Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji recently shared insights into his early career struggles and the invaluable advice he received from his father. In an interview on the Tejubabyface show with Teju Oyelakin, Adedimeji revealed that in 2014, he was paid as little as N4,000 for a lead role. It wasn’t until 2015 that his earnings increased to N100,000 to N200,000 per role.
Reflecting on this period, Adedimeji recalled his father’s wisdom. His father had advised him that true success would be evident when women sought his attention. However, he also warned that failing to maintain discipline and starting to indulge in these distractions could signal impending downfall. “Females come with both success and ruin,” his father cautioned.
Adedimeji’s story resonated with many, eliciting various reactions:
– Jaiye Jejeomo commented, “They call it ‘the sacrifices you have to make to get to the top.’ But it’s only a sacrifice if you reach the top.”
– Emmanuel noted, “Now he is big, you have to always press on.”
– Ajehmahn said, “Every successful person put in so much work in the past.”
– Ifeanyi reflected, “Everybody has a starting moment.”
– Tim Cook remarked, “N4,000 in 2014 for a lead role is too small.”
– Reverse Truth added, “No wonder most of these legendary actors are not doing so well.”
Reactions to his father’s advice were mixed:
– Gbade Conceptz shared, “Same thing my father said before he died.”
– Taibat Ajiboye argued, “Females don’t come with the ruin. If you’re not disciplined, it’s on you.”
– Olujet Boss agreed, “Facts.”
– Erelu Bade Ladele praised, “Your father is a wise man.”
This isn’t the first time Adedimeji has discussed his early career pay. He previously revealed that he was once paid N5,000 for a lead role, describing himself as a young man who unintentionally made people laugh, which opened doors for him.
Adedimeji has since made significant strides in his career. Recently, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Lead Role at the AMVCA 10th edition, although he lost to Wole Ojo. He also expressed his excitement and honor at receiving an award for his role in Femi Adebayo’s movie, “Jagun Jagun,” and an international award for his role in the movie “Ayinla” in Vienna, Austria, which made his wife, Mo Bimpe, proud.
