As the sun cast a warm glow over Lagos, our team finally met Iremide Adeoye after months of planning. He arrived with an effortless coolness that instantly put everyone at ease. Throughout the shoot, Iremide was not just flexible with our directions; he was a canvas of creativity, embodying the essence of a young man deeply in love—first with his craft, and then with the intricacies of romance itself.
Iremide’s journey into acting wasn’t a predetermined path. “I didn’t know I was going to be an actor… I just enjoyed cosplaying people,” he shared, reflecting on the serendipitous nature of his career. It was a love that blossomed unexpectedly, and since that moment, he has embraced it wholeheartedly. His passion for acting is palpable, propelling him to tackle roles with a blend of courage and skill that is rare for someone his age.
Among his notable portrayals is Lolu Adeleke, a queer character in the groundbreaking TV series “Wura”. In a society where homosexuality is often met with disdain, Iremide faced backlash that included threats and calls for his arrest. Yet, he remains undeterred. “If the love is 70% and the hate is 30%, I’ll rather focus on the love,” he declares, embodying a spirit that sees art as a provocation—provoking either love or hate, but always choosing love as the ultimate motivator.
Currently, Iremide shines in Showmax’s “Under the Influence”, where he plays Damilare, a character whose aspirations of becoming a social media influencer come with significant sacrifices. The show cleverly taps into the generational divide, highlighting the often-misunderstood ambitions of millennials. As Damilare navigates fame and the pitfalls of online life, Iremide’s performance captures the complexity of youthful dreams in a modern world.
When I ask him what love means to him, his response is both profound and relatable. “Love, to me, is a two-edged sword,” he muses. “It can give great euphoria or chaos. It has the power to build you up or break you apart.” This duality of love intrigues him, offering both excitement and vulnerability. Iremide understands that love is not just a feeling but an experience that shapes our lives, one that demands authenticity and courage.
His perspective on romance is equally insightful. “It took a journey of self-realization to understand that the circumstances surrounding you can significantly shape your perception of love,” he reflects. The vulnerability that comes with love, he believes, is both beautiful and powerful. “You are deserving of the kind of love you dream of,” he emphasizes, underscoring the importance of never settling for less than what aligns with one’s truth.
As he prepares to embody various characters, Iremide connects emotionally with their stories by stepping into their shoes. “I have to see and feel love through the character’s perspective rather than my own,” he explains. Drawing from personal experiences and sensory triggers, he crafts performances that resonate authentically with audiences.
The photoshoot itself is a testament to his artistic spirit. One standout moment involved a playful dip into a bathtub, a scene that resonated with memories from his intense work in *Wura*. “It’s always exciting to explore new creative visual storytelling,” he says, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
For Iremide, portraying a “lover boy” is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. “The magic is in understanding that each character has a unique approach to love,” he remarks. This nuanced understanding allows him to convey the subtleties of romantic expression, making each portrayal distinct yet relatable.
Through his roles, Iremide hopes to inspire others. “I want people to feel represented and understood,” he asserts. Whether a story culminates in a beautiful love affair or a heartbreaking separation, he aims to capture the complexities of love, reminding audiences that their experiences are valid and meaningful.
As the shoot comes to a close, it is evident that Iremide Adeoye is not just an actor; he is a storyteller, weaving narratives that explore the depths of love and its many forms. His journey, marked by courage and creativity, is a testament to the transformative power of love—both in life and on-screen. In a world often divided, Iremide stands as a beacon of hope, proving that love, in all its intricacies, is worth celebrating.
Ultimately, Iremide is under an influence, but it is not a fleeting trend or a superficial desire; it is love—his drug of choice. This intoxicating force fuels his artistry, propelling him to explore, express, and embody the myriad ways love shapes our lives. In every role he plays, love is the thread that binds his narrative together, reminding us all of its profound impact.
Story by: Taiwo Adesokan
