Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite has opened up about her humble beginnings in Surulere, Lagos, revealing that despite growing up in poverty, she carried herself with confidence from a young age.
“We’re the poorest family on my street in Surulere,” she said, “but if you saw me stepping out of our house, you would never have guessed my background unless I told you.”
She explained that her poise developed early from watching films with her father, especially James Bond movies. “From a very young age, I carried myself differently… I would study how the characters spoke, sat, and walked. I practiced their confidence without even realizing it.”
Adegbite also recalled experimenting with her mother’s clothes and makeup. “Sometimes I would sneak into my mother’s room… practicing elegance and poise. Even then, I was rehearsing the woman I wanted to become.”
Her confidence later paid off at an MNet Africa audition. “I was the last person chosen out of more than 10,000 women… What surprised me most was that I was selected because of just one word I pronounced correctly… That moment changed everything.”
On growth, she said, “Becoming who you dream of being is not a straight journey… Sometimes, you even have to be selfish… When you protect your space and your peace, people may call you rude… but often you are simply protecting yourself.”
She advised others to reflect on their strengths: “For me, it’s my courage and presence… Take time to identify what has always worked for you.”