Social media has an undeniable grip on our lives, shaping careers, sparking debates, and even transforming everyday people into overnight sensations. Showmax’s latest original series, Under The Influence Showmax, takes a deep dive into this digital age phenomenon through the lens of Damilare (played by Iremide Adeoye), a young Nigerian struggling to find his footing in an era where social validation can mean everything.
In Under The Influence on Showmax, Damilare, a recent university graduate, navigates the complexities of family expectations and the pursuit of social media stardom. A spontaneous online rant about the generational divide unexpectedly catapults him to viral fame, forcing him to reckon with the challenges of his newfound influence. The series does not just explore the glamorous side of social media but also delves into its consequences—its impact on relationships, self-worth, and personal ambition.
A Fresh Perspective on Social Media Culture
Unlike many portrayals that either glorify or demonize internet culture, Under The Influence strikes a delicate balance, offering an intelligent exploration of the rewards and repercussions of online notoriety. The show presents a bold take on the digital space without moralizing or romanticizing, allowing audiences to form their own perspectives. At the heart of this compelling narrative is Iremide Adeoye, whose portrayal of Damilare brings depth, humor, and authenticity to the role.
BlackCosmopolitan sat down with Adeoye to discuss stepping into this complex role, drawing inspiration from his personal journey, and the highlights of bringing Under The Influence to life.
BlackCosmopolitan: How are you doing, and where is your head currently?
Iremide Adeoye: I’m doing alright; I’m taking it one step at a time. Thank you for asking. Right now, my head is in a space of growth and excitement for what’s ahead.
What stood out to you most when you first came across the script for the show?
The story’s relatability and my character’s personality stood out to me the most. The story captured not just big moments but the small, everyday emotions and experiences that make a character feel like someone you know.
My character, Dami2Fresh, has a distinct personality: witty but annoying, charismatic yet deeply flawed, and optimistic despite struggles. There’s a depth to him. One that made me love him instantly. Beyond that, the show itself reflects experiences that so many people go through, whether it’s navigating friendships and ambition, dealing with family expectations, figuring out who you are in a world that constantly tries to define you, pop culture, navigating a new reality of fame, finding your ground and even love relationships.
Talk us through what the preparation looked like.
My approach involved drawing from personal experiences and stepping outside my comfort zone to fully embody his identity. I spent time understanding his motivations, what drives him, and how his ambition shapes his decisions. I thought a lot about the transition from Ibadan to Lagos, something I have experienced, and how that kind of shift can fuel a desire to prove yourself.
I also reflected on my early days in entertainment, remembering what striving for opportunities and recognition felt like. I channeled that energy into Dami’s relentless pursuit of fame. Then, there was the physicality of the role. Dami is loud, extra and dramatic, so I had to be intentional about my body language and how he moves, speaks and reacts to things.
Overall, the prep was about balancing what I naturally understood about him and what I had to stretch myself to become. It was a challenge that made playing him even more exciting.
The character is admittedly within your age bracket, but were there any difficulties you had connecting to him and relating to some of his struggles?
Dami and I have distinct personalities, but we have had similar experiences and struggles. I deeply relate to his struggle to gain recognition, find a platform, and establish himself. When I first started in entertainment as a performing percussionist, I faced similar challenges later in my early acting days—trying to prove myself, be seen and navigate the uncertainties that come with pursuing a creative career. Even his dynamic with his older brother resonated with me because I also have just one older brother, and growing up, we had our fair share of rifts.
But where we differ is in personality. Dami is loud, extra, over-the-top and thrives on drama and attention. I, on the other hand, take a more laid-back, reserved approach to these things. He lives for social media validation and the glitz of his newfound fame, whereas my relationship with those things is quite different. I value the work, not just the noise around it. So, while I understood his journey, stepping into his shoes meant embracing a personality quite different from mine, which was fun and challenging as an actor.
What was the highlight of working on this project for you?
The highlight of working on this project was definitely the opportunity to headline the show and bring Dami to life. Leading a project like this comes with a lot of responsibility, one I was glad to take on. Beyond that, working with the cast and crew was another major highlight. There’s something special about being surrounded by a team with the best collaborative energy. A team that’s just as invested in telling the story as you are.
Final Thoughts
Under The Influence doesn’t just shine a light on social media culture—it dives into the very human experiences behind it. With a powerful lead performance by Iremide Adeoye and a sharp, introspective script, the series challenges viewers to think about the fine line between ambition and validation. How far is too far in the pursuit of influence? And at what cost?
As we continue to navigate this digital age, Under The Influence is a timely, must-watch series that offers an engaging, thought-provoking look at what it means to seek—and sustain—fame.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
