Bayelsa-born actor, Daniel Lloyd is one of the popular faces on the movie screen today. Popularly known for his lover-boy role, the Civil Engineering graduate is poised on stepping up his game. Daniel eyes the Hollywood spot. In this chat with MUTIAT LAWORE, he talked about growing up, people’s perception about him, his relationship with Timaya and why he is currently eyeing Hollywood.
You have been tagged a lover boy in movies; don’t you feel stereotyped?
One thing about Nigeria is that once you are good at playing a certain role, they tend to want to make it a regular thing for you, which at the end will become difficult for you to break away from. I am trying hard to change that perception about me; I am trying as much as possible to take up more daring roles. Although I have been typecast as a gigolo or playboy, these days, when producers call me for jobs, I tell them I will be glad to get a better and different role. I am looking forward to a platform, as huge as Hollywood to further showcase my in-born talent to the whole world.
Generally, how would you describe the journey so far?
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Oh, it’s been great. Work will definitely get better. God has been so faithful; I tell you this for a fact. I’ve exceeded my expectations, so far.
Some of the big projects I have this year are coming through. This year has been so great with me.
What other projects are you working on?
I’ve been working on a whole lot of projects. I mean, week in, week out, projects come in and out. Most of my movies came out in the cinemas and they are doing pretty well. I’ve been into lots of projects and some are still in the pipeline. They will come out soon.
What role are you playing in Freetown?
I am playing FD, the lead male character.
You played FD in the movie, Freetown, what was the role about?
FD is a guy that wants to make it in the Nigerian movie industry. He came in from Sierra Leone. Things happened but he was so focused, oblivious of his environment. He had a mindset of where he was going tand he got there.
How challenging do you think the role will be?
It is challenging because I have to try to put in some accent into what I will say and act very naïve. I’ve been to Sierra Leone once though on a different purpose and I know it’s a different ball game from our way of doing things here. Besides, there are some fight scenes involved. I will have to fight like a karate guy, which compels me to train myself pretty well. Prior to this time, I was looking bigger but I have to lose some weight to fit into this same character very well. So, it’s been really challenging and with production still going on, I know that more challenges are still coming my way but I’m ready to go.
Professionally, when did you start acting?
About four years ago.
Before acting, you were managing Timaya, a musician. What attracted you to acting?
Yes, I was his manager but I have always wanted to be an actor. I’m a graduate and I had my first movie during my final year in school in ESUTH. While I was in Port Harcourt with Timaya, he was in the singing category while I was in the acting category. I came in second; so, we just bonded, became like brothers and did everything together. I mean I’ve been around the world with Timaya for different shows at different places but all this while, I’ve always wanted to act movies. I wake up with this desire in the morning and go back home with it at night. When we came back from one US tour, I just decided to be what I want, be my own boss. I mean, I decided to take the bull by its horn and that’s what I did.
What is your relationship with him now?
We’re good but obviously, at some point, one or two things happened back then that affected the relationship. But then, we quickly realised we have come a long way and got it addressed. I mean we were in the same hustle together. We hail from the same state, Bayelsa state too. We are like brothers, so, there is no need for any bad blood. I would just say life happened when I left.
Differences aside, was he a difficult person to work with?
Timaya is one of the best guys to work with. I tell you this for free. One of the attitudes he gives is to build a wall that is like “I’m from Bayelsa State, I can be a militant if I want, so, don’t mess up with me”, but deep inside, he is a soft guy. All the stuff you see around him is just a wall, like a shield not to be taken for granted. I’ve worked for him. In his first album, he wore a very stony face, but it was just a stunt that he pulled off and it worked for him.
What has acting changed about you?
It has changed my perception about life. In these three years I’ve had to interpret characters that are not necessarily my character. I’ve had to imbibe a certain spirit to make them believe me. I try to see life from different perspectives. The way we see life either as a poor guy or a rich guy, as a guy or girl, means a lot. So, I’m more patient with people now, I’m more mature. I’ve been made to see life in different ways.
So, what is the most challenging role you have played so far?
(Sighs)…. Every story comes with its own challenging role. There was this time I was in India to shoot a movie. It was challenging because I had to dance like an Indian guy. I had to grow my beards; I was looking very rough. I was there for a month for the movie. Like I said, any character you interpret, which is not your character is challenging. It is not your personality; so, you have to go on research. Like this one now, I had to go on a little research about how people from that country behave, how they talk and everything. Like I said, every script and story comes with its own challenges that we must face.
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What was growing up like for you?
My name is Daniel Ineye Lloyd; Ineye is my native name. I’m a graduate of Civil engineering, ESUTH. My parents are my greatest inspiration in life. My dad is an ex-shell staff; my mom is a mid wife/nurse. I have siblings scattered all around, I’m from a polygamous home. I have stepbrothers and sisters. Like I have said, I’m from Bayelsa State. I don’t allow where I’m from determine my future. I’ve been to Bayelsa a couple of times but I grew up in Lagos. Because my dad worked with shell, we always got transferred everywhere. Growing up was amazing. It may not be the best a kid will have but it has taken me to where I am today.
What’s your word of advice to the youths?
There is something called passion, it is that thing that wakes you up all the time. That feeling that money itself cannot buy, the very one I feel about this job. I mean, I left my comfort zone being Timaya’s manager where I just get shows, travel around the world, enter business class and come back. But I left that, as a job to be an actor that I was not sure of what the future held for me. I mean, where one is not even sure whether he will be called for a job the next day. But, I took the bull by the horn and three years down the line, I’m talking to you. Do you understand? My advice is that they should not be afraid to follow their passion no matter what it takes. This is because until you move, nothing moves for you. All that is needed to be done is to be calculated, as you make your decisions, be ready to take risks and God being so kind, will make it work for you just as it has worked in my favour.
Are you married?
No! I’m so single and searching.
Like they say, “there are so many fishes in the sea”, why don’t you get one?
I don’t want a fish! I want a shark. You don’t see shark everywhere.
What exactly do you want in a woman?
I want in a woman what I want in myself. I will be selfish to say I want in a woman what I can’t be myself. I need to be the person I want in my partner. It’s a work-in-progress for me.
