I Don’t Take Rejection Personal - Dayoslides

There’s a certain energy that comes with watching someone who truly understands their craft, and Dayoslides (born Soledayo Adegbite) brings exactly that. Actor, writer, recording artist, and filmmaker, he represents a new wave of Nollywood creatives who refuse to be boxed into one lane.

From his breakout role in the Yoruba movie Ayomi to gaining recognition as Osas in Industreet, Dayoslides has continued to build a reputation that goes beyond just being another fine face on screen. His performances carry depth, intention, and a clear understanding of storytelling.

With a growing catalogue of work and a mindset rooted in growth, discipline, and authenticity, he’s steadily becoming a force to reckon with.

In this conversation with PartyJollof Africa, Dayo opens up about his journey, the lessons, the rejections, the wins, and everything in between.

Party Jollof Africa: Dayo, it’s great to have you. Looking back to the very beginning, what was your first real impression of Nollywood?

Dayoslides: Honestly, it felt raw and alive. It wasn’t perfect or polished, but it was pure passion. Everybody was hustling, creating magic with very little. I fell in love with that hunger immediately. It felt like home, I just wanted to interpret roles and make movies.

Party Jollof Africa: And you’ve been interpreting them beautifully! But we all have that "first time" story. What was your first audition like?

Dayoslides: I was so nervous o! I over-rehearsed everything, and the moment I saw the judges, I forgot half my lines. I had to improvise. Luckily, as a growing thespian, improvising felt natural. That moment taught me early on that casting directors aren’t just looking for perfection, they’re looking for truth.

Party Jollof Africa: "Looking for truth", that’s a gem. For the greenhorns watching you now, what’s the most important lesson you carried from those early days?

Dayoslides: Talent will open doors, but character keeps you inside. Professionalism, humility, and reliability matter just as much as skill. At the end of the day, people just want to work with those who are easy to work with.

Party Jollof Africa: Speaking of work, the industry can be tough. How did you handle rejection or harsh criticism starting out?

Dayoslides: I won’t lie, it hurt at first. I could go for ten auditions and not get a single callback. But I decided not to take it personally. Sometimes, you’re just not the right fit. I treated every "no" as training. Interestingly, with the first "yes" I ever got, I wasn’t even impressed with my performance! I guess I was just the right fit for that specific role. Every audition made me sharper. Back then, just showing up was a win for me.

Party Jollof Africa: It clearly paid off! You’ve mentioned being blessed with the "gift of men" along the way. Who were the mentors that helped turn those "no’s" into a career?

Dayoslides: I’ve been blessed with senior colleagues, directors, and crew members who guided me. Mentorship isn’t always a big speech; sometimes it’s a small correction on set or a "you’ve got this" after a take.

Fate brought Muyideen Oladapo (Lala) my way when we became classmates during his further studies. He directed my very first movie and pushed me to take acting seriously. Later, working with JJC and Funke Akindele gave me a boost of confidence I don’t think I could have gotten anywhere else. There are so many names, I don’t want to bore you!

Party Jollof Africa: We could never be bored! We can see that confidence in your performance. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done on set?

Dayoslides: I once improvised an emotional monologue that wasn’t in the script. The director loved it and kept it in the final cut. Moments like that remind me to trust my instincts. I’d definitely do it again.

Party Jollof Africa: You’ve played so many characters. If you could switch lives with one of them for a day, who would it be?

Dayoslides: That’s tough! I’ve lived too many notable lives to hold onto just one. That’s the fun of acting for me, stepping into various shoes and seeing the world through different perspectives.

Party Jollof Africa: You make it look easy, but we know it’s not. Have you met your most challenging role yet?

Dayoslides: Every role feels like the toughest until the next one comes. But the emotionally heavy ones, the ones that touch on grief, family, and responsibility, those always stretch me the most.

Party Jollof Africa: You’re known for that depth. What’s the biggest risk you have taken in your career, and was it worth it?

Dayoslides: Sometime ago, a colleague told me she trusts me to always be in projects with substance, and that hit me good. Because I’ve always wanted to be known for quality and not mediocrity.

Turning down “fast money” gigs is a risk I always take. I would rather appear in 10 solid projects than be in 100 mediocre projects. It’s risky considering how compensation is like these days, but 100% worth it. It keeps your brand untainted. To me, it’s 100% worth it.

Party Jollof Africa: That dedication to quality shows, especially in your culturally deep roles. How do you prepare for those?

Dayoslides: Those demand more than instinct; they require historical and cultural truth. If I’m playing a character from an era before I was born, I do intentional research. I speak with elders and learn traditions. Once I find that human core, the performance becomes honest.

Party Jollof Africa: It’s a masterclass in preparation. But looking at the industry as a whole, what’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the business side of Nollywood?

Dayoslides: That talent alone isn’t enough. Branding, networking, negotiation, and consistency are huge. Acting is an art, but it’s also a business. To be successful in the art, you must master the business side too.

Party Jollof Africa: If you could have a superpower to help with that "art," what would it be?

Dayoslides: Instant emotional recall! To switch into any emotion at will without preparation? Oh, what a power that would be!

PartyJollof Africa: We’ll have Alexa play "Power Ranger" by Teni for you! (Laughs). If you could turn any of your movie roles into a reality TV show, which one would you choose and why?

Dayoslides: Maybe my role in Atoka. I played Wale, the school teacher. His life didn’t seem too eventful in the movie, but for his life to be that way, many events must have led up to that. It would be nice to let everyone see those build-up events as a reality TV show.

PartyJollof Africa: If you could have a theme song play every time you walk on set, what would it be and why?

Dayoslides: That would depend heavily on what I’m on that set to do, what character am I giving life to. Songs like Flavour’s Game Changer, Davido’s Feel, Burna Boy’s Common Person, you get the idea. (smiles)

PartyJollof Africa: What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Nollywood actors today, and how can it be addressed?

Dayoslides: Structure and fair compensation. We need stronger systems, contracts, unions, training, and better funding. When actors are protected, the industry grows healthier.

PartyJollof Africa: How do you relax and unwind when you’re not working?

Dayoslides: Music, movies, family time, hanging out with my close friends, sometimes football, and just quiet reflection. I like to disconnect and recharge mentally.

Party Jollof Africa: Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, what should we be excited about?

Dayoslides: I have a few projects coming where I play everything from an abusive husband to a sweet guy, a serial cheater to a heartbreak victim. I’m excited to show that range this year. Just keep your fingers crossed!

Party Jollof Africa: We definitely will. Before we let you go, what’s the mantra you live by, and what’s your message to the fans who have been there since Ayomi?

Dayoslides: My mantra is: "Stay prepared. Stay humble. Stay original." And to my fans: Thank you for believing in me. Every time you watch or share my work, you’re part of my journey. We’re building this dream together.

What is there not to love about Dayoslides? From his disciplined approach to his craft to his infectious humility, he is truly a "walking wonder" of Nollywood. A creative genius who is not just "going somewhere," but is already happening!

Keep your eyes on the screen and your hearts open, Dayoslides is just getting started.

Until next time, keep it locked on Party Jollof Africa!