Comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, aka Mr Macaroni, talks to NAOMI CHIMA about his career, activism and love life
You’ve described battling depression and how it inspired your content creation career. What led to the depression?
It is interesting because I am currently dealing with some personal issues. However, I wouldn’t call it “depression”. It is why I have been a bit distant lately. But, what I previously called “depression” was more about frustration. It started after I was expelled from the university due to student activism, though we settled the case later. It felt like I was the ‘problem child’ in my family, especially after my siblings graduated and started working. Once I graduated, I pursued my dream of acting and filmmaking, going for auditions and landing small roles. However, I wasn’t getting the visibility I wanted, which made me question my abilities.
How did you manage to get through that phase?
I never stopped pushing. Giving up wasn’t an option. I always believed I was destined for greatness, even when I didn’t know when or how it would happen. That belief kept me going.
You’ve mentioned being involved in school politics. Did that contribute to your moving through four different universities?
Most of it stemmed from my advocacy. I can’t stand seeing people being cheated. In three out of the four universities I attended, I challenged the status quo, speaking truth to power and addressing injustices. The exception was the third university, where I wasn’t focused because I wanted to study Theatre Arts but didn’t get that course.
How did those struggles shape the version of Mr Macaroni we know today?
I believe it was meant to happen. God blessed me with fame and influence to fight for what’s right and speak up for those without a voice. In my content, I aim to inform, educate and entertain, balancing entertainment with meaning. My experiences have shaped this resolve, and I hope to always use my platform for good.
When did you finally decide to switch to skit-making and why?
I haven’t fully switched to skit making; I am still balancing both. Sometimes, I get tired of comedy, because while studying Theatre Arts, I preferred drama—especially melodrama— for its potential to create change and influence the audience. Though I provide content to my audience, I am more intentional about acting, which is why I have featured in blockbusters and films on streaming platforms. However, I am selective with the roles I take on; they must have meaning.
In your satirical skits, you highlight governance flaws and societal issues. How do you balance humour with the weight of those topics?
As an artist, especially one who gained fame through comedy, one cannot completely abandon comedy. While aiming to inform, I still prioritise entertainment. People need to engage with your content to understand the message. If it feels too serious, they won’t watch. Some may be interested in politics, but others just want fun. I entertainingly deliver the message, subtly incorporating it to keep the audience engaged because, for the message to resonate, it has to be enjoyable. That’s how I balance it.
Do you ever feel pressure to maintain your “Daddy Wa” persona, or is it a mask you’re ready to hang up someday?
Recently, I have been thinking about it too. Sometimes, it gets tiring for an artist. Daddy Wa has become a brand on its own. When I go to places, even before they call my name, they say “Daddy Wa”. To answer your question, I don’t know. We’ll continue to do it as long as we can; maybe until I get tired. Sometimes, I feel like doing it; and at other times, I don’t. But, we’ll keep going because we have an expectant community, and one has to respect that. Drama is life. The character is a family man, and there’s still a lot we can build and play around with. So for now, we’re still on it. Let’s see how long we can continue creating content around it.
The #EndSARS movement revealed your activist side. Was there any moment you feared for your life?
Of course, you have to fear for your life. I don’t think there’s anyone that is not scared for their lives. Yes, there’s fear; but that fear doesn’t stop us from doing what is right, or speaking the truth. At the end of the day, no one lives forever. How you live your life is what’s most important. For someone like me, I am fully committed to a better society — an enabling environment where everyone can thrive. So, whether I fear for my life or not is inconsequential to the struggle. I worry, but we must continue to stand up and do what’s right.
As an activist, how do you deal with being labelled as “anti-government” or “a troublemaker”
It is hypocrisy and sometimes ignorance. Many who call me anti-government were once critics of the previous administrations, but now that they’re in power, they don’t want criticism. We don’t hate the government; we want things to improve. Governments can’t betray the people’s trust and expect praise. If they serve the people genuinely, we will appreciate them.
Do you think the fight for justice in Nigeria is progressing, or are we simply recycling the same issues?
If you ask me about progress, I’d ask you to show it. Things are getting worse, and we’re recycling the same problems; only that they’re worsening over time. We complained about the exchange rate years ago, and it’s even worse now. The same goes for fuel prices. Even as things worsen, we can’t stop speaking up, because it is our only hope. But, everyone must be involved. It can’t just be a few people speaking up while others say, “We are proud of you”. If all Nigerians demand change together, there will be some level of progress. Political games, tribal divisions and religious biases divide us, making it seem like critics are anti-government. But it’s about holding the government accountable and demanding better for all. I hope Nigerians will unite and do the right thing.
What does success mean to you?
Success is subjective and depends on the goals or objectives one has set. The moment you achieve your goals, you’ve succeeded. On a societal level, people may measure success by impact or recognition, but success is deeply personal. Achieving it requires perseverance because obstacles and challenges are inevitable. The key is to keep going, as quitting eliminates the possibility of success.
You’ve featured a wide range of people from Nollywood legends to fellow skit makers. What’s your process for deciding who fits into your world of comedy?
I just let my imagination run wild. Once an idea pops up in my head, I start thinking about who can best deliver or fit into that role; while at other times, it’s about admiration for someone’s work. In those cases, I write a story to fit the individual’s strengths and persona.
From “ooin” to “freaky freaky,” your catchphrases have become popular. How much of Mr Macaroni’s brand is carefully planned versus being spontaneous?
“Freaky Freaky”, “are you there?”, “what’s going on here?” and other such phrases were not even scripted. Sometimes, we write out the script, especially when we want to feature some legends or icons, so that they can have an idea of what we want to do. But, most of those popular catchphrases were not even in the scripts. I can’t even remember the first time I started saying, “what’s going on here?” But, I noticed that people loved the way it was delivered and they held on to it. From there, it became popular.
With the bevy of endowed women you constantly parade in your skits, it’s hard to imagine that you’re still single. What’s the reason for that?
Being single is a personal decision. It is not because there aren’t loving or kind women out there, but because I don’t feel ready for a relationship. I don’t think I’m mentally prepared for it. I want to avoid making someone feel bad or hurt, even unintentionally. For example, if I’m not living up to expectations or am not as available as they hoped, it could lead to misunderstandings. To avoid this confusion and hurt, I’ve decided that it is better to remain single until I’m 100 per cent sure I’m ready to share my life with someone.
What are the qualities you like in a woman?
Generally, I’d say qualities like kindness and compassion are important. I look for someone who treats others with respect and dignity, regardless of their status or background. Respecting people is key for me.
What is the most romantic gesture you’ve ever made, and how did it turn out?
I am single and not searching, so I haven’t put myself in that space for romantic gestures. I haven’t focused on it, and I’m content with being single.
How relatable are you with the Daddy Wa character?
People might assume I like certain things because of the nature of my contents, but that’s just Daddy Wa’s personality. The women Daddy Wa likes aren’t necessarily what I like. Just like women have preferences, men do too. But I’m different from Daddy Wa. I’m a virgin, and that’s something everyone knows. I’m not involved in that sort of thing. I’m saving myself for when the time is right.
What’s your favourite food?
I love rice and vegetables. I also enjoy noodles, but only when I make them myself. My noodles are the best in the world. When I was younger, my siblings used to beg me to cook my special noodles for them, because no one could cook them the way I did. My recipe is unique.
What is your favourite sport?
I love playing table tennis. I also used to go to the gym with Broda Shaggi, but right now, I’m just doing some basic exercises. I’m hoping to get back to the gym soon.
How do you relax?
I relax by playing video games when I’m at home.
How did the rumours about you having a relationship or secret marriage with “Mummy Wa” affect your relationship with her?
It did not affect our relationship at all. Mummy Wa is a very dear sister of mine. I consider her family, not just a friend. Our relationship has always been respectful and cordial since we started creating content together. We understand that people assume something is going on because of the chemistry we share in our roles as husband and wife. It comes with the job. We laugh about it, but it doesn’t change the level of respect or regard we have for each other.
Credit: PUNCH