EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW IN NEW YORK! ‘America Opened my Eyes to Opportunities’-Rasaq Ajao Araosan, Nigeria’s leading Nollywood Producer *Confesses: ‘My Relocation to US was a Miracle…I’m happy to be a Nurse’ *Says: ‘Now I know latest technology in Movie-making’ *How he made Block buster movies with Africans, African-Americans & Asians *Why he had to go back to School in God’s Own Country *His Words: ‘Plans are underway for me to feature in Hollywood Films. Nigeria will get to know very soon’

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW IN NEW YORK!

‘America Opened my Eyes to Opportunities’-Rasaq Ajao Araosan, Nigeria’s leading Nollywood Producer

 *Confesses: ‘My Relocation to US was a Miracle…I’m happy to be a Nurse’

*Says: ‘Now I know latest technology in Movie-making’

*How he made Block buster movies with Africans, African-Americans & Asians

*Why he had to go back to School in God’s Own Country

*His Words: ‘Plans are underway for me to feature in Hollywood Films. Nigeria will get to know very soon’

 RASAQ AJAO ARAOSAN is a familiar face in most homes of Africans, Black Americans and Asians here in United States, where he has consistently produce Nollywood movies to reflect the rich culture of Nigeria in New York, ‘Apple City’. To his credit in United States are block buster movies which has earn him respect, accolades and honor amongst other Africans.  In this exclusive interview at his home in New York City, he flung the doors of his house opened to GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CEO, as he take us through his adventure, challenges and his new carrier in USA.

As a top Nigerian movie actor, now in Diaspora, how would you describe your eventual relocation to America?

My relocation from Nigeria to the US was a miracle. it was actually the handiwork of God. My been here in United States has opened my eyes to a lot of things (opportunities) I would not have known if I was still in Nigeria.

Are we right to say your relocation to United States was a blessing?

Like I said earlier it is a huge blessing for me and my family and for Nollywood because now I know all about the latest technology in movie-making even though I am still learning.

How were you able to adapt to the American system?

It was difficult initially. It can best be described as a cultural shock seeing the way of life here: their mentality and the system. But I had no choice other than to adjust.

Did you at any time made any move to attract other African actors into your movie production in New York?

I have made several movies here using African actors, African-Americans, white Americans and the Asians.

How did you break the barrier of ‘survival-syndrome’ often associated with first-time visitors to America?

As you rightly know I am a Nigerian and where I come from we are survivalists. So, I had no choice other than hustle positively by going back to school to chase the American dream. I overcame the survival syndrome when I went to school to be able to fit into their society properly.

Amongst your entire movies, which can you describe as your best?

It was ‘Enu Orofo’ which I produced in 1995.

How many movies have you produced in America so far?

I have produced so far five great movies and featured in other movies shots here.

What plans have you to feature in Hollywood movies?

Hollywood is the ultimate for every actor. Already, plans are under way to be part of this industry. Nigeria will know very school.

How best do you think Nollywood and Hollywood can collaborate for quality movie production?

I think right now there is a symbiotic relationship that I believe can grow in shape and size. Some of our bright stars from Nigeria are now part of Hollywood. I think it can grow bigger.

We hear you now embrace nursing as a major profession in US. What led to that idea?

Nursing is all about care for the sick. Ask people around me, they will tell you that I love hospitality and care a lot about people specially. So, it was not strange for me to be part of this noble profession.

What are the challenges you were able to overcome in being able to combine your movie production and nursing?

America is a flexible country, so most times I get by so easily through diligence and determination.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life here in United States has taught me that God can shock and surprise anyone with his goodness.

Finally, what is your message to your fans across the world in one sentence?

They should daily dwell in peace.