FYB Of The Week – Adebayo Samuel Oluwapeluni

Life in Dramatic Arts 

Stage Voice: Hi, good evening. I am from Stage Voice. Can you please tell us your name?

Samuel: Hello, good evening.

I am Adebayo Samuel Oluwapelumi.

Stage Voice: Nice meeting you, Samuel.

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

Samuel: The pleasure is mine.

Samuel: Well, like I said, I am Adebayo Samuel Oluwapelumi, a final-year student of the Department of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, and a professional actor.My hobbies are singing, cooking, and just being playful.

Stage Voice: Interesting!

Can you please tell us about your experience so far in Dramatic Arts?

Samuel: My experience so far in Dramatic Arts… Hmm, it’s been quite an interesting ride. From the drama about status dynamics in our Part One to trying to find my footing in life, I’ve met people with diverse personalities some unyielding, others more submissive.

Forming a family among my academic circle, Sui Generis, has been a highlight, though it’s not without its share of troubles (a typical face-to-face palava).The journey has had its ups and downs, making it all the more memorable.

Stage Voice: Wow, this is really a lot.

Can you tell us more about the ups and downs in your journey so far in Dramatic Arts?

Samuel: All I can say is, thank God it’s worked out! Honestly, I’m still processing it all.

As a fresh undergraduate with no support system, no home, and uncertainty about my next meal or funds, survival was a real challenge. I recall times when the pit was literally my shelter not many know about that phase.But God provided people who helped me along the way. Even COVID played a role.And to those who doubted me or made hurtful comments, your words fueled my determination to improve. So, thank you to everyone who pushed me to be better.

Life as an FYB

Stage Voice: This is a whole lot. With all this experience, how do you feel being a FYB?

Samuel: Simply put, I’d say being an FYB is a walk in the park for one side of me and boot camp for the other.

Stage Voice: Can you explain to us what you mean by being a walk in the park and a boot camp for you?

Samuel: Well, a part of me is getting rested, while the other part is just kickstarting work.

I’m getting off the academic brouhaha and starting the actual grind fully.

Stage Voice: Please, can you explain better to us?

Samuel: Okay.

So, it’s self-explanatory. The meaning is in the statement.

I may think I am resting and not have to worry about the stress of classes plus rehearsals, having to think about a play for a project, or the playtexts we are asked to read (both theory and practical). So that’s the “walk in the park” part.

But the fact that the reality of “Go ye into the world” is setting in is the boot camp,because now we enter the phase where you are the one who is supposed to live your life alone and even tie someone else’s with yours and start being responsible for other people aside from yourself (even in extra folds).

Let me keep it at that because the thought of it gives mixed feelings.

Stage Voice: Hmm, that’s a whole lot.

How has your final year project process been?

Samuel: That one?

It’s a journey that all I can say is, it is well!

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Stage Voice: It must really be an interesting journey.

So, do you have any business you do?

Samuel: Oh, business I do?

Yes, I am a multiventure.

Most people call me WhiteAngel Autos because, on the side, I am an affiliate car dealer.

And soon, after I am rested from the compulsory vacation I have to embark on, we are launching the WhiteAngel Brand officially. Very soon, we will have WhiteAngel Wearables and WhiteAngel Logistics, just to mention a few.

Stage Voice: Wow, this is a whole lot.

How do you balance school activities with your business?

Samuel: That’s a question most people ask me!

It’s hard because not every time am I free to attend to customers, so sometimes I pend business activities when school activities are taking more from me.

Even in my career as an actor, if school activities are demanding, I turn down professional movie gigs.

Stage Voice: Hmm.

You prefer school activities to professional gigs that would bring you money?

You must really be an enthusiast of academics.

Samuel: Not really that much of an enthusiast of academics though,

But you know how it can be sometimes.

Taking professional gigs as an example, if I’m being called on set, it may take me months being on set. And you know how lecturers and all can be.

Stage Voice: Yeah, that’s true actually.

That’s true, actually, especially since it is also your primary assignment too.

Samuel: Yes, exactly.

Advice to other students 

Stage Voice: So, what advice do you have for other students?

Samuel: To younger students, I want to say that your journey may be tough, filled with setbacks, criticisms, and doubters. But don’t let that define you.

Use every obstacle as a chance to learn, grow, and prove yourself.Remember that resilience is key, and every challenge you overcome makes you stronger.

Don’t be afraid to take risks, pursue your passions, and stand up for what you believe in—even if it means going against the crowd.

Your worth and potential aren’t determined by what others think of you, but by your own hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, but don’t be discouraged if not everyone believes in you.

Your success will be the best revenge against those who doubted you.

Stay focused, stay driven, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.

You’ve got this, and it will pay off eventually.

Stage Voice: This hit me personally.

Thank you so much for your kind words of advice.

Samuel: You’re welcome.

Stage Voice: So, is there anyone you want to give a shoutout to?

Samuel: Well, the list is long.

First shoutout goes to God Almighty for making me that first son who would break a generational barrier and attain a level never attained in my family this journey could only be by Him alone.

Second, to my Grandma and parents of blessed memory, for giving me that foundation of wanting to be a better man.

Third goes to my uncles, Mr. Obafemi Kamal Gisanrin and Mr. Tunde Adebayo. Thank you so much, sirs, for being there when you could.

And the Adebayos,I love you guys.

Fourth goes to Tijesunimi, Oluwananimi, Juliet, Oyin, Uncle Mustapha, and everyone from Excel Tutorials, Ibadan. I love you all. Even though the takeoff was rough, you were a family outside of family.

Fifth goes to the Adesokansthank you so much for sticking by me.

My sixth shoutout goes to the Oladepo family, starting from Daddy and Mummy Oladepo to Bro Seyi Oladepo, Sis Tolu Oladepo, and Timilehin Oladepo. They were my family here in Ife, and I appreciate everything that has been done for taking me under their roof when I literally had nowhere to stay. It meant a lot to me.

My seventh shoutout goes to Sui Generis indeed, you are one of a kind. Though we share different opinions about everything, all I can say is: it is well.

Marvellous and Arike, thank you for the sacrifices since 2020. God will keep blessing you.

I acknowledge the whole of Ife Drama and OAU at largeeveryone who believed in me and those who talked down at me. You were all my driving force, and I see you as an integral part of my growth. Thank you.

Kedari Films, Acecasting NG, Igi Olifi (Olive), RealTech, Waliu, RoadBoys, Anita (my twin), 99Posh, and everyonewe end this chapter with this full stop, but we begin another chapter altogether as we meet in greater places.

To my sisters Tayo, Adura, Ayomide, Jolami,And most importantly, my baby Adebolatifemito,

I love you all so much, and I will definitely go on to make you proud.

Stage Voice: Thank you so much for your time, Samuel.

Samuel: The pleasure is totally mine.