A popular sound engineer in the Yoruba movie industry, Adeniji Rasheed Adewale, has shared his experience in the Nigerian film industry, revealing how passion, consistency and determination helped shape his career as both an actor and sound engineer.
Adewale, who hails from Abeokuta in Ogun State, said his interest in acting and sound engineering started many years ago and has remained a dream fulfilled despite the challenges associated with the profession.
Speaking during an interview with Salient Times, the film practitioner disclosed that he attended Odeda Local Government Primary School in Obantoko, Abeokuta, before proceeding to Nawai.ru.deen Grammar School, also located in Obantoko.
According to him, his educational journey laid the foundation for his personal development and later inspired him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
He explained that he officially started acting in November 2005 and simultaneously began learning sound engineering in the same year.
Adewale noted that his passion for creativity and storytelling motivated him to venture into the profession, adding that he was determined from the beginning to build a successful career in the movie industry.
The sound engineer described his early experience in Nollywood as exciting and fulfilling, stressing that becoming an actor and sound engineer was a childhood dream that eventually became reality.
He said the profession has exposed him to different people, locations and opportunities, while also helping him to improve his technical and creative skills over the years.
Despite his passion for the industry, Adewale admitted that there are several challenges confronting practitioners in the profession, especially in movie production.
He lamented that some production managers often fail to make adequate welfare provisions for crew members during film productions, forcing many workers to endure difficult conditions on movie locations.
According to him, better treatment and improved welfare packages for cast and crew members would go a long way in improving productivity and professionalism within the industry.
Speaking on individuals who inspired his career, Adewale identified veteran actor and filmmaker, Owolabi Ajasa, as his role model.
He described Ajasa as a man of integrity who consistently motivates younger generations in the entertainment sector through his words and actions.
Adewale further disclosed that balancing family responsibilities with the demanding nature of movie production has not been difficult because of the understanding and support he enjoys from his family.
He explained that whenever he is on movie locations, he remains committed to his work, while also ensuring that he returns home to spend quality time with his loved ones after production activities.
The film practitioner also highlighted some of the movies where he handled sound production, mentioning titles such as Ojo Igbeyawo, Onilari and Ajadi Eleran among others.
He stated that working on different productions has helped him gain more experience and recognition in the Yoruba movie industry.
On the possibility of relocating abroad if given the opportunity, Adewale said he would always return to Nigeria because of his family, properties and career commitments.
He maintained that despite the attraction of foreign countries, Nigeria remains his home and the place where he intends to continue building his career and contributing to the entertainment industry.
Offering advice to younger colleagues and aspiring entertainers, Adewale urged them to remain hardworking, focused and consistent in whatever they do.
He stressed that success in the entertainment industry requires patience, discipline and the ability to always do the right thing at the right time, adding that dedication remains one of the major keys to achieving long-term success in the profession.
