Streaming platforms are redefining African storytelling, and Showmax’s latest drama, ‘Under the Influence’, is proof of that. The show dives into the highs and lows of social media fame, ambition, and the personal struggles that come with it. At the heart of the story is Dami, played by rising star Iremide Adeoye, whose performance is raw, layered, and strikingly relatable. In this interview, Iremide discusses his approach to the role, the complexity of Dami’s journey, and why this show is one to watch.
What made you say yes to playing Dami?
For me, I’m very intentional about the roles I take on as an actor and the characters I play. I love to feel a strong connection to them before coming on board. When I was called to play Dami, I read his character bible, got the log line and immediately knew this was something I really wanted to do.
One major reason was the relatability factor—this story and character felt real. I didn’t want to do a disservice to Dami; I wanted you to see him and truly see him. I wanted you to feel like you’ve met Dami before because he’s someone we encounter regularly. My goal was to make him as relatable as possible, which is one of my greatest joys as an actor.
What was the most exciting and challenging part of preparing for this role?
The most exciting part was knowing that the audience would get to see me in a completely different light—one they hadn’t seen before. As much as I appreciate when producers or directors say, “I saw you in this character and knew you could do it,” one compliment I truly enjoy is hearing, “I never saw you playing this role.” That makes it feel like a challenge, and I love proving a point.
Playing Dami was exciting because he’s witty, loud, ambitious, and all over the place—very different from any character I’ve played before. That made it both thrilling and challenging. The challenge came from the fact that playing a funny or witty character carries a high risk of getting it wrong. It’s not as easy as it looks. Big ups to my director, Wande Thomas, for always working closely with me to make sure we got it right. It was tough, but I enjoyed every part of it—and I’d do it all over again.
As an actor, can I relate to Dami’s struggle to fit in?
Yes, to a reasonable extent. Acting comes with immense societal pressure—a lot of it. It can be draining, and it takes an extra level of doggedness to push through in a career like this. So, I can definitely relate to Dami’s struggle to fit into an industry like that. Beyond the craft and the art of acting, there’s also the business side—and that part is chaotic. Very chaotic.
What do you think of Dami’s relationship with his older brother Ayo and the whole Gen Z and millennial vibe?
It’s as relatable as it gets. We made a conscious effort to portray something that feels real—something you’d typically see among Gen Zs, millennials, or even siblings. And I think we did a fantastic job at that!
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How did Dami’s relationship with Ivie help him grow?
Sometimes, the support and love Dami craves from his older brother, Ayo—the validation he doesn’t get from him—he finds in Ivie. He just wants to be seen, loved, and understood, and Ivie provides that for him.
Being a millennial herself, Ivie is someone Dami can relate to, which makes him wonder, “If she gets it, what’s wrong with Ayo?” That support from Ivie, even when he couldn’t get it from his brother, helped him grow.
What should we expect from ‘Under the Influence’ and why should you watch it?
‘Under the Influence’ is as relatable as it gets, and that alone is a great reason to watch it. The story has layers, characters you’ll connect with, and moments that will stay with you. This is one of the best productions to come out of Nollywood—one of the best shows and one of the most relatable stories you’ll ever see on screen. And honestly, you should watch it because it’s just that good!
What is the craziest thing you’ve done for social media validation?
Honestly, nothing. My goals and authenticity mean more to me than social media validation.
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