Background
I am known as Adunni Ade but my actual
name is Adunni Adewale. I was born in Queens, New York to a Nigerian
father and American/German mother. I had my elementary education at
Chrisland School, Ikeja and post-elementary education at Bells Secondary
School, Ota. Afterwards, I relocated to America where I studied
accounting at the University of Kentucky.
Studying accounting
Growing up, I never wanted to be a doctor
or a lawyer. My father is one who believes a sound education is key. He
advised that I studied a professional course so that that I could
always have something to fall back on.
Living in America
I had two jobs. It was not the easiest
and the last 10 years of my life were not the easiest either for so many
reasons but I thank God for where I am today. When I was going through
those tough times, it seemed like it would never get better but I truly
thank God. I appreciate the person than I am now more than I did years
ago.
Acting
Growing up, I wanted to be a model,
actress and singer. Initially, what was really key to me asides singing
was modelling. I dabbled into modelling in America and was on America’s
Next Top Model. I did not recognise my love for acting until a few years
back. I only started acting professionally about a year ago when I
started my skits online. I have always had it in me. I only decided to
explore it when I was ready to delve into it. I did not get any training
in acting. I have the talent but if the opportunity comes, I will get
additional training. For now, I am just relying on my innate skills.
Relocating
I moved back to Nigeria last December.
Astonishingly, I expected things to be hard. When you watch some people
on television or read about them, you see them from a different angle
and you wish you have half the things they have or wish you can be like
them. The truth is when you are in it; it’s a different ball game. I was
taken aback when I first started because I did not know there were
other things that go with the industry. The good thing is if you show
you have acting skills and can perform and deliver, you will be fine.
Movies
So far, the experience has been great and I have done a number of movies. The first one I did was with Saheed Balogun titled Iwo tabi emi
which is not yet out. I did one in America with Fred Idika. I was in a
movie directed by Desmond Elliot. I am supposed to start another
production soon. I am looking at producing my movie in the future. I
have also started hosting events.
Skits
In 2013, I promised myself that I was
going to make a change for myself and I started off by relocating from
Kentucky to Maryland. I began with the online skits and I have several
ones I did before Date gone bad which I dropped earlier in the
year. When I started out with those skits, it was a way of being funny.
Now, I also use it to project my brand as well as teach people a lesson
or two.
Challenges
Nollywood lacks a structure which
ultimately makes it difficult for people to access information. I don’t
like it when I have to go through somebody to access information or get
across to the next person. In America, there is a database and all the
information you need can be accessed with relative ease.
Skin colour
Contrary to what people think, my skin
colour has not shown me any favour. If that is the case, then I should
be bigger than I am now. What has shown me favour is my attitude, spirit
and determination. It’s all my money, time and sweat. Nobody handed me
anything on a platter of gold or gave me the needed push. I know people
that could have easily helped me out but I did everything on my own.
Role models
Besides God, my father has always being a
big part of my life. He is a hardworking man who has accomplished a lot
in his lifetime. In the industry, I have met a lot of people that are
quite different from the everyday people that you see. There a lot of
them and I don’t want to mention names because I don’t want to run the
risk of omitting some names.
Motivation
My two children inspire me. One is a
six-year-old going on seven in September and a two-year-old who will be
three in May. I have never been married but I was in a long-term
relationship with their father which did not end well. I have the
custody of my two children and they are here with me in Nigeria.
Relaxation
I don’t relax because I am under so much
pressure. The only time I relax is when I am sleeping and every other
time, I am on the move.
Style
I like to wear whatever looks good on me
and I feel comfortable in. It can be something a little bit revealing,
edgy and chic. I like to be in vogue.
Source: Punch
Source: Punch
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