Q: Who is Razaaq Adoti?
A: (Laughs) can’t you bring me in easy with like 'what's my favorite color or something?' Mmmm, I am someone who is very spiritual, honest, family oriented. My family takes priority over me in terms of my career and stuff. I feel real good when I know that I put a smile on my mum or dad’s face. I was raised as part of a large family and all that was instilled in me. I am also a fun loving joker; I am a very driven individual.

Q: Would you then describe yourself as a MAMA’s boy?
A: Yea, kind of. I guess I am on the one hand and then I shift between them depending on the situation. For me, in terms of my professional life, I am a little more concerned about making my dad proud and in my personal life; I like to make my mom proud.

Q: Ok, that’s interesting. Would you say that is a Nigerian thing since a lot of Nigerians that I know tend to see that as a cultural thing, you know with all the family stuff?”
A: Yea I would say so, I think so. You know both of my parents were born in Nigeria. My dad went to London for college and my mum came much younger, so I’d probably say in comparison to my western friends, Nigerians put a lot more focus on RESPECT and family values and I know it is a common trait throughout Africa and Asia. So I think it definitely has to do with how I was raised.

Q: Whoa, that’s pretty shocking ‘cos I don’t think that most people would ever think you are like that. Everything you just said is contrary to all my impressions about you.
A: Yea, don’t get it twisted man, I was raised real, whenever I caused any trouble I was “corrected…”

Q: You mean you were spanked…?
A: “Spanked” is a putting it lightly, it almost sounds cute; I was “whooped”, let’s keep it real…..

Q: I guess that makes the two of us because I know it’s a cultural thing for Africans (Nigerian), as a way of raising their children with discipline?
A:In looking back, I think I deserved every ass-whooping that I got because when I look at some of my friends now who still continued along that road and I see where they have ended up, I am happy for the way I was raised. It has helped make me who I am today.

Q: So, which part of Nigeria are you from?
A: I am from Lagos; a Lagosian proper. My dad is a proud Lagosian who was born and raised on the island (Campus), my mom too is from Lagos, her whole family is from Ikorodu. So it’s Yoruba all the way with me.

Q: Did you go to school in Nigeria at all?
A: Actually No, even though I was spiritually there from childhood, my education within Nigeria has been very recent and more on the street level probably in the last 10-15 yrs I have been going back and forth and I have been soaking up as much of the culture as I can. It re-energizes me and strengthens me – mind, body and soul when I go there and it gives me ‘reason’ when I come back to Los Angeles because it’s like - I have a definite purpose and I know that it’s bigger than me - and I say that humbly because am truly proud to be Nigerian and an African and I am someone who endeavors to represent us positively (when am over here in the USA) as it burns me to see us being mis-represented in virtually every arena.

Q: I think we both agree on that aspect of Nigeria’s image, which is why we started the Nigerian Celebrity Network and I believe that Nigeria need to be represented in a better way?
A: Absolutely!

Q: So going by what you’ve said, where is home for you nowadays since you do a lot of going back and forth between the USA and Nigeria
A: Home is a very fluid concept for me right now and that is because I am nowhere and am everywhere. I spend 2/3rds of my time in Los Angeles and 1/3rd of my time in Nigeria and London, not so much at all. I was raised in London and I have a lot of my family and friends I grew up and went to school with, I miss going to football games as much as I used to. For professional reasons, I'm here in the United States and for spiritual reasons, I like going back to my roots which is Nigeria. Sometimes, this capitalist and materialistic ideology can mess people up but it’s the connection with home that is most important ‘cos there’s a lot of disconnect out here. When I go home I like to stay with my family in Ikorodu and not in some Five Star hotel on the island ‘cos I can do that in any country. In Nigeria, I like to connect with my people and mingle, that's the point for me.

Q: If I gave you an elephant, where would you hide it?
A: (laughs), I would hide it in a Kenyan game reserve amongst the wild so that it can blend in.

Q: Interesting, If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
A: Anyone dead would be JESUS CHRIST.

Q: And what would you ask him?
A: I would ask him for the TRUTH and I say that as a Muslim - even before choosing the prophet Mohammed (SAW). I would choose JESUS because there’s a lot more confusion surrounding HIM (his life and message) more than any other prophet or messenger of God.

Q: Ok, so what is the longest you have gone without a shower?
A: (laughs) I would have to bring my childhood into it. As a kid, I’d say 2 days at most is what I would get away with. As an adult, I wash twice daily.. I stays clean!

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would you take with you?
A: If there’s electricity I would take my play station but in the absence I would say my Quran, my wife (even though am not married at the moment) and a friend or NO a box of matches or lighter to make fire...gotta eat right?

Q: Interesting combination Razaaq, you would want your woman by your side for those cold nights and company right?
A: Exactly, I would be fine with my choices. I’d have reading material for spiritual guidance for life, hot food and love. Perfect combination!

Q: What kinds of music would I catch you listening to on your IPod?
A: My music collection is pretty eclectic and it never used to be. When I was younger I was all about soul and Hip Hop like Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Otis, Jackson Five, Old school Hip hop but right now it’s a lot more diverse. A good 70 to 80% is Nigerian music because I have saturated myself with Nigerian Music. I listen to people like ASA, D’banj, MI, Ikechukwu, Banky W, Sasha, I'm a big Lagbaja fan, Olu Maintain, Eldee, Fela every one. I try to represent.

Q: Boxers or Briefs?
A: Boxers all the way! I have not worn briefs in years.

Q: Tell us one weird thing about you that people do not know about you?
A: I don't like my nipples being touched man…. It kills me and I don’t like it, it’s beyond irritating and it feels unnatural. I know it’s embarrassing to say but that’s true.

Q: (laughs) I wasn’t expecting that one. Do you have a lot of friends?
A: I have a small group of very good friends and then I have lots of acquaintances

Q: What TYPE of women do you like?
A: She has to be funny, sexy, and definitely smart. For me, she doesn’t have to have gone to school to get a degree. The best university in the world is life and for me - having common sense is more essential than being validated by an institution. I like a street smart girl and a big booty isn't gonna hurt.

Q: So you are a booty guy?
A: I like voluptuous woman and pretty faces... and she definitely has to be spiritual and believe in God it doesn’t matter the religion ‘cos there’s only ONE God. I can fluctuate between a stay at home kinda chick and someone who can go out there and act crazy so hopefully I can find a woman who will be able to fit into my wave length and have fun.

Q: Is there anyone at the moment?
A: Kinda.

Q: Anyone we know?
A: Am not gonna tell you anything more

Q: oohhh, there we go, am not gonna dig any deeper than you wanna tell but am sure there’s a lot of women out there who are wondering “what’s up with this guy, is he married, dating anyone or single”, so what you are saying is that you are not available?
A: mmm, what am saying is that my legal status at the moment is single...

Q: If you were an animal, which would you be?
A: I would go with a LION because the nature of the lion is their “pride” and family. My inner nature is all about family and I can’t wait to be married and have lots of children and my own pride.

Q: You talk a lot about marriage when is it going to happen for you ‘cos you seem like you are ready to do it like tomorrow, what’s up with that?
A: (laughs)I have no idea, actually my younger brother is getting married in a month and am getting pressure, left and right from the family because I'm older than him. To me marriage is a serious deal and I want to do it right.

Q: That’s understandable. Would you consider yourself successful?
A: YES I would because I'm happy; I'm blessed to be able to do that which I love. There’s a Chinese proverbs that says “The man who makes a living doing what he loves, never works a day in his life” and that is where I feel I'm at. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to do what I do in my life with the support of a beautiful family. I am a happy man.

Q: How do you deal with success?
A: I guess I just take it in my stride. There's so much more I want to do that I wouldn't dare consider myself to have 'made it'. It's been a wonderful journey thus far but a new chapter is 'literally' being written in the form of my writing and producing which is new territory for me.

Q: What would you consider to be the downfall of being a celebrity?
A: (pause), mmm I don’t know, I don’t really have a downside, I'm cool and I haven’t had anyone be disrespectful and invade my privacy. Of ‘cos am not on the Brad Pitt level where people camp outside my door (laughs), so I don’t have a downside to it and I don’t have to deal with that but am sure that would be a pain.

Q: Don’t worry, am sure you’ll get there someday and I’ll ask you this very question again when you do, is that a deal?
A: Absolutely, Absolutely! We got a deal!

Q: What was your latest movie?
A: I currently have a movie in the can but I don’t know what the release date is yet. The last movie I was seen in is called COVER and it was released last year and was a great experience with a fantastic cast, I'm actually very proud of that movie. It starred myself, Vivica A. Fox, Aunjanue Ellis, Roger Guenuver Smith, Leon, Lou Gossett JR, Patti Labelle and was directed by the great Bill Duke. It was a stretch for me but this game is all about the challenges..how else will you grow, right?

Q: How would you compare Nigerian women to American women?
A: Nigerian women are the most beautiful women on planet earth!

Q: So do you think you will marry one and are you dating one at the moment?
A: (Laughs) Marry a Nigerian woman, hopefully, but you never know right!
Q: Do you have any Kids?
A: Kids? Not yet.

Q: How did you get into acting and did you get to where you are sooner or later than expected?
A: I enjoyed 3 classes in school; art- which included wood-work etc, PE and drama and it was a choice between the three. I wanted to become a footballer and I still think I'm the greatest player on the planet but the crazy people in the football world didn't agree with me, I don’t know why the hell not! Clearly, that didn't work out. So I went to college and later to a drama school and was blessed to get a role in a Steven Spielberg’s movie -Amistad for like 4 months, right out of drama school with Chiwetel Ejiofor and I’ve been a professional actor ever since. I have paid my dues; I have a good resume and am proud of it.

Q: Where would like to be in five years
A: I would like to be an Oscar winning writer, actor/producer for the movies I'm producing! I'd love to get the nod for best original screen play for “Sons of the Soil” – my upcoming movie. I have been telling other people’s stories for years, now I'm ready to tell my story and in doing so, I hope I make Africa, Nigeria and my parents proud.

Q: How did you get your role in “Hard Corp”?
A: I had previously worked with Van Damme earlier that year and he told me he liked me and would like to do a movie with me and I forgot about that until I got a call from my agent that Van Damme wanted me in his new movie, so we went to Canada and shot the movie and I had the chance to live out my dream as a boxer (I'm a frustrated boxer, footballer, singer..you name it). It was a great experience and I enjoyed every moment.

Q: How would you describe Van Damme in one word and Vivica A. Fox in another word?
A: Van Damme – Passionate or eccentric and Vivica – Foxy, I know it’s obvious but it is what it is.

Q: How do you feel about being a part of “Doom” – the Sci-Fi thriller that was one of the most popular video games to make to the big screen?
A: I'm very proud of that project. We shot that movie in Prague and when I got the role, I hadn’t played the game so when I got the part I played the game with a co-star and really got into it. It’s crazy but a lot of fun. I learnt a lot about handling weapons and military combat procedure as we had an ex-marine and SAS instructor train us through 'boot camp'.

Q: what actor would you like to star with; one living, one dead?
A: Dead, would be Marlon Brando, and living – Christopher Walken, Robert De Niro or Al Pacino

Q: Your favorite Nigerian Actor is?
A: I like a lot of them and they’re too numerous to mention. I also know a few so I don't want any drama!

Q: What do you think about Danny Glover and Forest Whitaker’s chieftaincy title in Igbo land (Nigeria)
A: I think that was great man. These men actually found out their roots and went to meet their people, get acquainted with the land and accept the honor of being titled.

Q: I always thought Forest looked Igbo and crazy enough I think Don Cheadle too is Igbo he just doesn’t know it yet, but that’s me and my crazy imagination. Would you consider a chieftaincy title in Igbo Land?
A: Definitely, that would be an honor. IGWE!!! (singing D’banj)

Q: If you hadn’t left Nigeria, do you think you would have achieved the level of fame that you presently have?
A: Mmmm, I have asked myself that same question. I don’t know if I would have wanted to be an actor if I was raised in Nigeria, I honestly don’t know. It’s a difficult and important question. I'm not saying that you cannot achieve what you want to in Nigeria but I think sometimes, opportunities in certain fields are more present elsewhere. I had a lot of exposure to the arts in the UK, outside of your family, the only black role models you could have were involved in sports or in movies, Nigeria doesn't have that problem, role models can be found in every sphere. That being said, access into less well known professions may not be as easy in Nigeria, look at the disappointment in the last Olympics' track and field event with Usain Bolt making his country, Jamaica proud. Can you genuinely tell me that there is no small pikin in Anambra, Ogun, Kaduna state or wherever who can't perform better with a little support, you get what I mean? Nigeria does not know how to nurture what it has and that is something we definitely have to work on. I might not have discovered any acting talent if I were in Nigeria, I would probably have been in a different profession, well...maybe.

Q: That is such a shame to know that everything has to be a struggle in Nigeria and there’s not enough resources available to nurture and encourage someone’s talent and give one a fair chance like America does. They back up their talents with needed resources to encourage growth. Look at the kids from the River Rine areas in Nigeria who can swim their behind off but would never make it any competition let alone, the Olympics. Let’s thank God for a place like America that can give someone like you the opportunity to spread your wings and be who you wanna?
A: Yes and one thing we can all be proud of is that it was all of us that made America what it is today. Without us coming here and building this country the way we built this country; and let’s not make no mistake about that; we built this country. America would be (no disrespect) an Australia or Canada and not the world power that it is today.

Q: What do you think about the entertainment industry in Nigeria today especially with Nollywood being the 3rd largest movie industry in the world after Hollywood and India’s Bollywood?
A: I'm just very proud about the whole entertainment industry in Nigeria. What we lack right now is the exposure. Our music industry is one of the best and people have not had the opportunity to experience its creativity and talent. People will be blown away at all the talents that Nigeria has. In Nigeria, actors can play whatever role but in America, for the most part, a black man is still stereo-typed to play a certain kind of role. It’s good to have that diversity in Nigerian movie industry and I know it’s just a matter of time until Nollywood competes at a major global festival as the expertise within the industry grows.

Q: I believe in that country so much and I think there is hope yet and that is why I do what I do because I'm very positive about everything and anything Nigerian and I would like to see us being portrayed better.
A: There’s a cross cultural thing happening now in the movie industry and we are about to blow up the world and people better watch out because they'll be amazed!

Q: Looking at Slum dog Millionaire; an Indian movie clearing the award categories at the Oscars, do you think a Nigerian Movies would ever be recognized by the academy?
A: Absolutely and absolutely, I'm making one now.

Q: Can you talk a little about your upcoming movie that is in-production at the moment?
A: Yea, it is inspired by my mother's journey and my own life. It's more like a coming home story about someone raised abroad then returning to Nigeria years later and having an intensive reality check and ultimately, education about the beauty of the land; and how much BS people are being taught and brain washed with overseas about the continent of Africa. It’s also a heist movie with crazy chases, romance, comedy, action, drama; it embraces about 4 to 5 different movie genres at the same time! Its nuts!! I'm a huge James Bond fan and that influence has definitely found its way into 'Sons'. I can't tell you how many times I've walked out of movie theatres before... mad about our portrayal in movies like “Blood Diamond”, “Tears of the sun” and “The last king of Scotland” and wondering why we are being presented like that. Don’t get me wrong, a story like "Hotel Rwanda" needs to be told but there needs to be a balance.

Q: That’s what I say about Oprah Winfrey’s portrayal of Nigerians on her show. As a broadcaster, it should be about balance and I did not see that on her show and it such a disappointment; amongst every 12, there’s always a Judas but what about the other 11, talk about them along side your negative portrayal and make it balanced.
A: You are absolutely right.

Q: Finally, what do you think of Nigerian Celebrity Network of which you are a member?
A: I am very proud of everything that you guys are doing to get more positive images out there about Nigeria and Africa and I am very proud to be a member. I am very happy that you have chosen me to be the celebrity of the month. I know NCN will grow from strength to strength and I would be happy to give you exclusives as time goes on. We are growing together and moving forward as one, when we stand together united, we are strong. Thank you for the consideration and opportunity to represent Nigeria.

Raz, thank you for accepting and we are very proud of you. Congratulations.