‘Why I left my career to open performing arts school for kids’

WM: How did you get into the performing arts?
Olamidun Majekodunmi: I’ve been an avid dancer since I was nine, when I started taking ballet and contemporary dance classes. Dance is my thing but I’ve always had a strong appreciation for other art forms. I’ve always had this entrepreneurial spirit, and joined with my passion for the arts, and my love for kids, I was inspired to do exactly what I’m doing right now.
I’ve definitely gained a sense of accomplishment, when I see the look on those kids faces when they perform and when they showcase their talent and get rewarded for it.
WM: What do you enjoy most about your career?
Majekodunmi: I love that I’ve been able to intertwine what I love and form a career out of it. Work for me isn’t a chore, it’s a place where I can express myself and help others do the same. Every day is different and I embrace every moment.
WM: What are some of your personal and/or professional goals for the future?
 Majekodunmi: I plan to open more locations nationwide and spread our outreach even further. Create more jobs and opportunities in the performing arts industry, train more children and adults and find more talent.
It shows people that they can follow their passion and make a successful career out of something they enjoy doing. Performing arts adds diversity to our society, builds cultured individuals with varied interests, and adds to well-rounded education.
WM: What is a common myth about your profession, and how does it differ from the actual work?
Majekodunmi: People don’t often realize how far I could go in my profession. For example, my dad used to think this was all just a hobby for me. He’s been really shocked in recent times with the level of patronizing we’ve had, partnerships, and alliances we’ve been able to form with some of the biggest brands in the nation.
WM: Tell us about the recent inter-school performing arts competition just concluded in the FCT.  
 Majekodunmi: The FCT Interschool Performing Arts Competition is an annual initiative where we bring together a number of FCT schools to compete in dance, drama, and musical performances. Winning schools get cash prizes towards their performing arts departments in their schools. It’s always a lot of fun for the kids and we’ve created a platform where they can showcase their talents on a bigger scale and be rewarded for it. This year’s event was a huge success with over 800 students and guests in attendant. We had a lot of support from corporate bodies and we all met our goals.
 WM: Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself, your career, or the profession that would be interesting or helpful to others aspiring to enter and succeed in the field?
 Majekodunmi: If it’s what you love, you would never give up on it. So do exactly what your heart tells you, and no matter how unrealistic, and difficult that dream may seem, you won’t allow yourself to give up on it. That’s what has always driven me. If I weren’t working with children, running a Performing Arts School, and living my entrepreneurial dream, that’s all I would think about and I wouldn’t rest until I was doing just this.