Renowned Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola, who is well-known for both Yoruba and English-language films, has shared his thoughts on the industry and the guiding principles of his long-term success. Adekola, who started his acting career in 1996, has more than twenty years of experience and has established himself as a key character in Nigerian cinema.
Staying Active and Embracing Growth
Adekola provided updates on his hectic schedule in an interview, which includes his work on the Glo Lafta Fest series and filming in Lagos and Abeokuta. I've been acting, which is what I love to do. I thank God for the grace to keep doing it,” he said. The actor hinted at upcoming projects that will showcase his versatility, urging fans to “watch out for Odunlade doing new things.”
He acknowledged social media's important role in expanding Yoruba Nollywood's worldwide reach and commended the emergence of platforms like African Magic Yoruba. But he emphasized how crucial it is to adjust to shifting trends. “Every industry must evolve with time. To solidify our ground, we need to move forward and protect our future by embracing global standards,” Adekola said.
Tackling Industry Challenges
In response to the frequent criticism of Yoruba films' inadequate subtitling, Adekola said, "People still complain, and it's even become a joke online." However, I can tell you that things are changing. In order to preserve quality, many producers—including myself—now make sure that subtitling is done by experts.
He also talked about how his performance in Taxi Driver (Oko Ashawo) helped him become more well-known. "When we first started, I didn't realize how much of an influence it would have, but I've come to realize that doing your best always pays off. That's how I tackle every project.
Versatility and Professionalism
Adekola, who is well-known for his versatility, described his acting style. Being adaptable takes time and effort; it is not a magic bullet. I spend a lot of time getting to know the character in a script before adding my own thoughts to make it stand out. I defend my career as an actor by being the best version of myself.
Scandals and Faith
The actor responded to claims that he used diabolical means to succeed. Even for pastors, people frequently associate jazz with fame. How come they wouldn't say the same about me? However, I was reared in a Christian environment and am a Christian. You haven't ascended far enough if, after reaching a certain point, no one is talking about you. My foundation is firm, therefore social media cannot knock me down.
Emphasizing Education
As a current University of Lagos student majoring in Business Administration, Adekola promotes education for budding actors. "I advise young people to complete their training or education before going into acting." It gets more difficult to leave this field after you're well established. Education gives you stability and helps you hone your skills.
Supporting local talent and being patriotic
Adekola is still dedicated to advancing Nigeria even after making a lot of trips. Nigeria is unlike any other place. Many people would choose to live here if we could resolve our electricity problems. Power is always available, even in smaller nations like Ivory Coast, which is essential for economic expansion.
The actor discloses that his longstanding tailor still makes his outfits, showing his support for regional craftspeople. "I think we should help our people. They are equally deserving of the limelight as everyone else.
Looking Ahead
Odunlade Adekola continues to inspire his admirers by being a living example of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to excellence. His professional path demonstrates that exceptional success in Nollywood can result from skill that is rooted in education and spirituality.