The Rooted in Culture event held at Muson Centre, Ikoyi, on Saturday, took a deeply personal and inspiring turn when television host and entertainer, Denrele Edun, popularly known as “Igbochi,” shared his journey of navigating identity and resilience in the public eye.
Moderated by Mrs. Ronke Adeniyi, convener of the event, the panel discussion focused on how young Africans can embrace their roots while building confidence in a modern world.
When asked about handling identity crises, Denrele delivered an animated and heartfelt account of his career, family experiences, and the societal challenges he has faced.
“Select a talent to create an act. Select an act to create a talent. Select a talent to create an image. Select an image to create an identity. To create an image, you have to work really hard,” he told the audience, stressing the link between creativity and self-definition.
He recalled beginning his acting career in 1994 as a secondary school student, landing his first role on Kinevision 101 and earning his very first paycheck of ₦150. That opportunity, he explained, eventually led him to evolve into a lead actor and later a scriptwriter.
“My hustle gave birth to a beautiful identity, even before I fully understood its magnitude,” he said.
Denrele highlighted both the excitement of early recognition—including a magazine cover at a young age and the harsh realities of facing rejection outside the entertainment industry.
Unlike today’s anonymous online trolling, he explained, the criticism he endured was often direct.
“People would walk up to me on the road and taunt me. Even in buses, conductors would mock me. But I never gave up on my uniqueness.”
Sharing a humorous family story, he recalled visiting a church with his mother where the pastor instructed him to cover his head at the next service.
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“My mom almost beat me on the way home,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Despite the setbacks, Denrele emphasized the importance of authenticity and persistence.
“Even at this point, I am good for the job. My deliverables are on point. But I always have to work twice as hard and prove myself every time. Don’t prove yourself to anyone. Celebrate your influence. And if people don’t like it—choke them with more identity,” he charged.
In addition to acting and modeling, Denrele revealed that he once taught 36 subjects as a schoolteacher before fully entering the entertainment industry. He described family as the ultimate anchor, noting that while extended relatives initially disapproved of his career, they now celebrate his success.
Closing his remarks, he addressed the younger generation in attendance: “Everyone here is special, different, and unique. That distinctiveness comes with a price, but it will yield in the end. Welcome to my reality check. I am here until the end of this event—ask me anything.”
His candid storytelling drew applause and resonated strongly with the youth, underlining the core message of the Rooted in Culture event: that African identity is a source of pride, not shame.