There has been speculation about the sexuality of Ghanaian actor John Dumelo. The man, caused a lot of stir some years back as people questioned his sexuality when he chose to be part of a Nigerian movie described to be gay titled Men in Love. He reacted to such intense criticisms at the time, saying he is not bothered with such stories because he is not gay.
In this interview, John clears the air.
WHAT are you here in Nigeria for?
I am here in Nigeria for the premier of the movie titled Letter to my Mother. The movie is produced by Kafiu Danku who is also an actress herself. It is a catchy production and it will sure win over a lot of fans.
What role did you play in the movie?
I played the role of a loving man who was abroad for a while and then came back home to search for a woman to marry. When I got home, I showed the woman I was about to get married to my mum but she didn’t approve of the woman. I didn’t understand why my mum didn’t want me to marry the lady in question and there was a certain reason why she didn’t approve of the marriage. I later got to find out why my mum didn’t want me to marry the said lady as the movie unfolded.
Why did you choose to be part of the movie?
I read the script and I loved it because the director gave me the role and it was really challenging. I have never played such a role as an actor; I have played the role of a lover boy and a bad boy as well, but this role was quite different from what I had done in the past. I decided to give it a try and see where it takes me to. I also played the part of a mentally ill patient at some point in the movie and that part was really challenging.
How did you get along with your other colleagues on the set of the movie?
It was a great experience on the set; the director ensured everything went on well and Adjetey Anang also put up a sterling performance while we were together on set. It was a wonderful working experience and I am glad to be part of the movie.
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun; I grew up in Accra, Ghana from a middle income family and I had a wonderful time growing up as a child. I grew up like every normal child and I recall very memorable times as a young boy growing up in Accra. I went to the university and I studied Engineering and later became an actor; I am also a businessman.
Why did you settle for acting instead of practising as an engineer?
I have an engineering firm back home; it is not like I have forfeited being an engineer altogether. Whenever I am not on set doing my thing as an actor, I spend my time as an engineer. That also keeps me going too; I have understanding parents who gave me their support when I told them I wanted to become an actor. They gave me all the support they could muster and that is why I am able to juggle between acting and engineering. It has been a rewarding affair thus far and I only look forward to more positive outcome.
How influential were your parents towards your acting career?
My parents were really influential towards my acting career; at first they were not comfortable but I was able to overtime convince them about my intentions and they eventually had no option but to support me. I had been able to satisfy them on one side by getting a degree in engineering and they in turn supported my ambition to become an actor. They are my number one fans now and they buy all the films that I have featured in. I just can’t stop thanking them; they have been my pillar all these years.
Did you always want to become an actor?
Yes, I had always wanted to become an actor; I took part in my first movie about 22 years ago as a little kid. It was a kiddie’s production back home in Ghana and ever since that production I have always had the burning desire to be a renowned actor.
So what has the journey been like thus far?
It has been great; it has been awesome and I have had a steady growth and there is more to come in terms of films and other major productions. There is also more to come in terms of impacting people’s lives positively. I also run the John Dumelo Foundation and we help people across the continent of Africa. It has been great thus far…
Do you have the intention of veering into movie production in the near future?
Yes of course! I do harbour such intentions because I also run a film school in Ghana and I must say I am seriously looking forward to venturing into movie productions very soon.
Do you think actors need any form of training to become movie producers?
Well, yes! The fact that you act or you have an experience in acting in most instances affords you the needed experience to become a movie producer. An actor can comfortably become a good or great producer; mind you, it is not every great footballer that becomes a great coach.
Some of my colleagues have evolved into producers and some direct too because acting gives you the edge, because it exposes the rudiments of producing and directing to you when you are on set as an actor. The movie industry is one that makes you evolve. It is just like banking…
When did you launch your Foundation?
The John Dumelo Foundation was founded about five years ago and so far we have been involved in so many projects back home in Ghana. We’ve also gone outside Ghana; we’ve had projects in The Gambia and we recently also had a charity project in Sierra Leone. By and large, this year we hope to embark on projects in 13 different African countries.
For me, it is a way of giving back to the society that afforded us the opportunity to display our innate talents. When you go to such countries you discover that you also have fans there because they support you and buy your movies. It is essential that you give back in some way in helping small communities build schools, supply medical facilities, exercise books and stationery. That’s my little way of giving back.
Was there any particular experience that made you set up the Foundation?
My main reason was about giving back to the society; as an actor or someone in the entertainment industry, it is the fans that make you. And there is no better way to say thank you than giving to people who are your fans and are in need. It is about helping people for me with the little that I have; it doesn’t hurt for me to say take this to help someone in need. Plans are far advanced for the construction of a new classroom block for the Aberdeen Community School in Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
We hope it is completed in the next 18 months. It is part of my quest to give back to society. The construction would be preceded by cash and school stationery. The Foundation has thus far embarked on several charity projects, including the ongoing construction of a four-unit classroom block for the Bayire Basic Primary School, Bayire, in the Upper Western Region of Ghana. I also have the John Dumelo Scholarship Scheme where we pay school fees for undergraduates in Ghanaian universities. As I said earlier, it is just a way of giving back and I am happy when I give back to society.
What is in the pipeline for you?
I am in Nigeria at the moment for a screening; I am also trying to put finishing touches to one of my movies very soon and by the end of this year you will see more movies that I produced myself.
How do you contain female admirers?
I kiss all of them (general laughter); I try to be nice to all of them. They inspire me a great deal. I love all my fans both males and females and they should not believe all the rumours they hear. The rumours are there and everyone has one trailing him or her but they should not believe the rumours they hear about me
Are you married?
No, I am not.
When do you think you will get married?
Nollywood
Sun, Jun 30th, 2013
How I dumped engineering for acting —John Dumelo
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo caused a lot of stir some years back as people questioned his sexuality when he chose to be part of a Nigerian movie described to be gay titled Men in Love. He reacted to such intense criticisms at the time, saying he is not bothered with such stories because he is not gay.
John further posited then that acting, first and foremost, is a craft, and as an actor, one must be willing to step out of his comfort zone by taking up different roles to enhance one’s craft. The suave actor who was spotted recently reveals more about his career, relationship and his foundation in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.
WHAT are you here in Nigeria for?
I am here in Nigeria for the premier of the movie titled Letter to my Mother. The movie is produced by Kafiu Danku who is also an actress herself. It is a catchy production and it will sure win over a lot of fans.
What role did you play in the movie?
I played the role of a loving man who was abroad for a while and then came back home to search for a woman to marry. When I got home, I showed the woman I was about to get married to my mum but she didn’t approve of the woman. I didn’t understand why my mum didn’t want me to marry the lady in question and there was a certain reason why she didn’t approve of the marriage. I later got to find out why my mum didn’t want me to marry the said lady as the movie unfolded.
Why did you choose to be part of the movie?
I read the script and I loved it because the director gave me the role and it was really challenging. I have never played such a role as an actor; I have played the role of a lover boy and a bad boy as well, but this role was quite different from what I had done in the past. I decided to give it a try and see where it takes me to. I also played the part of a mentally ill patient at some point in the movie and that part was really challenging.
How did you get along with your other colleagues on the set of the movie?
It was a great experience on the set; the director ensured everything went on well and Adjetey Anang also put up a sterling performance while we were together on set. It was a wonderful working experience and I am glad to be part of the movie.
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun; I grew up in Accra, Ghana from a middle income family and I had a wonderful time growing up as a child. I grew up like every normal child and I recall very memorable times as a young boy growing up in Accra. I went to the university and I studied Engineering and later became an actor; I am also a businessman.
Why did you settle for acting instead of practising as an engineer?
I have an engineering firm back home; it is not like I have forfeited being an engineer altogether. Whenever I am not on set doing my thing as an actor, I spend my time as an engineer. That also keeps me going too; I have understanding parents who gave me their support when I told them I wanted to become an actor. They gave me all the support they could muster and that is why I am able to juggle between acting and engineering. It has been a rewarding affair thus far and I only look forward to more positive outcome.
How influential were your parents towards your acting career?
My parents were really influential towards my acting career; at first they were not comfortable but I was able to overtime convince them about my intentions and they eventually had no option but to support me. I had been able to satisfy them on one side by getting a degree in engineering and they in turn supported my ambition to become an actor. They are my number one fans now and they buy all the films that I have featured in. I just can’t stop thanking them; they have been my pillar all these years.
Did you always want to become an actor?
Yes, I had always wanted to become an actor; I took part in my first movie about 22 years ago as a little kid. It was a kiddie’s production back home in Ghana and ever since that production I have always had the burning desire to be a renowned actor.
So what has the journey been like thus far?
It has been great; it has been awesome and I have had a steady growth and there is more to come in terms of films and other major productions. There is also more to come in terms of impacting people’s lives positively. I also run the John Dumelo Foundation and we help people across the continent of Africa. It has been great thus far…
Do you have the intention of veering into movie production in the near future?
Yes of course! I do harbour such intentions because I also run a film school in Ghana and I must say I am seriously looking forward to venturing into movie productions very soon.
Do you think actors need any form of training to become movie producers?
Well, yes! The fact that you act or you have an experience in acting in most instances affords you the needed experience to become a movie producer. An actor can comfortably become a good or great producer; mind you, it is not every great footballer that becomes a great coach.
Some of my colleagues have evolved into producers and some direct too because acting gives you the edge, because it exposes the rudiments of producing and directing to you when you are on set as an actor. The movie industry is one that makes you evolve. It is just like banking…
When did you launch your Foundation?
The John Dumelo Foundation was founded about five years ago and so far we have been involved in so many projects back home in Ghana. We’ve also gone outside Ghana; we’ve had projects in The Gambia and we recently also had a charity project in Sierra Leone. By and large, this year we hope to embark on projects in 13 different African countries.
For me, it is a way of giving back to the society that afforded us the opportunity to display our innate talents. When you go to such countries you discover that you also have fans there because they support you and buy your movies. It is essential that you give back in some way in helping small communities build schools, supply medical facilities, exercise books and stationery. That’s my little way of giving back.
Was there any particular experience that made you set up the Foundation?
My main reason was about giving back to the society; as an actor or someone in the entertainment industry, it is the fans that make you. And there is no better way to say thank you than giving to people who are your fans and are in need. It is about helping people for me with the little that I have; it doesn’t hurt for me to say take this to help someone in need. Plans are far advanced for the construction of a new classroom block for the Aberdeen Community School in Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
We hope it is completed in the next 18 months. It is part of my quest to give back to society. The construction would be preceded by cash and school stationery. The Foundation has thus far embarked on several charity projects, including the ongoing construction of a four-unit classroom block for the Bayire Basic Primary School, Bayire, in the Upper Western Region of Ghana. I also have the John Dumelo Scholarship Scheme where we pay school fees for undergraduates in Ghanaian universities. As I said earlier, it is just a way of giving back and I am happy when I give back to society.
What is in the pipeline for you?
I am in Nigeria at the moment for a screening; I am also trying to put finishing touches to one of my movies very soon and by the end of this year you will see more movies that I produced myself.
How do you contain female admirers?
I kiss all of them (general laughter); I try to be nice to all of them. They inspire me a great deal. I love all my fans both males and females and they should not believe all the rumours they hear. The rumours are there and everyone has one trailing him or her but they should not believe the rumours they hear about me
Are you married?
No, I am not.
When do you think you will get married?
Maybe in a year or two
Why are you not married yet?
May be in a year or two
Why are you not married?
I am dating, and as I said, I’ll be married in a year or two.
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