I missed lucrative gigs to earn master’s degree – Mr Macaroni

Nigerian comedian Mr Macaroni, whose real name is Adebowale Adedayo, has shared his journey of balancing his entertainment career with academic pursuits, culminating in his recent graduation with a Master of Arts degree in Performance (Acting) from the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. The actor, who already holds a BA in Theatre Arts, expressed his desire to further his education but was initially unable to do so due to work commitments.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Mr Macaroni explained that after completing his undergraduate studies in Nigeria, he immediately started working, leaving him little time to dedicate to his advanced studies. However, he eventually found the perfect moment to pursue his master's degree, driven by a desire to learn new techniques and expand his creative abilities.

He noted that the achievement meant a lot to him, especially with a distinction to his name, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to balance his responsibilities in Nigeria while continuing his training in London.

The entertainer's dissertation focused on the use of Theatre of the Oppressed alongside Afrocentric performance techniques to empower audiences to resist sociopolitical oppression. This subject stemmed from his desire to utilize entertainment as a tool for social change and to educate and enlighten his audiences through his creative work.

Mr Macaroni also highlighted the new acting techniques and performance skills he acquired during his master's program, which he plans to incorporate into his work in content creation, film, theatre, and public engagement.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made during the process, Mr Macaroni mentioned missing out on lucrative acting gigs in Nigeria while juggling his professional and academic commitments between Lagos and London. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the importance of finding ways to navigate this complex journey of life, balancing personal and professional responsibilities while growing as an artist.