There is a lot to be said about Disney kids.. it seems like the fantasy upbringing for people like Britney and Christina doesn’t make for  well adjusted adults.  Being in the lime light at such a capacity, saturated with only hints of reality has turned many of Disney’s sweethearts into young adults  who struggle to gain a true sense of identity.

This was also the case for Disney child star Nala Idowu, best known for her role as NALA in Disney’s blockbuster hit, The Lion King.  We sat down down with Nala at a cafe in North Hollywood, Los Angeles to talk about life after Disney in this Schitzpopinov exlusive:

After exiting Cold Water Canyon off the 101, i quickly remembered why I never come to the valley, because it sort of depresses me.  I parked my car in the busy lot of the Coffee Bean, and I could see Nala through the glass of the front window of the cafe, she text messages on her first generation Nokia 3310 and sips a Iced Mocha.

I join her, I can’t help but notice her striking eyes.  She still looks the same, hones the familiar cub like qualities as she did while playing the breakthrough character of the same name.  I must admit it’s a bit surreal to sit with her, all grown up…in North Hollywood…

We introduced ourselves, I bought an iced green tea and we get right into it.

Schitz:  What brought you over to America from Nigeria?

N: I was sick of Lagos, you know?  I wasn’t being challenged in my roles.. I was being cast as a novelty, always some unintelligent spin off of my charachter from L.K, mostly commercials.. I recenetly did one for Subway which was kinda fun

Schitz: Are you getting put up for better projects here?

N: Well (laughing) slowly but surely, yeah yeah, they’re coming through just you wait.

Schitz: Word on the street is you have your own reality webisode series in production?

N: Yeah, it’s really going good.  Watch for it in a few months.

Schitz: How has it been adjusting to America and the industry over here?

N: One thing that I want everyone to know, I play more than just a lion from the Serengeti, you know what I’m saying? I really feel that I’m being type cast as that, and I have so much more depth and range.. I actually have an audition for the love interest of one of the lead frat boys on Greek (ABC Family)

But Adjusting? Yeah Im adjusting.  Really trying to break into the edgier roles.  I just finished shooting a remake of Salt ‘n’ Pepa’s “What a Man”

Schitz: Oh Schit.. I think we need a preview

“Nala” What a Man – Teaser Edit from jody wilson on Vimeo.

We look forward to seeing more of Nala in the future,  judging from this teaser above, she sure does keep it real.  Can’t wait for the full version!

Jody Schitz LA