Iremide Adeoye Reflects on the Pressures of Acting and Staying Authentic

Iremide Adeoye’s portrayal of Dami in “Under the Influence” offers a glimpse into the complexities of ambition, social media validation, and self-discovery.

The Showmax original, produced by UrbanGidi and directed by Wande Thomas, explores the struggles of a young graduate navigating Lagos and the digital age. With its focus on Gen Z culture, the series highlights the challenges of modern Nigerian youth.

For Adeoye, playing Dami was an opportunity to bring a relatable character to life. “I love to feel a strong connection to my characters before coming on board,” he said. “When I read Dami’s character Bible and got the logline, I knew this was something I really wanted to do.” His performance balances humor and vulnerability, capturing the internal conflicts of a young man trying to find his place. “Playing a funny or witty character carries a high risk of getting it wrong,” he admitted, crediting director Wande Thomas for guiding him through the process.

Beyond the character, Adeoye reflected on the industry’s pressures. “Acting comes with immense societal pressure—a lot of it,” he said. “It can be draining, and it takes an extra level of doggedness to push through in a career like this.” He acknowledged that while the craft is rewarding, the business side can be overwhelming.

The series, co-written by Thomas alongside Isoken Ogiemwonyi, Nengi Diri, Mannie Oiseomaye, and Nicole Chikwe, presents an authentic take on social media influence and youth aspirations. Thomas, known for “Lara of Lagos”, “Napped”, and the recently released”The Smart Money Woman” season two, draws inspiration from Donald Glover and Issa Rae, aiming to offer a behind-the-scenes look at fame. “Under the Influence” also marks the writing debut of media personality Nicole Chikwe.

A key aspect of the series is its portrayal of sibling relationships. Adeoye emphasized the realistic dynamic between Dami and his older brother, Ayo. “We made a conscious effort to portray something that feels real—something you’d typically see among Gen Zs, millennials, or even siblings,” he said. Meanwhile, Dami’s bond with Ivie provides the validation he lacks from Ayo, shaping his emotional growth.

Despite playing a character consumed by social media approval, Adeoye distances himself from that mindset. “Honestly, nothing,” he said when asked about the most extreme thing he’s done for social media validation. “My goals and authenticity mean more to me than social media validation.”