We recently connected with Odunayo Majekodunmi and have shared our conversation below.
Odunayo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
All of my Projects are extremely meaningful to me because they were challenging and stretched me. However, my most recent project, my New short film “Salsa Love” is the most meaningful to me right now because it was something I’ve always been afraid to do. I’ve always hated the way I looked on camera and felt very uncomfortable with being in front of the camera. Therefore, I only performed in stage plays, and focused mostly on writing and producing plays. During Covid in 2020, I started my Youtube Channel “Girl From Schenectady” which forced me out of my comfort zone and I had no choice but to produce Youtube videos. These videos allowed me to get more comfortable with being in front of the camera and eventually led to writing and executive producing my first short film and playing my first female Lead Role in a short film “Salsa Love”.
Odunayo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Nigerian, a New York Native residing in Los Angeles for about 19 years now. I’m an Actor, Playwright, Producer and Director. I also host a Youtube channel and a Podcast entitled “Girl From Schenectady Podcast”. I’ve been Studying and Acting in the entertainment Industry for almost 25 Years now. My previous projects are; One Woman Show entitled “Girl From Schenectady” Stage play “FAITHNLOVE” and most recently my new Short Film entitled “SALSA LOVE”. I am currently working on my New Play entitled “LOVE HURDLE”, which will Premiere in L. A in 2024. What makes me stand out from other Creatives in the Entertainment Industry is my projects are all based on Faith, Relationship obstacles, Challenges in Marriage, Career, Mental Health and Self-Love. My plays are Romantic Comedies with Dramatic moments and inspired by my personal experiences with Faith, Love, Friendships, Self-Love and Mental Health. My intention with all my projects is to heal, motivate, inspire and encourage men and women to not give up on life, to keep pushing forward and believe life get’s better.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
The particular goal or mission, which drives my creative Journey is to encourage other Creatives to be Trailblazers. I believe in creating Art that encourages and transforms people. Many creatives believe they need to conform to the norm and what’s expected in the entertainment industry. However, I want to tell stories that have not been told before and discuss Topics that most creatives are afraid to talk about. For example; Faith, God, Heaven, Cultural differences and tough topics on Love, Relationships and Friendships. I consider myself to be a Trailblazer and I hope to motivate other creatives to do the same.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I’ve had to pivot in my career and life numerous times based on circumstances and obstacles I was facing. For example; during Covid, I was forced to learn how to create art visually as opposed to performing in stage plays. I learned how to use a camera, produce Youtube webisodes and create content online. This led me to writing my previous play “FAITHNLOVE” and allowed me to get out of my Comfort zone, which also led me to Directing and Producing as well. I believe we need to pivot in life and shift our focus continuously in order to grow and elevate. This will always be required as creatives because life creates art and keeps shifting as we live everyday.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omajekodunmi77
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odunayo.majekodunmi
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AyoMajek1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@odunayomajekodunmi5646
Image Credits
Sade Oyinade Rachel Dunn Keith A. Scales Radical Snaps