As part of the forthcoming City People 28th anniversary, the publisher of City People, Dr Seye Kehinde, led his team to visit veteran actor Kayode Olaiya, popularly known as Aderupoko (Baba Jenifa), at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The 76-year-old is still very active as he carries the vigour of youth coupled with his wealth of experience gathered over the decades of his extensive career. Aderupoko, whose journey into the theatre industry began in 1966, reveals to the City People Magazine Team on how his stage name came about and his life filled with passion and perseverance.
He reminisces about his early days working with WNTV (now NTA). His encounters with legendary figures like late Hubert Ogunde and Akin Ogungbe that shaped his early career, while his time with Aji Ola Omonitan introduced him to notable personalities such as Jacob, Iya Jebu, and Baba Eleko.
The 1980s was a turning point when Aderupoko and his team, supported by Sunny Ade, rose to prominence with Jesters International. In the interview, Aderupoko explains how the group got divided after Jacob’s death and the other challenges they encountered. Stay glued to the City People YouTube page for the full interview.
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