FYB Of The Week – Asiwaju Stephen Kelly

Getting to know Stephen Kelly 

Stage Voice: Hi, good evening! Welcome to Stage Voice! Can you please introduce yourself?

Kelly: Good evening, Stage Voice! I’m  Asiwaju Stephen-Kelly.

Stage Voice: Great to have you here, Stephen-Kelly! Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Kelly: Sure! I’m a final-year student in the Department of Dramatic Arts, majoring in Stage Management. I’m a big fan of things that are out of the ordinary—they just intrigue me.

Stage Voice: That’s cool! So why stage management? What made you choose it?

Kelly: Funny story—it wasn’t something I planned to do at all. But after managing a few productions, I realized I was actually good at it. So I thought, “Why not focus on something I’m already doing well?” And here we are.

Life As An FYB

Stage Voice: Makes sense! So, how does it feel to finally be an FYB?

Kelly: Honestly, it feels like such a relief! I’ve been looking forward to this since my first year, and it’s amazing to finally be here.

Stage Voice: I can imagine! Have you ever felt like giving up at any point?

Kelly: Oh, definitely! Too many times to count, actually. And if I’m being honest, I’m still in one of those moments right now. But hey, the end is near, and I’m holding on!

Stage Voice: That’s real. Can you share one of those moments with us?

Kelly: Hmm, not right now. Let me finish first—then we can talk about it!

Stage Voice: Fair enough! But do you think there’s something others could learn from those moments?

Kelly: Honestly, it’s just the regular challenges we all face as Dramatic Arts students—tight deadlines, back-to-back rehearsals, and all that. Maybe I’ve had a bit more to deal with, but we all get through it eventually.

Entrepreneurial Spirit 

Stage Voice: True! So, do you have any side hustle or business you’re running?

Kelly: Yeah, I do. I’m a crypto trader and enthusiast.

Stage Voice: Wow, that’s impressive! How do you manage to balance that with school?

Kelly: It’s been tough, honestly. School takes up most of my time, so I usually have to work late at night or over the weekends. But I’ve been managing it well lately, and I’m grateful for that.

Personal life

Stage Voice: That’s great to hear! Quick question—if you were given ₦100 million to start again at OAU, would you?

Kelly: Hmm, that’s a tough one. But honestly, yes. I’ve had an amazing time here—learned so much about myself, met incredible people, and had some unique experiences. So yeah, I’d choose OAU again.

Stage Voice: That’s interesting! What about life after school—what’s next for you?

Kelly: Sighs. That’s a big question. I have some plans, but life doesn’t always go the way we expect. I’m looking forward to discovering new opportunities and seeing how I can shape my future. It’s a bit scary, but I believe I’ll be fine.

Stage Voice: I like that mindset! Do you have anyone you’d like to give a shout-out to?

Kelly: Of course! Shout-out to my family, my friends-turned-brothers—Big-Phlex, AY, Kuri, Zoo, the Outsiders, and Lowkey. To my amazing classmates, Junine Gems, Luminous, and my cast and crew from The Hangmen Also Die. And a big shout-out to the entire Dramatic Arts family. You guys are the best!

Stage Voice: That’s wonderful. It’s been great having you here, Stephen-Kelly.

Kelly: Thanks so much for having me I I  really appreciate it!

“Stephen-Kelly’s story is a reminder to keep pushing, even when things get tough. He’s shown that with resilience and focus, you can find your path and excel at it. Take inspiration from his journey—embrace your challenges, pursue your passions, and celebrate the people who make the journey worthwhile. Keep going; you’ve got this!”

Interviewed and Published by Ogunseye Timothy