Debo Adedayo may not be a known name in the movie industry but when Mr. Macaroni is mentioned, not just a few are conversant with it as it is gradually becoming a household name especially to those who love watching Nigerian movies.
The actor who has been in the movie industry for just a couple of years, has metamorphosed to becoming a notable face almost leaving behind those who were there before him.
In a chat with Bliss recently, the budding actor revealed how he came about his alias which has gradually taken over his real name.
“I was on set of sitcom, Face to Face some time ago and the role wasn’t a big one. At times, they don’t even have names for such characters. The director just said I should give myself a name. Somehow Mr Macaroni came to my mind. It could be because I used to sing Mr. Macaroni song a lot. It was one of my favourite nursery school rhymes. Even at that, I didn’t put much importance to it until I got to school and somebody called me Mr Macaroni. That was how the name got stuck.”
Mr. Macaroni said acting has been his passion right from when he was a kid and he didn’t have in mind of doing another thing.
“I have always wanted to be an actor. When I was small, I would mimic Pastor Chris word for word and I would just act like him. I was in Drama group when I was in secondary school. I knew I wanted to be an actor.”
However, even as acting was his childhood dream, when it was time to attend tertiary institution, Mr. Macaroni chose to study Law.
“ I am not a conformist, I challenge the rules especially rules that are not progressive. I always believe that in every organisation, the people ought to always say if they are comfortable or not. But I noticed that authorities always have a way of imposing things on you. I always want to stand up for people and that was what gave birth to my desire of wanting to be a lawyer.”
However, his hope of becoming a lawyer was dashed midway.
“I was a radical Law student at Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti. I had a lot of issues with authorities. I led a protest in school where we demanded from the school authorities to tell us why our school was in session yet NUC was telling us that the course was not accredited in the school and anybody studying it did so at his own risk. But even after the protest, nothing came out of it, so most of us left the school at that time.”
But that wasn’t the only time or school Debo showcased his ‘radicalism’.
“I left for North American University in Cotonu to continue the Law but I didn’t finish. I had an issue with one of the lecturers there. I came home and I just decided to stop school. I felt this school thing wasn’t for me. So I decided to go into what I have always loved and that is acting.”
But then, after a few months, Debo said he had to talk to himself and decided he wasn’t going to be the odd man out in his family.
“I decided to go back to school but not to study Law. I had lost interest. I decided to study Theatre Arts. I eventually went to Reedemers University, which was my last stop.”
However, Debo had issues with the school which story also went viral back then.
“I had issues in the school. I ran for president of the students’ association. I even ran unopposed. I tried to agree with the authorities of the school. I think the black race don’t want to be criticised. I had written my final year exams and I was literarily done with the school. I was just awaiting convocation. Some things already happened in the school. The issue was settled out of the court. I apologised to the school and that one passed. At least I have my certificate now.”
Now that he known, expectedly, women would be flocking around him. Debo admitted his love for women but said he is single.
“I am not a fine boy. But then, I have one or two people who say hi to me. Naturally, I love women. But the truth is that I am not in any relationship. I just try to be friends with everybody. It is by choice that I am not in a relationship. I have been single for more than seven years now. People don’t understand what love is. It takes extra dedication, commitment and loyalty. The moment you agree to be somebody’s partner, you have to be ready to share everything with the person. If you are not ready for such commitment, then why go into it?”
