The Global Achievers Issue 11/2020 | Page 5

The Progenitor of Ideas - Yemi, a Veteran Actor with a prolific career in Nigeria movies, plays and television series.

About Yemi Shodimu

My Formation Years -

Great! I am taking the trip all the way back to Abeokuta. I had the privilege of being raised by my grandmother. That is one woman so dear to my heart. God bless her soul. Olori Adejoke Gbadebo. She was the wife of the late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adesina Gbadebo. I had the privilege of being raised within the palace setting in Abeokuta, Ake to be specific.

Very early in life, I was exposed to our tradition, our culture, drums, dances, food, poetry, masquerades, festivals, and costumes. I was also exposed quite early to the culture of respecting elders. I also had the privilege of seeing live stage performances, theatre performances. This was because my grandmother was a theater lover and loved to see plays.

Quite early in life, as little as I was, I saw Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Baba Sala, Ade-love, and so on live on stage. I saw them on stage even though all I saw were movements and songs, and at times people crying or laughing around me because of the nature of the story. But I never knew then that this was building desires in me. I must also say that I saw masquerade festivals − big masquerade festivals. I was lucky enough to see those because I was always tagging along.