In the highly competitive world of Nollywood, Azeezat Shorunmu has carved out a unique and inspiring path. Known for her remarkable talent as an actress, Shorunmu has also made a name for herself as a celebrated scriptwriter, combining the worlds of performance and storytelling in a way that few have managed to do.
This light-complexioned Nollywood actress; Azeezat, a native of Abeokuta-South in Ogun State, graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria, is best described as a dynamic showbiz entrepreneur who has invested extensively in her skills to contribute immensely into the movie industry.
In a candid interview, Azezat Shorunmu revealed that while acting has been her first love, it was screenwriting that truly gave her a voice and propelled her to fame in the industry. “Acting opened doors for me, but it was scriptwriting that really gave me the power to shape my career and my future in Nollywood,” she explained. “As a scriptwriter, I was able to create stories that resonated with people and breathe life into characters that needed to be told.
“Through my writing, I gained more respect in the industry. I started to be recognised not just as an actress, but as a storyteller with something important to say,” she added.
She shared how becoming a scriptwriter helped her avoid the common pitfalls faced by many young actresses. “When you’re desperate for fame or success, it’s easy to fall victim to exploitation, but writing my own scripts allowed me to control my career and avoid compromising my values,” she said. “It also gave me an edge in the industry, making it easier for me to land roles, and most importantly, it provided a more stable and rewarding financial future.”
With countless hit films under her belt, Shorunmu’s portfolio as a screenwriter continues to grow. From The Return of Kesari to Omo Ewekoro, her scripts have left an indelible mark on Nollywood. “I lost count of how many scripts I’ve written,” she admitted, reflecting on her prolific career. “Each story I write is an opportunity to create something new, something fresh, and something that speaks to people. The more I write, the more I learn about myself as an artiste.”
Her ability to seamlessly blend acting and scriptwriting has not only cemented her position as a respected figure in Nollywood but has also proven that with the right mindset, one can thrive in multiple aspects of the film industry.
“A lot of people think you have to choose one path, but I’ve learned that with dedication and passion, you can excel in more than one area,” Shorunmu said with a smile. “For me, screenwriting gave me a voice, and with that voice, I found my fame and purpose in Nollywood.”
She began her acting career by training at Scene One School of Drama, a well-known school owned by the famous actress Funke Akindele, also called Jenifa. She was full of passion and dedication. Later, she continued to improve her acting skills at the Future Concept of Sir Dele Ogundipe School of Drama, a respected school that is known for producing talented actors.