First set of graduands have emerged from Scene One School of Drama, a school established by star actress, Funke Akindele.
Speaking during the ceremonies in Lagos, the cross-over actress who just got overwhelming nominations in the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) said there was nothing better than for young persons to identify their dreams in life and pursue it relentlessly.
Urging Nigerian youths to believe in themselves and go out and conquer the world in their chosen endeavours, Akindele praised the celebrators for what she described as their success in the programme, which she said must have been achieved through personal sacrifice, perseverance and dedication.
“This achievement is one that is seldom managed without the support of those nearest to us and today is a celebration which you are very much part of, too,” she noted.
The crowd was unprecedented at the Ikeja temporary site of the school. Largely attended by parents, family members and friends of the graduants, Akindele’s colleagues from the movie and music industries were also on hand to make the day glorious. They included Uche Jombo, JJC Skillz, eLDEE, Tiwa Savage, Segun Obe, Eniola Badmus, Ariyike Akinbobola, Feyikemi Olayinka and Dammy Krane among others.
Akindele said of her journey to stardom: “When I started this journey many years ago, the Nigerian movie industry was unforgiving and difficult to navigate. I learnt first-hand how to use the resources at my disposal to break into the industry – writing scripts deep into the night, tolerating rejection. There was sweat and tears. What all these taught me was that success comes with hard-work and guts, but more importantly, it taught me you must have the proper tools and attitude.”
She said the challenges she encountered on her way to the top, fire the aspiration in her, “to teach aspiring actors, producers, dancers how to develop their talents properly to increase their chances at breakthroughs in their creative careers.”
Scene One School of Drama, a sub unit of Jenifa Foundation was established in 2011 with 25 students on admission, with a minimum Secondary School Certificate of Education (SSCE) qualification. The school which offers a wide variety of creative courses including Introduction to Drama, Traditional and Contemporary Dance, Music, Etiquette and Manners, was borne out of the need to create a resourceful platform for the youths to discover, develop and showcase their God-given talent.
Akindele noted that the school offers a training system that combines solid academic experience with practical hand-on-training hours twice weekly, handled by competent and experienced tutors.
According to a teacher and dance Instructor at the school, Mrs. Yeside Dosunmu-Lawal, “It was like working with people with two left legs, it was tough because most of them lacked root, so I encouraged them to come back home to know traditional dance. They were made to understand they have to understand tradition to know contemporary. I know they will make it and of course, they have started to make it.
For another dance instructor, Seun Oluwabusuyi added, “it was not funny when we started the classes. I really found it interesting that with time they were able to interpret music and compose. My prayer is that they will soar high and get to their destinations.”
Highlight of event was the presentation of prizes to some outstanding students in major courses. Among the recipients were Goke Olalere (Best Student Introduction to Drama), Olamide Olowe (Best Student in Music), Femi Joseph (Best Student inTraditional Dance). Their feat, according to the proprietor earns each of them an automatic role in Akindele’s next movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
According to one of the graduands, Adeleke Temitope, her experience “can best be described as awesome, wonderful and quite impactful. I look forward to experimenting all I have learnt here and I know myself and my colleagues stand a good chance.” She said. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Weldon Funke, may the good Lord Bless you. This are the type of people we want in these contry, once more be Bless IJN. THANK YOU.
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