Producers Need to Take Risks on Young Actors – Adeoluwa Akintoba

With a presence that commands attention and a talent that shines bright, Adeoluwa Akintoba is no doubt making waves in Nollywood and beyond. With his captivating smile and undeniable acting prowess, he is fast becoming a household name. Get ready to dive into the world of this rising star as he shares his passion and insight in this exclusive interview.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the world of Adeoluwa Akintoba, PartyJollof Africa’s spotlight for the month of October 2025.

PartyJollof Africa: By way of introduction and for our readers to get to know you, how would you describe yourself, Adeoluwa Akintoba, as a person?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: (smiles) Well, I will say that I am a storyteller at heart — an imaginative, purpose-driven person who thrives on depth, human connection, and challenging surface-level thinking. I am ambitious yet grounded, soft yet strong, and constantly seek to bridge worlds: faith and culture, tradition and modernity, men and women, spotlight and background. With a curious mind and a drive to create meaning through acting, storytelling, and conversation, I am building a life where creativity and impact align.

PartyJollof Africa: That’s a beautiful way to get to know your person. Talking about the industry you find yourself in, how did it happen? Did you find Nollywood, or did Nollywood find you?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Well, the answer to this question is a double-edged sword because from how it happened, I would say we found each other at the right time, and we haven’t looked back or turned back on each other since then.

PartyJollof Africa: Let’s rewind back to your early days in the industry. What was your first acting gig like?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: (smiles) Looking back, I will say it was a beautiful learning experience. On my very first acting gig, I got to be on set with some of the best in the game — people like Toyin Abraham, who is my mama in the industry, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kehinde Bankole, Uzor Arukwe, Muyiwa Ademola, and Tina Mba. From that very first taste of Nollywood, I knew I was destined to go far. Not to forget, special shoutout to Mr. Niyi Akinmolayan, Mr. Tolu Lord Tanner, Mimi Bartels, and honorable mention Valerie Okeke. They were among the first people who saw me and believed in my talent.

PartyJollof Africa: As a young actor in the industry, how would you describe your experience?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Like they always say, life is not a bed of roses. Just like every other facet of life, even our industry has its ups and downs, and to the best of my knowledge and ability, I have navigated it well. So regardless of the downs, I will say it has been a memorable experience.

PartyJollof Africa: Being in the industry, you’ve taken on quite a number of roles. Which would you say is your favourite?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Well, this is a difficult question to answer because I do love every role I’ve been opportune to play. But if I am to pick, it won’t just be one. My top four list would be Osaze in Prophetess, Edafe in Slum King, Jay Jay in The Artifact, and Babajide Gomez in Makemation.

PartyJollof Africa: That’s quite a list you have. Talking about inspiration, who are the actors you look up to, both home-based and abroad?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: They say charity begins at home, so let me start here. In Nollywood, I so much admire and look up to Timini Egbuson. To me, he’s literally the example of the idea of a male Nollywood superstar I have in my head. There’s also Aunty Kenny (Kehinde Bankole), Osas Ighodaro, and Uzor Arukwe. Talking about foreign actors, especially in Hollywood, it would be Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Damson Idris, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. Hopefully, with time, I will get to work with them soon.

PartyJollof Africa: Certainly! With the work you put in and your passion, your dreams of getting to work with your idols are valid. Moving on to the next question, what are some roles you haven’t played yet but can’t wait to take on?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: There are a lot of roles I’m yet to play, but if I am to be very specific, I am looking forward to playing the villain. I also can’t wait to take the role of an agbero (street tout). This might sound funny, knowing I could have picked the hero or other fancy roles, but trust me, I believe and know that I will fit into those two roles perfectly. But then, everyone says I look too soft (laughs).

PartyJollof Africa: (laughs) You do really look too soft and demure to be an agbero, but then, we can’t wait to see you in those roles you’re excited about. Talking about taking on your roles, how do you get into the character you want to portray in a movie?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Honestly, it takes a lot of effort to move from being Adeoluwa Akintoba to becoming the character I am to play. But to answer the question in the simplest form, I basically start living like they would live, thinking how they would think. Sometimes, I go observe and see how they are if the character I am to get into is one that can be understudied, so I can align myself with them.

PartyJollof Africa: That’s quite a lot. Every job comes with its risks, no matter how easy it seems. Over the years, have you taken any major risks in your career? If so, would you say they were worth it?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: To put it simply without divulging much information, yes, I have taken major risks as an actor, and trust me when I say it — it was worth it like mad (smiles).

PartyJollof Africa: It’s amazing to know that the risk panned out well for you. For our next question, how do you think Nollywood can showcase more youth-centric stories and perspectives?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: First of all, I want to say Nollywood has grown over the years, and we are having more diverse stories than we used to. But to answer your question, I would say that producers, writers, and industry stakeholders need to tell and lean towards young adult films, which to me is a market and an audience that is yet untapped. We need to start making films for that audience. While we tell those stories and serve that audience, producers also need to start taking risks in believing in and casting young actors. We have so many talented young actors but not enough films for us, and with the look of things, it seems we might just have to start telling our own stories.

PartyJollof Africa: That’s a great perspective, and we hope this message reaches the right people and inspires action. We’ve already talked about the people you look up to, but if you had the opportunity to collaborate with any Hollywood director, who would it be and why?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Well, the list is quite endless, so I will try to keep it a little short. When it comes to directing, my top three would be Gina Prince-Bythewood, Christopher Nolan, and the Russo Brothers. They’re all amazing directors, and I feel like together we’d make historical magic.

PartyJollof Africa: We’ve had a lot of historical films in Nollywood, but if you were opportune to star in a historical movie, which historical figure in Nigeria would it be and why?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Well, I don’t know if this will count as historical since he’s still alive, but if the opportunity comes and I can choose, it would be me playing the young version of His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo. As to why, I just admire him and what he stands for.

PartyJollof Africa: In the face of mounting pressure in the industry, how do you stay true to yourself and your values?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: It’s quite simple — I just remind myself who I am and why I’m here. For me, I’m here to make an impact. So when the pressure comes, that reminder is enough to keep me grounded. And you know what they say about diamonds — they always face pressure before you see their true form. So I also look at pressure as a way of making me become the person I am meant to be.

PartyJollof Africa: That’s an amazing perspective to live by. Knowing how demanding your job can be, how do you balance your creative pursuit with personal growth and self-care?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: I recognize that Adeoluwa as a person has to grow, and if I’m growing, my creativity grows alongside me, so it’s kind of a collaborative thing. But while it’s collaborative, I don’t compromise or joke about my “me-time.” I like to work a lot, but I love my sleep. So when it’s time for work, I work, and when it’s time to take a break, I take it too — without feeling guilty about it.

PartyJollof Africa: The industry comes with a lot of fanfare, which leads us to our next question. What is the most memorable gift you’ve ever received from a fan, and what made it special?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: (smiles) For a question like this, I could have thought of a tangible gift I received, but there was this event I attended as a speaker. A young girl literally came up with a song and sang it specifically for me, and that very act was not just beautiful but also touched my heart.

PartyJollof Africa: Awwwn, that’s so sweet and touching (smiles). Since we’ve touched the sweetest thing, it’s only fair we get to know the weirdest thing a fan has also done to you.

Adeoluwa Akintoba: (laughs) Well, on this one, the list is endless if I should start counting. There are a lot of weird things that have been done, but to be honest, the weirdest one of them is me having stalkers. I’m like, what are you stalking me for when I’m still on the road to blow? (laughs).

PartyJollof Africa: (laughs) While it sounds funny, get used to it — it comes with the job. On to the next question, what impact do you hope your work will have on future generations?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: For future generations, when they see my work, I hope it lets them feel seen and heard and also gives them the power to chase their dreams and become who they want to be in life.

PartyJollof Africa: We’ve talked about how you balance your work with self-care, but how do you unwind when you're not filming?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Basically, I eat a lot of food (laughs), play games, and hang out with my friends.

PartyJollof Africa: Great. As we come to the end of our session, how do you see yourself evolving as an actor and storyteller in the next few years?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Personally, I want to be a force. I want to tell my own stories — especially young adult stories. I’ve been saying this to anyone who cares to listen because it’s still a fresh and largely untapped market that needs a voice. I see myself becoming one of the leading voices in that space.

PartyJollof Africa: What quotes do you live by?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: I have a couple of them — “Good ideas are a dime a dozen; it’s execution that matters.” “Be legendary.” “Shine where you stand.” “Don’t chase the applause, chase the impact.”

PartyJollof Africa: To end this session, what do you have to tell your fans and our readers?

Adeoluwa Akintoba: Hey fam, I just want to say thank you for rocking with me on this journey. Every step I take in acting and storytelling is bigger than me — it’s about us. I want my work to make you feel seen, to spark thoughts, and to remind you that it’s okay to be both soft and strong. I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m committed to growing, learning, and creating with honesty. This isn’t just my journey; it’s ours, and I’m grateful you’re part of it.

PartyJollof Africa: Thank you so much, Adeoluwa Akintoba, for the amazing session. It was wonderful, and we look forward to seeing you take on much bigger roles and having you back again in a much grander style.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this conversation with Adeoluwa Akintoba, there’s more where that came from. Explore more exclusive interviews, entertainment stories, and spotlights on rising African talents right here on PartyJollof Africa.

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