Taiwo Afolayan
Lateef Adedimeji, a Nollywood actor, is reflecting on his humble origins as he approaches his birthday tomorrow, February 1st. The skilled actor disclosed in a lengthy Instagram post that he was once paid N5000 for a major role.
Lateef explained that his life’s path and tale were never easy, but his inner Abeokuta and Lagos spirit never gave up. He described himself as a vulnerable young lad who did his thing and unwittingly made others laugh. He was picked up in secondary school by a non-governmental group as a result of his unintended behavior.
A short story on “NA WHO GIVE UP FUCK UP”
My life’s journey and tale were never easy, but this Abeokuta-born and Lagos-bred lad never gave up!
Memories from the beginning, when the journey began. I was just a helpless young lad doing his thing and unwittingly making people laugh, until I was picked up in secondary school by a non-governmental organization whose main goal is to train young people primarily through acting, dancing, and music. I recall the days when I was admitted to university and didn’t give up, when I skipped lectures to pursue this ambition of mine. This tenacious boy persevered till the year I graduated from UNI in 2007/2008.
I remember borrowing money to go to a movie set, borrowing clothes to wear on set even though I wasn’t getting paid, and begging for money and food to survive.
Memories of being rejected numerous times irritated me. I’ve been mocked and ridiculed for believing that acting is not my professional choice and that I’ll never make it in this field.
I recall moments when I was on the verge of giving up on myself and my profession. I recall crying for hours and telling myself it was better to die. I recall walking for hours to get on set and having to be a camera guy during rehearsals. Clean Oga’s cars.
Those were the periods when I finally started getting paid $1,000, $2,000, and $5,000 for a lead role. I recall being overjoyed, happy, and grateful when I received the payments.
This road from being a little boy with huge goals to being the Superstar that I am today has been fraught with difficulties and untold stories. I’ll relate the complete narrative sometime in the hopes of inspiring one or two people. I thank God for the voyage thus far, for his grade and mercy.
This short novella is intended to reassure you that your dreams are valid. Whatever it is you are going through right now.
You will get there if you do not give up. It may take some time, and I understand that waiting is difficult. But keep going and doing your best. You will make it, God will provide for you, and you will laugh the longest.
Happy birthday in advance to me.
