It’s pure pleasure being dad to my son

By Christian Agadibe

Nollywood actor, Somadina Adinma, is a thespian who has mastered the craft in the course of his career. In an exclusive interview with Entertainer, the handsome actor opens up about his fatherhood experience.

What have you been up to lately? 

I have been playing the role of a responsible father to my three-year-old cute son , Adimchinobi Ian Adinma. I have also been filming, creating and just growing as a person. I’m not just acting anymore, I’m also getting more involved behind the scenes as a producer for my YouTube channel, Somadina AdinmaTV, which has been really exciting for me. There are a few projects in the works right now, and I think people are going to see a different side of me.

Tell us about the favourite movie you’ve featured in?What did you enjoy most about the character you played? 

My favourite project is Nwa Ekwensu, currently showing on my YouTube channel, Since I started creating my own films, I have been more intentional about challenging myself with the kind of characters I take on. In this project, I played a character who was mean and ruthless, which is very different from the calm, easygoing roles people are used to seeing me in. I really enjoyed that because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to explore a darker, more intense side of my acting. For me, it’s always exciting when a role lets me break away from expectations and show range.

You started as a child actor and have grown into a leading man. What opportunities and challenges come with starting out that early in Nollywood? 

Starting out as a child actor in Nollywood gave me a huge advantage because I grew up on set. I was able to learn the craft early, understand the industry, and build experience over time. It also gave me visibility and a strong foundation that I still rely on today.

But at the same time, it comes with its challenges. One of the biggest is transitioning; people get used to seeing you in a certain way, so breaking out of that and being accepted as a leading man takes time and consistency. There’s also the pressure of growing in the public eye, where people expect you to keep evolving. For me, it’s been about staying focused and improving my craft as well as being intentional about the roles I take on so people can see that growth.

Aside from acting, what other things do you do? Do you see yourself acting into old age, or are you considering other paths like business or politics?

I have been acting all my life. So, yesç yes I will still be acting into old age and being a movie maker will always remain a core part of who I am. But I’m also not limiting myself to just acting. I run a handmade footwear brand called Smashfoots, where we craft shoes, and I have been fortunate to see colleagues and other celebrities support and wear the brand, which has been really encouraging.

Beyond entertainment and business, I am also very interested in politics. I care deeply about creating positive change, especially starting from the grassroots level. 

Recently, you made an appearance with a child said to be your son. Please clarify this: are you married, or is this a private part of your life you’ve chosen to keep away from the public? Do you think marriage or the lack of it affects a child’s upbringing?

I understand the curiosity around that, but I prefer to keep my personal and family life private. What matters most to me is that children are loved, supported, and given a stable environment to grow in. I don’t think upbringing is defined only by whether parents are married or not. To me it’s more about presence, responsibility, and care. A child thrives where there is love, structure, and intentional parenting. Not hiding anything but I try to keep that part of my life away from the public and focus on things I can share openly.

How do you feel about fatherhood? With conversations around paternity issues trending in places like Lagos, do you ever feel the need for certainty through things like DNA testing, or is trust enough for you?

Fatherhood, to me, is a very serious responsibility. It has made me more grounded and more intentional about the decisions I make in life and in my career. It goes beyond biology: it’s about presence, care, and being accountable for another life. On the topic of paternity and DNA discussions, I think those are very personal decisions that people make based on their own circumstances. For me, I don’t believe in speaking generally about sensitive situations like that because every family dynamic is different. What I do believe in is honesty, trust, responsibility, and building trust in relationships. At the end of the day, those are the things that hold families together.”

Would you want your son to go into acting and possibly follow in your footsteps?

I think it’s beautiful when a child grows into their own passions, whatever that may be. As a parent, my role would be to guide, support, and expose them to different opportunities, but not to force a path on them. If my child naturally shows interest in acting, of course I would understand it very well because it’s something I have lived all my life. I know the demands, the discipline, and the dedication it requires, so I’d be in a good position to guide him properly. But at the end of the day, I would want him to choose what truly makes him happy and fulfilled. Whether that’s acting or something completely different, the most important thing is that he find his identity and purpose.”

Are you planning to go into film production or directing anytime soon? 

I am already doing this with Somadina Adinma tv not just only acting now I’m more involved in the production,directing and creating of story and plot for the films. Yes, I’m already moving in that direction. With Somadina Adinma TV, I’m deeply involved in the production behind the scenes…I work on co-developing stories, shaping the plot, and also taking part in co-directing and overall creative direction of the films. For me, it’s about growing beyond just being in front of the camera and also contributing to how the story is told from start to finish. I see this as a natural evolution of my career, and I’m enjoying that creative control and responsibility.”

What’s the craziest thing a female fan has ever done to you?

I have had interesting fan moments over time, but nothing too extreme. I appreciate the love all the time and always keep things calm and respectful. I think the craziest thing is just how far people’s excitement can go sometimes: running up in awe wanting pictures immediately. It’s all love at the end of the day, so I don’t really see it as crazy in a bad way.

What are some things you don’t like about the Nollywood industry, and what changes would you like to see? 

Nollywood is an amazing industry and it has grown tremendously over the years, so first I give credit to the progress that has been made. But like every industry, there are still areas that can improve. One thing I would like to see more of is stronger structure and better investment in production quality things like time management on set, better funding for projects, and more attention to post-production so our stories can compete globally. I also think there’s room for more professionalism and clearer systems that support both emerging and established talents fairly. For me personally, that’s part of why I started creating my own projects through Somadina Adinma TV ,though solely funded by just me, I want to also contribute to raising the standard in ways I can while also telling the kind of stories I believe in.

As someone who has stayed relevant over the years, what has been your biggest lesson in the industry?

My biggest lesson in the industry is that consistency and discipline matter more than anything else. Talent is important, but staying relevant over time requires focus, patience, and the ability to keep evolving. I’ve also learned that you can’t rely on one lane alone, you have to keep growing, learning new skills, and adapting to changes in the industry. 

How do you handle fame and attention, especially as someone who started young?

Starting young meant I had to grow into fame while still figuring myself out, so over time I’ve learned how to manage it properly. For me, the key has been staying grounded and keeping a strong sense of self outside of the industry. I don’t let attention define who I am. I surround myself with people who keep me balanced, and I also make sure I stay focused on my work and personal growth rather than getting carried away by the fame side of things. At the end of the day, I see fame as a by-product of the work not the reason for it. So, I try to stay disciplined, stay humble, and keep building.

What advice would you give to young people who want to build a career in acting today?

My advice to young people who want to go into acting is to take the craft seriously first, not just the fame side of it. Acting is a skill you have to study it, practice it, and be willing to keep learning. I would also say be patient. A lot of people come in expecting quick success, but the industry requires consistency, discipline, and resilience. You will face rejection, slow seasons, and challenges, but that’s part of the process. Another important thing is to stay professional and build good relationships. Your attitude on set, your work ethic, and how reliable you are can open more doors than talent alone sometimes. And finally, don’t limit yourself learn other aspects of the industry too. That’s part of what I’ve done with producing and creating my own projects. It helps you understand the full picture and gives you more control over your career.