Tolulope Ogunmefun: “I had to film when deep down I was struggling”

Tolulope Ogunmefun, also known as T-boy began his career posting entertaining skits and hilarious rants on his YouTube channel Don’t Jealous Me, with a Nigerian accent his videos immediately became a hit and unbeknownst to him it would later lead to a life on screen. With season 3 of Man Like Mobeen out Sunday, Emmanuella Ngimbi sat down with Tolu to discuss his character Nate, his mental health and his future in the entertainment industry.

You’ve come a long way since the Don’t Jealous Me era of ranting online with the webcam and headset, how has the journey been?

It’s been such a journey, now I’m married with a two-year-old daughter. Its been exciting and stressful a lot of people don’t get to know the real and life is tough sometimes, you just never know what’s going to get thrown at you.

Alongside the likes of Big Tipper, Tom Moutchi Arnold Jorge, Vuj and Adot you have also made a huge contribution to the comedy sketch scene in the UK, for the new-gen comedians coming after you what’s a piece of advice you wish you were told?

Not engage so much in the social media world, I know that you are in the social media world but when you get lost there’s so many influences that can affect your creative process. You should have the material you need to put out then sign out because you can really dilute the process. Don’t really watch what anyone else’s doing but to focus on you. Comparison subconsciously happens to everyone.

Transiting to T.V you’ve appeared on Meet The Adebanjos, had your own own show, Yardie and now Man like Mobeen, did you face any challenges with the adjustment?

During season 1 (Man Like Mobeen) I was going through it, my daughter was born and my mum was in hospital, it was really serious. I was diagnosed with anxiety I had to film and put on a happy face when deep down I was struggling. The transition from online to TV is one thing and now you have to audition and wait which is an anxious period. I’m lucky because my missus understands and knows how the industry works but it was really tough. Everything has made me stronger.

Now onto your character Nate, could you tell us a bit about him?

Nate is a wimp, he’s a sweetheart who loves his family and the family he’s made but the stakes are so much higher in this new season and you can tell that this guy will ride or die for his family. Nate’s probably one of the most interesting characters I’ve played, I didn’t really have a background of Nate to work with or base him on. I feel like through the show he gets to understand himself and his family towards the end of season 2 you got to see more as Nate was speaking some Yoruba and really engaging in his culture, that’s what I’m pushing forward

The show does a great job at balancing comedy and tackling topics that genuinely affect the lives of everyday people, how do you think it has managed to maintain this?

I put that down to Guz (Khan), he is just one of the realist person I’ve ever met, If you speak to him you’ll know he’s a real guy. He takes his time and he doesn’t rush through it, that’s important. It’s also filmed in the place where the show is, during filming loads of guys on road like “Yo.” The environment gave it the credibility it has.

As a comedian would you try stand up?

This year I plan to do stand-up and even a little tour. I’ve done stand up previously but not in the UK, I always do all my stand-ups in America. I don’t know what it is, I feel like it’s because I’ve been afraid to disappoint people here as it where I’m from. I’ve got my experience, I know I’m funny and that I can deliver so this year we should see some stand-up.   

Do you believe the entertainment industry in the UK is giving a range of people from different backgrounds bigger opportunities?

We still have a long way to go. From when I first started season one of Man Like Mobeen till now you can see we have shows like Famalam, Time Wasters and many shows that are coming in and giving our people more of an opportunity.

Who are your inspirations in comedy or acting?

Mr Ibu, he’s a Nigerian comedian also Akin and Pawpaw they’re massive inspirations, I watched them a lot growing up and they had a big influence in my life. Idris (Elba) is my uncle, he’s a real guy and I look up to him. Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle he’s the best stand up comedian ever. I would love to work with Will Smith, Dwayne Johnson and Denzel, why not. He ‘s the elite guy. I was watching Training Day for the 50^th time and he’s just amazing at what he does.

As well as a successful comedian and actor, you’re also a published author you wrote a children’s book The Frog and his Dancing shoes, where did the inspiration for this come from and will there be more?

My daughter as soon as I had my child is when I thought about the book. I started writing on my notes, really started getting into it and now the rest is history. When I first bought out the book she was so young and would just put it to the side. A few weeks ago she went and took the book herself and was just looking at it, but then dashed it to the side.

Did you look at life differently after you had your child?

I’m more protective; I have more of an insight and respect for women. I started thinking about my mum because I was a handful and my daughter is nothing like me. I got sent back to Nigeria for 5 years but it help me be who I am today.

I see a lot of Black women today like Zeze Mills, Oloni and Nella Rose who are really fighting for what they believe in especially at an age where everybody tries to downplay stuff.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to break into the entertainment industry?

Your mind is powerful, wake up and manifest, you can do it. What I’m saying is very cliché but its facts, we’re all human and you’re going to have moments where you’re down and you feel like the world is against you but you need to remember there’s going to be brighter days ahead, so just focus and it will work out, the longer you stick at it, it will work out and pray.

Man Like Mobeen Series 3 is available to watch on BBC Three from 26^th January.