January 31, (THEWILL) – Nollywood actor cum entrepreneur, Lateef Adedimeji, has recounted the days of little beginnings in the industry, as he anticipates his birthday on February 1.
The talented act took to Instagram to pen a lengthy note on his ordeal before finding fame and fortune.
According to him, he was just a young talented helpless boy, who made others laugh until he was handpicked by an NGO, whose aim was to train people in acting, music.
Adedimeji skipped classes as an undergraduate just to follow his dreams, he borrowed money to go to movie sets, and borrowed clothes to show up and still didn’t get paid for his efforts.
The actor almost gave up on himself, cried endlessly, and even considered death as a better option than what he was going through.
He also recounted the bullying, ridicule and petty change he got when he eventually started getting lead roles to play.
“The journey and story of my life was never smooth, but this Abeokuta born and Lagos bred boy never gave up.
“Memories of the very beginning, when the journey started. I was just a helpless young boy who does his things and make people unintentionally laugh, to the point that I was picked in secondary school by a non-governmental organisation, whose aim is to train young people majorly through acting, dancing and music.
“Memories when I gained administration into the University and still didn’t give up. I remember the times I skipped classes to follow this dream of mine to the year I graduated from University in 2007/2008, this stubborn boy still didn’t give up.
“Memories of days I borrow money to go on set, borrow clothes to wear on set even though I wasn’t paid. I remember begging for food and money to survive.
“Memories of the multiple times I got rejected, insulted, ridiculed and bullied that acting is not my career path and that I’ll never make it in this field that I chose.
“I remember the times that I almost gave up on myself and the career. I remember crying endlessly and told myself it’s better to die.
“Memories of the times I worked for hours to get on set and rehearsals simply because I had no transport fare. I remember when I had to be a camera boy, wash oga’s cars.
“Then the times I started getting paid 1k, 2k, 5k for a lead role. I remember receiving the payment with so much joy, happiness and gratitude.
“The journey of mine from being just a little boy with big dreams to becoming the superstar that I am today has come with a lot of challenges and stories untold. I’ll tell the whole story someday to inspire one or two.”
“I am grateful for the journey so far, for his grace and mercies. This little story of mine is to let you know that dreams are valid.
“No matter what it is you are going through, right now as long as you don’t give up, you will get there. It might take time and I know that waiting isn’t easy, hang in there and keep doing your best. You will make it, God will come through for you and you will laugh last. Happy birthday in advance to me, February 1 baby”, he wrote.
