By Christian Agadibe
Unlike most parents who would have discouraged their children from taking to acting, Somadina Adinma’s parents didn’t see anything wrong from being an actor.
They even went to the extent of hiring some lesson teachers to make sure he didn’t lag behind in his studies, while acting as a kid.
In this interview, the talented role interpreter went into memory lane and dug up how his journey to acting all began. Please enjoy it.
Can you give us an insight into your background and your growing up days?
I grew up in Enugu, a calm city. Whenever I’m in Enugu, I feel like I’m home just as I feel at home in my hometown in Anambra State.
How was your rise to stardom and the sacrifice that came with it?
I started as a child actor, went for audition and got a role. But I became a household name when I did the movie, Speak the Word. It earned me an Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) nomination for Best Performance by Child.
What were your initial challenges when you started and how did you overcome them?
Then, most people would say, ‘this small boy is always on set, doesn’t he go to school?’ But luckily I was a smart kid, so I was able to juggle acting and my studies. My mom also provided a lesson teacher to help me cover things I missed in school while I was on set.
What lessons did you learn from your days of humble beginning?
Consistency is key. For one to excel in anything, one must be consistent because most times it will feel like nothing is happening. But sooner or later, it will all begin to make sense.
How did your parents find out about your career choice and what were their initial reactions?
One day, I went to a set close to my house and told them I’d like to become an actor. The guy I met on set said they needed smart kids, so he’d come see my mom and if she agrees, he would come take me to auditions. My mom approved of it; I got a role and got paid. She was glad I had started making money as a kid actor.
Did you see yourself becoming this popular from the onset?
I never really imagined it because it was all for the fun of it. But later on, it started getting serious and it became a full time job, because people who love your work actually push you to do better.
What do you think you did right to get to where you are today?
Honestly, I can’t really tell, it was all grace, hard work and consistency.
Do you still keep your old friends?
Yeah, I prefer my old friends that knew me way back, because I get to be the real me when I’m with them. It’s not the way others will expect Somadina to be.
Who were those you looked up to while growing up?
While growing up, I worked more with Mike Ezuruonye, and he also helped guide me through once in a while.
Some celebrities are popular but not rich, where do you belong?
As long as you are not begging for food and also have a shelter over your head, you are rich. So, I’m rich (Laughter).
What has fame deprived you of?
People I don’t know feel they can tell me how to live my life, what to do and what not to do. That’s the craziest because I actually hate being tossed around, but then, I’d just have to let it slide.
How do you think the society perceive you as an artiste?
They see me as a calm guy. But they don’t know me fully.
Can you still eat freely at a Buka or buy roasted corn on the road?
Sure, I still do and I don’t even care. It’s always my friends that have issues with that.
Has fame opened doors for you or shut doors in your face?
Fame has opened a lot of doors for me. Since my childhood till now, I keep meeting people that genuinely love me without wanting anything from me. They just love to see me happy and that means a lot to me.
What would you describe as your most embarrassing moment as an artiste?
It’s always when people talk about me outside, even when I’m there.
Have you ever been sexually harassed?
Never!
Do you consider yourself a role model?
Nobody is perfect. All my life I try to be someone people can look up to.
Now, everyone wants to be seen on TV, what’s your advice to aspiring artiste who wants to be famous like you?
They really have to be careful because the desperation to become an actor is much. I pray God brings them the right person to help them grow, not the ones that would take advantage of them.
What would make you more fulfilled in your career?
Because actors come and go, I never want to have a ‘prime’. I want to keep getting better every damn time. That will make me fulfilled.
Looking back at your life and career, what do you think you did wrong that you will like to make right given the opportunity?
Mistakes are made and lessons are learnt.
What are you currently working on?
I am working on lots of projects, including my own movies.