Bisola Aiyeola on Love, Dates and Shoot Your Shot

All great love stories start with an admirer expressing his or her feelings. It is better done verbally, but the eyes do the talking sometimes. Uhm, maybe only in Hollywood romcoms because as a Naija babe or bobo, to land your crush, you must shoot your shot. This can be hard if you are shy but, fortunately, the guys at Africa Magic have a new dating show that’s also streaming on Showmax, called Shoot Your Shot, which offers templates on how to shoot perfect shots. The plan is anything but simple – grand gestures that will sweep anyone off their feet. 

What do Nigerians think about shooting their shot with their crush? We asked them!

Bisola dishes on her new show

The show is anchored by Nollywood’s romantic fave and ex-Big Brother Naija housemate Bisola Aiyeola. She guides the guests and helps set up sweet surprises. We asked Aiyeola if she is bold enough to approach a man first. “Of course, I am, and I have,” she replied. But there’s an experience that didn’t go as expected. “He gave me ela,” she said with a cheeky smile. “He said he wasn’t in the right headspace and had to figure out things before going into a relationship.”

Backed with an experience of a shot gone wide, Aiyeola knows the dos and don’ts of approaching a crush, and these are some of the things she brings to the show. We spoke to her about love, romance, first-date questions and shooting shots.

Tell us what attracted you to Shoot Your Shot?

The script. I found it fun and exciting. When I came in for the screening, I read it, and it seemed like something I wanted to do. Uche Ikejimba, the producer, told me it wasn’t going to be the typical dating show. She said I could have fun with it, own it, be my vibrant self, and be comfortable with the guests. I was like, “Okay, let’s see how that goes.”

Initially, say the first two episodes, I was a bit nervous. I didn’t know if I was going over the top or not doing enough, but Uche called me and said, “Bisola, we know you and we know your personality, just be as comfortable as possible.” And I asked, “You want me to be as comfortable as possible?” She said yes, and I was like, bring it on!

Are you a big fan of dates?

I can say I’m a big fan, but I rarely go on dates. But do I like it? Do I want to go on more dates? Yes!

That’s a little strange because it is you, superstar Bisola Aiyeola!

I know, right? Everybody thinks it’s strange. But I do like going on dates. I was even telling my producers how wild it would be if someone was crushing on me, the host of the show. Like, I’m asking the guest about their crush, only to find out it is me.

So, are you bold enough to shoot your shots? 

Of course, I am. I have sef. 

How did it go?

It was with a friend of mine. We’ve been close for years, and I felt like giving it a go. He was single; I was also single. So, I was like, “Dude, I think you’re cute, we’re comfortable around each other, let’s be an item.” And he gave me ela. He told me, “Yes, we are cool, and I like you, but I’m not ready for a relationship now.” He said he wasn’t in the right headspace and had to figure out things before going into a relationship. I just looked at him like an Ode. But we’re still cool friends sha; we just never got to date. 

An exciting part of the show is friends of the admirer offering support. Are you a big hype man for your friends when it comes to dating?

I’m such a big hype man for my friends, not just with dating but in every sphere of their lives. And they do the same for me. If I tell any of my friends that a guy likes me, they will either hype him or go, “Don’t try this guy o. He’s not pure; we’ve heard his gist outside.”

In episode 1 of Shoot Your Shot, Obinna discussed business with Jessica. Is that a no-no for you on a first date? How would you have reacted if you were Jessica? 

I don’t think I’ll feel any type of way. I will assume he is business-oriented, and he’s sharing that with me to let me know he’s not here to suck off me or take from me. I don’t think it always comes from a bad place. It could be he wants me to know that he can hold his own and there’s nothing for me to worry about, or he’s nervous and talking about business is the most comfortable thing for him. I don’t mind because I can talk about my business too, you know. 

What if he starts talking about marriage on the first date?

It depends. If it’s a blind date, one might be taken aback. One might be shocked. But, again, it depends. You never can tell what will lead to that conversation. If it is someone that I know or have been talking to already, and I have little knowledge about him, for instance, he’s been married before or a certain age, you can tell those are the kinds of things that he would talk about. I wouldn’t expect a 23-year-old guy on a date with a 23-year-old lady to discuss marriage. All you discuss at that age are bants and ambitions. 

What have you learned about love, relationship, and going on dates from the show?

I have learned you can find love in the craziest places, and people should speak up because you never know who has feelings for you as well. Stop wallowing in your misery – wondering if they will like you back or not. Just talk. Shoot your shot! Don’t waste any time.  

More like Shoot Your Shot

Also, I have learned not to judge a book by its cover because sometimes I interview guests on the show, and from listening to them, I conclude they won’t be compatible, but at the end of the day, they just work. Those are the things I have learned, but the most important is you can find love anywhere. 

What do you want the viewers to take from the show?

I want them to know these are real people with real lives taking such a huge, bold step coming on TV to express themselves to their crush. I also want them to learn that they can find love anywhere. So don’t be too frightened to tell someone you like them. Besides, it’s just shooting your shot; you’re not asking for their hand in marriage. Don’t be afraid. Be courageous. Finally, I want them to enjoy the show and enjoy that real people are coming out to express themselves genuinely.

Watch the latest episodes of Africa Magic’s reality show, Shoot Your Shot, streaming on Showmax.