Building a career and being relevant in the face of changing times is no easy task. Veteran actor Fatai Adekunle Odua, better known by his stage name Lalude, has shown that it is feasible. Segun Adebayo discusses his rise to fame, his role as a pioneering theatrical practitioner, and his new foray into skit-making in this interview. How long have you been working in the theater? I’ve been doing this for 51 years.
The journey began in 1970, the year I made my professional debut. When I think back on how far I’ve gone since that time, I’m grateful to God. I’m even more grateful now that I realize that others who started with me are no longer with us. It has only been by God’s grace that I have remained relevant to this point.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
You are known for roles that portray you as a traditionalist. You have played this role for years. How did you fall in love with it?
I had been watching them for a long and appreciated what they were doing, so it had nothing to do with confidence. That is why I decided to join them.
Many people know you as Lalude; where did the name originate from?
One day, while we were at the National Theatre for rehearsals, our then-chairman, Yinka Quadri, asked me what stage name I would like to use, and I told him I preferred Lalude. On the job, I wasn’t given that name. I came up with the moniker for myself. I was originally Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, but when I decided to pursue a career in theater, I changed my name to Lalude.
Do you sometimes feel like you have that power?
No, it has never crossed my mind. Like I said, I’m an actor, and I play my role to the best of my ability.
What was your reaction when you were first approached by skit makers to feature in their skit?.
I was working on a project one day and I received a call from Oluwadolarz, who told me he wanted to feature me in a skit.
Would you choose skit making over movie making now that you know one pays better?
I’m not going to dispute that skit producers make good money, but keep in mind that it’s just another branch of acting. My soul, body, and heart are all on the move. Of course, you can’t trade your love for money; it’s always been that way, and I don’t believe anything will ever be able to replace acting in my heart.
Is it true that you are fortified with some mystical power that scares people; some people described you as a strong man? What’s your reaction to this?
People have a tendency to jump to conclusions without first seeking the truth from the individual in question. I am not who people believe me to be. I am an actor that strives to be the best at what he does. I don’t possess any secret abilities that allow me to make individuals vanish or reappear wherever. It’s all about the visual and performing arts.