In a chat with Biola Bayo on her podcast, Talk to B, Itele talked about some serious challenges that made him feel like he wanted to “crawl back into his mother’s womb.”
He reminisced about the days when he and his mom were hustling—he was selling jewelry in Bauchi village while she was selling ready-made clothes.
Itele gave a shoutout to Papa T for his support and mentioned Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash Lanso, and Adebayo Salami as his inspirations.
He also thanked Femi Adebayo for playing a huge role in his journey.
“I have faced challenges that almost took my life. You know, that kind of challenges that make you wish you could run back to your mother’s womb. I suffered when suffering was still original.
“Papa T was the one who God used to help me when he returned from London. I have produced so many films that I don’t like to mention it.
“There was a time when I felt I was an unlucky guy. I know it’s the grace of God but I always labored so hard. My mum was selling ready-made; I was selling jewelry. We would hawk around goods around Bauchi village.
“I have been in the industry since 1997. Richard Mofe Damijo, Yomi Fash, and Adebayo Salami are my role models. Adebayo Salami is a fortunate man and so are his children. Femi Adebayo has made a great impact on my life. I would love to say a big thank you to Uncle Femi thank you for all you do,” he said.
Ibrahim Yekini Bakare, better known as Itele D Icon, is a well-respected Yoruba actor and TV personality in Nigeria. His amazing talent as an actor, screenwriter, movie producer, and director has made a big mark in the entertainment scene. He hails from Lafenwa, Abeokuta, in Ogun State.