The director sheds light on the challenges of fame and the generational divide in the social media age.
Wande Thomas Tackles Fame and Identity in New Series “Under the Influence”
BY Fareedat Taofeeq
January 29, 2025
2:29 pm
Wande Thomas’s new series “Under the Influence”, now streaming on Showmax, takes a deep dive into the complexities of fame, identity, and the social media-driven world.
With new episodes released every Friday, the show centers on Dami (Iremide Adeoye), a recent graduate whose journey into the world of pseudo-fame brings both opportunity and turmoil.
In the first episode, Dami moves to Lagos to stay with his older brother, Ayo (Bobby Ekpe), setting off a chain of events that dramatically alters his life. Thomas’s narrative goes beyond the glitzy side of fame, exploring how personal identity is shaped and sometimes distorted by the need for public attention.
In an exclusive interview, Thomas shared insights into the themes of “Under the Influence”, which addresses the pressures of social media fame and the realities of maintaining authenticity. He highlighted how the show portrays pseudo-fame as a phenomenon where appearances often outweigh reality.
“”Under the Influence” takes an honest look into the phenomenon of pseudo-fame. It’s about how, on social media, not everything is as it seems. Achieving fame or ‘blowing up’ can feel like the ultimate goal, but the real challenge is figuring out how to monetize that fame, stay grounded, and not lose yourself in a world where so much is fake,” said Thomas.
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The series balances both drama and comedy, exploring themes like family dynamics, personal growth, and generational conflict. The relationship between Dami and Ayo, marked by sibling rivalry and contrasting perspectives on life, is central to the story’s emotional depth. “The sibling bond felt significant because sibling relationships are so universal. The generational divide between Gen Z and millennials made it even more interesting,” Thomas explained.
Thomas’s experience working with up-and-coming influencers, including lifestyle and fashion influencer Nicole Chikwe, shaped the narrative, creating a story that resonates with young audiences. “We wanted to show the challenges faced by influencers and the impact of social media on their self-worth,” he noted.
In addition to the relatable storylines, the series offers great performances from young Nollywood actors, with a mix of drama, comedy, and unexpected twists. “The show features great acting, dynamic relationships, and, above all, heart,” said Thomas.
For Thomas, the success of “Under the Influence” reflects the growing global recognition of African filmmakers. “Nigerian filmmakers can ride this momentum by telling authentic stories with universal appeal,” he stated.
“Under the Influence” is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes released every Friday.