Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about his early struggles with underpayment despite playing lead roles in movies. The star of “Jagun Jagun” shared his journey during a recent episode of the ‘Deep Dive’ podcast hosted by comedian Teju Babyface.
Adedimeji recounted receiving shockingly low compensation, as little as N4,000, for lead roles in films as far back as 2014. This revelation highlights the stark realities faced by many actors in the Nigerian film industry, where compensation may not always reflect the significance of the role or the effort put into the performance.
The actor explained that the situation began to improve around 2015 or 2016 when he started receiving payments ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 for roles. This increase in pay marked a significant milestone in his career and signaled a shift towards fairer compensation for his contributions to the industry.
Adedimeji’s disclosure sheds light on the challenges and financial struggles experienced by actors, particularly those starting out in the industry. Despite the low pay, he viewed this period as a learning process, indicating his dedication to honing his craft and pursuing his passion for acting despite the obstacles.
Overall, Adedimeji’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required to succeed in the entertainment industry, where actors often face financial instability and uncertainty, especially in the early stages of their careers. His willingness to share his experiences offers valuable insights into the realities of working in Nollywood and underscores the importance of fair compensation for actors’ contributions to the film industry.