From Stage Dreams to Screen Royalty, Laide Adeyiga on Passion, Growth, and the Power of Redemption

By Tolu Oke

We have come a long way from storytelling, poetry, music, dance, and drama as communal activities performed around fires, in village or town squares, or during festivals. The African film industry has greatly transformed these old traditions through innovation and technology.

From the bustling city of Lagos to the grand sets of Nollywood, Laide Adeyiga has made a name for herself as one of the industry’s most energetic performers and inspired filmmakers. Her journey started in childhood, where storytelling was part of everyday life. She loved mimicking actors on TV and staging plays with her siblings. This early passion would later shape her career.

Having a passion since childhood and pursuing it into adulthood is a significant achievement in Africa. A change in circumstances might push you toward a different career. However, Laide held on to the spark of passion she discovered as a child. She later graduated from Lagos State University with a degree in Theatre Arts. Laide described her time there as transformative. She learned both theoretical and practical aspects of performance. “It gave me the confidence to find my voice and taught me to interpret stories deeply,” she recalls. Studying performing arts instilled discipline and the importance of research. It also taught her to read scripts with a deeper understanding. Schooling provided a safe space to experiment, make mistakes, and grow.

However, the path to success wasn’t easy. Early rejections, financial struggles, and moments of self-doubt challenged her determination. Yet, each refusal motivated her to work harder. “Breaking into Nollywood requires persistence and a strong belief in your talent,” Laide said, recalling how nerve-wracking her first audition was. Even though she didn’t get the call, she kept pushing until she landed her first acting role and stepped onto a real set for the first time. That felt like a dream come true for her.

Her big break came with Picture Perfect, a film that showcased her emotional depth and acting range. This opened doors to new collaborations. As her career grew, she moved into film production, determined to tell authentic Nigerian stories that resonate worldwide. “Producing gave me control, not just to create opportunities, but to shape narratives that reflect who we are,” she says.

Queen Teniade in the popular television series Itura is one of her most recognizable roles. Teniade is a complicated character defined by treachery, jealousy, and eventual atonement. Her transformation reflects significant human realities. “Her journey reminds us that redemption is always possible and that growth often comes through pain,” Laide said.

The show, which explores family, power, and forgiveness, has received positive reviews due to its rich cultural and emotional content. Critics say, “Laide Adeyiga’s performance is both commanding and vulnerable,” a balance that defines her artistic skill.

Beyond acting, she has become a role model for many young creatives. Her philosophy is simple: consistency is more important than talent without discipline. She encourages aspiring actors to stay humble, build genuine relationships, and keep learning.

As Nollywood continues to change, she celebrates the industry’s growth in storytelling and global influence, crediting streaming platforms for broadening Nigeria’s cultural footprint.

Looking to the future, she’s developing a new film focused on love, identity, and redemption, themes that are close to her heart.

Maintaining balance is essential. When Laide is not on set, she sets aside time for family, faith, and self-care, and credits her support system for keeping her grounded. “They remind me why I started,” she says with a smile.

Ultimately, she hopes to be remembered as a storyteller who uplifted others, empowering women, celebrating African heritage, and proving that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.