“I Went from Being Overlooked to Overwhelming” – Itele Opens Up on Rise to Fame

Image:X

    

Nollywood actor Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, has opened up about his journey from being ignored to becoming one of the most talked-about figures in Nigeria’s film space, following the record-breaking success of his movie on YouTube. 

The actor took to social media to reflect on how far he has come, sharing how discipline, consistency, and faith helped shape his path to success.

In his message, Itele recalled his early days growing up in the hood, a period he described as challenging and filled with moments where he was often overlooked. 

According to him, those experiences built his resilience and pushed him to focus on his goals. He explained that rather than giving in to distractions, he chose to remain disciplined and committed to improving himself. 

He stressed that there were no shortcuts on his journey, only hard work, pressure, and belief in the process.

The actor encouraged his followers to stay focused on their dreams, using his story as proof that success is possible regardless of one’s background. 

He stated that if he could rise from humble beginnings to achieving global recognition, others could also achieve their ambitions through dedication and persistence. His words have since inspired many fans who see his story as a testament to determination.

Itele recently made headlines after his movie, Koleoso, surpassed 100 million views on YouTube. This achievement made it the first Nollywood film and the first African movie to reach such a milestone on the platform.

 Celebrating the accomplishment, the actor proudly noted that the record marked a historic moment for Nollywood and reflected the growing global audience for African stories.

The past year has been particularly successful for the actor. One of his projects was listed among Nigeria’s most searched series of 2025, further highlighting his growing influence. 

He also earned a spot among the Top 10 YouTube creators in Nigeria, a recognition he described as both humbling and motivating. Itele expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters, acknowledging that their loyalty played a significant role in his achievements.

Earlier this year, the actor also spoke about the struggles he faced before fame. He revealed that there were times he battled serious challenges that nearly derailed his life. 

During those difficult periods, he took on various hustles, including selling jewellery, to survive. He credited individuals who supported him along the way, including filmmaker Femi Adebayo, whom he said had a strong impact on his career growth.

Itele’s talent has also been recognized within the industry. In 2023, he received double honours, winning awards for Best Actor of the Year and Best Director of the Year, surpassing several established names in Nollywood.

 He later received a leadership award acknowledging not only his contributions to entertainment but also his influence on young people.

Today, Itele’s story continues to inspire many aspiring creatives. His journey from being overlooked to achieving overwhelming success reflects the power of perseverance, discipline, and belief in one’s dreams.

#ExclusiveUpdate 

#ViralContent