In a recent interview with City People Magazine team, veteran actor James Oluwakayode Olasehinde, popularly known as Pa James, reflected on his remarkable 40-year journey in the Nigerian entertainment industry. The visit coincided with City People’s 28th anniversary, a milestone Pa James was delighted to celebrate.
Pa James expressed his gratitude for the legacy of City People and shared his long-standing relationship with the publication.
Pa James began his acting career in the early 1970s, initially participating in school theatre productions, his passion led him to train under the Olarewanju Ali Theatre group. He fondly recalled the early days of his career, stating, “We didn’t realize that our passion could generate so much money; we just wanted to be known.” He and his peers, embarked on this journey during the era of stage acting to black-and-white television.
followed by “Aso e re.” He then starred in the long-running family TV series “Papa Ajasco,” portraying the character Pa James, which further solidified his status in the industry. Pa James fondly recalls how Wale Adenuga discovered him and facilitated his entry into mainstream television, a pivotal role that defined much of his career.
According to him, his breakout roles came in the film “Aya Oni Moto’, where he played the character Ajirebi, followed by “Aso e re.” He then starred in the long-running family TV series “Papa Ajasco,” portraying the character Pa James, which further solidified his status in the industry. Pa James reminisced about how Wale Adenuga discovered him and facilitated his entry into mainstream television, a role that defined much of his career.
Pa James also shared the challenges he encountered on his journey, including the delay in marriage. He spoke about the difficulties of balancing acting with other jobs early in his career.
With a track record built on integrity, hard work, and contentment, Pa James advised aspiring artists to be wise and avoid anything that could tarnish their image. He encouraged them to stay grounded and committed to their passions, resisting envy and distractions.
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Promise Babatunde
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