In an era of wanton fluff, substance hits like a burst of fresh air. It is usually present in containers that do not necessarily look like it. Unassuming. Reserved. Modest. Folks who are brimming with talent are like Àsàké, you never see them coming. They do not announce themselves neither do they make a show of their genius; it’s slick and subtle, so eventually, you’ll observe and acknowledge it.
This is what played on my mind as I watched Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji display his outstanding artistry in the epic Nefflix movie, Jagun Jagun. I was reminded of the beauty and undeniability of talent and hard work. At first, it would look like a fluke. One stellar performance that catches the eye. An exhibition that makes the observer go, “They did well; this person might be one to watch.” And then everyone moves on because there’s yet to be a replication of the first success, especially when the subject isn’t given to theatrics or shenanigans that force the spotlight on them.
But if there’s one thing any discerning mind already knows about substance, it’s that it is so tangible, it has to be acknowledged, and then respected, and then revered. It can only escape these phases for so long. For now, Lateef Adedimeji is in the respect phase. He is a respected actor in the industry…inching towards being revered. And he will get there. As the protagonist in Jagun Jagun, his interpretation of the character, Gbótìjà, the rising warrior with mystical powers in the movie may just have cemented his place in the annals of Nigerian movie legends.
The unassuming thespian has been on the journey to legendary status for a while. Unlike many of his colleagues who have been typecast in certain roles, Lateef has succeeded in proving he is a multiple role player, expressing his talent along the gamut of movie genres while maintaining his understated in mien. His languid personality and unassuming exterior belies the depth of his artistry.
He reminds me of Hollywood’s Leonardo Di Caprio who had been proving himself since the days of Titanic. Going on to give iconic performances in films like Romeo and Juliet, Titanic, and The Wolf of Wall Street before being rewarded for his genius in The Revenant, a 2015 action drama. Actors who are not afraid to test their range and take risks – the Meryl Streeps, Bimbo Akintolas, and Kehinde Bankoles of this world.
And that’s the most admirable quality about people who know their stuff. Their self-effacing cum can-do trait. Their restrained disposition means they do not go out of their way to prove their mastery of their craft, it’s just there. Of course, they put in the work. They are constantly honing their skills and challenging themselves to take on more tasking responsibilities and projects, and they get better in the process.
To the audience, it looks effortless, a product of supreme talent. But the personality at the receiving end of the admiration knows that what people see and praise is the result of a mixture of aptitude and attitude. And while aptitude is fascinating, attitude is far more impressive because it isn’t inspired by the need to show off or prove superiority.
People who are intelligent or brilliant are just that. Their intelligence or brilliance isn’t padded by the desire to strut. The coolness is in the understatedness and that’s what makes acts like Lateef stand out from the pack. Little wonder, he landed the highly coveted role in history-inspired films cum biopics like Ayinla, Ige, and Jagaban, Last Man Standing – a biopic on the president.
Not quite sure where I am going with this. Nevertheless, in a world where we are constantly encouraged to toot our horns, those who put in the work without looking for applause are rare gems that should be celebrated.
