry. However, he emphasizes that he can play any role and is well-versed in all aspects of theatre arts.

3: The Birth of ‘Saka’

Saka’s screen name, ‘Saka,’ was born during the production of the television series “House Apart.” The popularity of his character, Saka, propelled him to new heights in the industry. While Saka is a persona on screen, Hafiz Oyetoro remains a reserved and quiet individual off-screen.

4: The Dual Role of Teacher and Actor

As a lecturer in theatre arts, Saka navigates the unique challenge of being recognized by his students as both a teacher and a popular actor. However, he asserts that his students understand the distinction between his on-screen persona and his role as an educator. Saka’s ability to separate himself from his characters allows him to maintain professionalism in the classroom while still captivating his students with his wealth of practical experience.

5: The Influence of Family and Critics

Saka’s family, particularly his wife and children, play a significant role in his career. He values their opinions and uses them as indirect critics, ensuring that his roles and movies resonate with his loved ones. Saka’s comical facial expressions, which have become his trademark, are not rehearsed but rather a natural extension of his personality.

Conclusion:

As Saka celebrates 60 years of life and a successful career in acting and lecturing, he looks forward to a future that includes expanding his farm and starting a production company. Retirement holds no bounds for Saka, as he plans to continue his passion for acting and teaching, proving that the love for one’s craft knows no age or limitations. With his unique blend of talent, dedication, and humility, Saka’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and educators alike.


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