Nollywood star Lateef Adedimeji has urged aspiring entertainers to rethink their obsession with stardom, describing fame as fleeting and “fake.”
Speaking at a recent conference, the award-winning actor emphasised that true fulfillment lies not in popularity but in building identity, values, and purpose.
“Fame is fake!” Adedimeji declared. “The truth is, fame doesn’t define you, identity does. Your values, your purpose. Fame is fake, actually. It’s not real. It can come and go.”
The actor, known for his versatility and emotional depth on screen, expressed concern that many newcomers to the entertainment industry chase fame without first developing their craft.
According to him, the spotlight can be intoxicating but ultimately leaves people vulnerable when the attention fades.
“A lot of people come with the mindset of fame first. You come looking for fame without the craft. When the fame comes, what will the fame meet? What becomes of you? Fame is more like you’re here now, everybody hails you. When you go back to your house, you’re going to be you and you alone. So, at that time when it is you and you alone, who are you?” he asked.
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Adedimeji’s comments highlight a growing conversation within Nollywood about the pressures of celebrity culture, especially in an era where social media has made fame more accessible than ever.
Today, a viral video or trending skit can turn an unknown creator into a household name overnight, but sustaining that success is a different challenge.
Adedimeji’s own journey illustrates the value of patience and preparation. Before becoming one of Nollywood’s most sought-after actors, he spent years training at the National Youth Theatre and appearing in stage plays, which honed his skills and prepared him for bigger opportunities.
His breakout roles in Yoruba-language films and later in mainstream Nollywood productions were built on years of hard work rather than overnight virality.
Adedimeji’s message resonates beyond Nollywood. For creatives in music, comedy, fashion, and even sports, his words underscore the importance of self-awareness and purpose-driven work. Fame may provide temporary validation, but as Adedimeji suggests, it is one’s identity, not trending status, that offers lasting fulfilment.
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