In an exclusive interview with City People, veteran actor Ganiu Nafiu, popularly known as Alapini Osa, shared how his passion for theatre drove him to defy expectations and follow his true dreams.
Although his family wanted to sponsor him to study Arabic in Saudi Arabia, Alapini said he couldn’t let go of his passion for acting. He recalled leaving everything and running away because theatre was what he truly loved. He remembered how he admired legendary actors like Duro Ladipo as a young man, and how he often practised their roles in private, dreaming of one day performing on stage like them.
In his early years, Alapini joined several theatre troupes before moving to Lagos in 1984 to carve out his path. It was during this time that he created the stage name Alapini Baba Onigbako, a name that qualifies his sharp wit and comedic brilliance. He describes his sense of humour as a gift from God, which has played a major role in his success.
While his career has been rewarding, it has not been without challenges. Alapini shared a particularly difficult time when he couldn’t sleep for months and faced the loss of a child. Despite these challenges, he remains grateful for his talent and his audience’s love and support.
Promise Babatunde
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