If beauty, brains and talent were to walk out of the thesaurus and take up human form, Kemi Akindoju would definitely be it. A native of Indo state and a Pan-Atlantic university masters alumnus, Lala, as affectionately known by those who’ve come to appreciate her flawless artistic touch has leapt and forged giant strides in the heavily crowded Nollywood streets, and we’re all for it.
With almost two decades of career under her well-polished belt, Lala has taken up space on so many platforms and continues to pioneer change both within and shy of stage play and film borders. While her acting career started in 2005, her accomplishments are weighed on the same scale as those of our industry’s veterans.
Not only was Lala part of the team of actors chosen to perform at the Theatre Royale Stratford East during the London 2012 Olympics, but she’s also a faculty member at the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA), where she plays the role of Facilitator and teaches improvisation drama; a convener of Open Mic Theatre, an actor’s networking hub; the anchor of her own production company, Make It Happen Productions and a global shaper with the World Economic Forum.
It certainly wasn’t by mistake that Lala lead starred in Tunde Kelani’s Dazzing Mirage because her talent manifests in so many different ways and ignites an unforgettable splinter each time. No wonder we enjoyed Ndani TV’s Gidi up sha, our girl Lala had something to do with it.
When asked why she gravitated towards the role of Casting Director despite her many talents, Lala highlighted how she’s always had a heart for cast vs. role, and her ability to pinpoint who could play what earned her references from industry peers. This is a role she embraced so passionately, she even went as high as attending masterclasses with some of the world’s most influential talent, James Bond movies’ associated kind of talent.
Focused on acts that will move the industry forward and foster the changed we’ve all wailed to see, Kemi Akindoju is an epitome of dedication and very deserving of the WCE (Woman Crush Everyday) status. Wedon ma!
Cover collage image: Lala's IG
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