National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Yeye Funmilayo Emily Ajamufua, a multi-talented Nigerian artist and the Programs Director of Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre in Ohio, USA, did not initially set out to become an artiste.
Her early aspirations were centered around mass communication and broadcasting. However, life had other plans. From a young age, she found herself irresistibly drawn to the arts, a passion that was deeply embedded in her through her family’s influence. Her elder brother’s introduction of the National Theatre to her at the age of eight and her mother’s involvement in an entertainment group during her time at Leventis store became pivotal experiences that left an indelible mark on her memory and ultimately led her to embrace the arts as her calling.
Growing up, Yeye Funmilayo was a natural performer. She thrived in dance competitions, always securing a spot in the top three, and her confidence in the spotlight was nurtured further through her participation in the literary and debating society in secondary school.
Music, particularly, was her trigger—its rhythm compelling her to dance, often oblivious to her surroundings. It wasn’t until she became a member of the Lagos State standing troupe, representing both the state and Nigeria at local and international festivals, that she received formal training. This experience instilled in her the values of discipline, hard work, and dedication, shaping her into the versatile artiste she is today.
Reflecting on the moments that ignited her passion for the creative arts, Yeye Funmilayo recalls several memorable experiences. The grandeur of the National Theatre, the cultural richness she observed in her mother and grandmother’s preparations for traditional ceremonies, and the exhilarating dance competitions at parties all contributed to her growing interest in the arts. Her involvement in the literary and debating society further honed her public speaking and performance skills.
However, it was her participation in local and international festivals as part of the Lagos State standing troupe that proved to be the most pivotal. These experiences collectively spurred her on her artistic journey.
According to Yeye Funmilayo, being a great artiste requires a blend of passion, dedication, creativity, resilience, discipline, continuous learning, authenticity, performance skills, cultural awareness, and humility. These qualities not only fuel the creative process but also ensure that an artiste remains grounded and connected with their audience.
Despite her abundant talent and success on stage, Yeye Funmilayo has deliberately chosen not to feature regularly in Nollywood movies. Her focus has been on stage productions and cultural advocacy, where she finds greater creative fulfillment and a deeper connection with her audience. The stage offers her more creative control and an ideal platform to promote and celebrate cultural heritage.
The journey as a dancer, actor, and manager has been both rewarding and challenging for Yeye Funmilayo. While the physical and emotional demands of her craft are immense, she finds joy and purpose in her work. The creative challenges she faced at the beginning of her career, such as self-doubt and limited resources, have evolved over time.
Today, she continues to push herself to innovate, seek out collaborations, and manage her time effectively as she balances multiple projects and responsibilities.
Financially, being a thespian has been a delicate balance for Yeye Funmilayo. The rewards have been unpredictable, yet she has learned to trust in the universe’s plan and stay true to her artistic vision.
If she could change anything about her career, she would have taken more risks, networked more, documented her journey, and traveled to experience different cultures.
As for her favorite genre of music, Yeye Funmilayo has a deep appreciation for Afrobeat. The rhythmic percussion, soulful melodies, and storytelling through lyrics resonate with her deeply, reflecting the energy, passion, and cultural richness that she holds dear.
Looking back, Yeye Funmilayo has no regrets. Every experience, every challenge, has led her to where she is today—a passionate and dedicated artist, cultural advocate, and mentor who has made a positive impact on her community and the world at large. Her advice to budding artists, especially women, is to believe in themselves, stay true to their art, embrace their uniqueness, be resilient, support one another, and keep creating. Her legacy is one of love, creativity, and resilience, inspiring future generations to embrace their own artistic journeys.
Yeye Funmilayo Emily Ajamufua’s approach to art is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. She is driven by a passion to celebrate African culture and empower underrepresented voices through her work. Her art reflects her soul, and she believes in the transformative power of creativity to inspire, educate, and uplift.
Her journey as an artist has been one of continuous growth, learning, and innovation, always staying true to her unique voice and vision.
*Story by Dayo Emmanuel
