Meet the Artist: Tijesunmi Olakojo

Our relationship with Tijesunmi
Teejay graduated from our pilot year of our artist development programme ‘Arise – Wales Creatives’ in partnership with @WMC this April as a director. Teejay decided to spend her residency with Fio developing and writing her own short monologue for film. In her creative response to the stimulus of the topic of ‘resilience’, and how we go through difficult times and emerge with new creative stimulation, Teejay chose to explore this through the lens of a black African actor. She created a character called Eva, who has just come off stage having performed her sold-out one-woman show to her adoring audience. Through the process of the monologue, she takes off the layers, the masks she puts on, the facade. 

We are so thrilled that Teejay believes more in herself now. One of the main aims of Fio’s Creative/Producer Lab is to provide individuals with space, support and mentorship to realise their potential, their visions, and be their brilliant selves! Teejay is an absolutely stellar all-round creative, writer, actor, director and so much more. Watch out world! 

Teejay states: “This is an incredible platform that has given me an opportunity to showcase my skills, talent and ability in a society that constantly overlooks us because of our race, gender, skin colour, immigration status, etc. I’m forever thankful.”
“I have discovered that there’s more I can offer in terms of my skills and abilities. I also believe more in myself now. My level of self confidence has definitely increased” TIJESUNIMI OLAKOJO