Lateef Adedimeji Reveals Shocking N4,000 Earnings for Lead Roles in 2014
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about the startlingly low pay he received for lead roles early in his career, highlighting the financial struggles many actors face in the industry. The ‘Jagun Jagun’ star, known for his versatile acting skills, shared that in 2014, he earned as little as N4,000 for a lead role, a far cry from what one might expect for such a demanding position.
In a candid discussion on the ‘Deep Dive’ podcast, hosted by renowned comedian Teju Babyface, Adedimeji detailed his journey and the financial hardships he endured. He explained that despite playing lead roles, his earnings were minimal, and it wasn’t until 2015 that he began receiving more substantial paychecks ranging from N100,000 to N200,000 per role.
Adedimeji’s revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of financial instability within the Nollywood industry, especially for emerging actors. He remarked, “If I tell people that I wasn’t collecting N100,000, N200,000 until 2015/16, a lot of people would not believe me. Before then, the highest I collected for a lead role was either N4,000, N5,000, or N10,000. I was paid that low back in 2014 because it was more like a learning process.”
This statement underscores the challenges faced by many actors in the Nigerian film industry, where passion and perseverance are often tested by financial constraints. Adedimeji’s story is a testament to his dedication and resilience, and it serves as an inspiration to upcoming actors who might be facing similar challenges.
