Actor Kehinde Olasehinde, popularly known as Pa James, has recounted his journey on the long-running TV series Papa Ajasco and Company, describing how the show propelled him to fame and financial independence.
Speaking on his career, Pa James revealed that his role on the series not only gave him widespread recognition but also allowed him to achieve personal milestones, including purchasing his first car.
Despite the benefits, Pa James highlighted challenges in the show’s current production schedule, noting that filming has become irregular with extended breaks between episodes.
He explained that the inconsistency has made it necessary for actors to maintain alternative sources of income to sustain themselves during long pauses in filming.
Pa James also disclosed that the name of his character is trademarked by the production, meaning he cannot use it in other projects. The actor recounted that when he started working with veteran producer Wale Adenuga, he earned N2,500 per episode, a figure that has since grown to N45,000 for about 10 episodes per season.
Reflecting on his experience, Pa James praised Wale Adenuga for the opportunities he has provided. He described his relationship with the producer as positive, adding that working on Papa Ajasco and Company brought him greater visibility than his previous roles in Yoruba films. He stated that Adenuga’s support extended beyond fame, helping him achieve financial stability early in his career.
“Working with Wale Adenuga gave me popularity even more than when I was in Yoruba movies,” Pa James said.
“On the financial aspect, he really tried for me. I bought my first car when I started working with him. Before, we used to work back-to-back, but now, after shooting some episodes, it may take up to two years before we are called again,” he added.
The actor advised upcoming actors to have side hustles, stressing that reliance on Papa Ajasco and Company alone may not be sustainable due to the irregular production schedule.
He noted that while he is open to acting in other projects, he cannot use the Pa James character in any new productions, as it remains the intellectual property of Wale Adenuga Productions.
Pa James also shared insight into his remuneration over the years. From the modest N2,500 per episode he earned at the start of his career, his current pay stands at N45,000 per episode. He noted that a typical season comprises roughly 10 episodes, reflecting both the growth in his earnings and the evolution of the series’ production standards.
Despite the challenges, Pa James confirmed that he continues to collaborate with Wale Adenuga and values the opportunities he has received. He described the experience as life-changing, providing both professional recognition and financial independence.
The actor’s testimony underscores the evolving dynamics of long-running television productions in Nigeria, where actors often face irregular work schedules and restrictions on the commercial use of their iconic roles.
Today, Pa James remains an enduring figure in Nigerian television, known for his iconic role and the professionalism he brings to every project, while navigating the challenges of an industry that continues to grow and adapt.
