Biography of Adebayo Bolaji, Early life, Career and Education
Biography of Adebayo Bolaji, Early life, Career and Education
Adebayo Bolaji (born 15 May 1983) is a multifaceted London-based painter, actor, writer, and director.
Adebayo Bolaji Early Life
Adebayo Tibabalase Bolaji was born in Perivale, within the London Borough of Ealing, to Nigerian parents. He began his acting journey at 14 with the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT). His West End debut came in 1997 with NYMT’s production of Bugsy Malone at the Queen’s Theatre. Bolaji also performed with NYMT at the Edinburgh Festival, in Tokyo, and at London’s Palace and Lyceum Theatres.
Adebayo Bolaji Education
Bolaji earned a degree in Law from London Guildhall University but later pursued his passion for performance by training at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
Acting, Writing, and Directing Career
Bolaji originated the role of the Subway Ghost in Ghost the Musical, directed by Matthew Warchus. He also appeared in Sam Mendes’ Skyfall as one of Silva’s henchmen and was cast in Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts.
In 2013, Bolaji performed in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of The Color Purple and the London premiere of Susan Stroman’s The Scottsboro Boys at the Young Vic.
As a playwright, Bolaji debuted Ugly Butterflies while training at Central School of Speech and Drama. His second play, In Bed, was produced at The Questors Theatre by Ex Nihilo, a theatre company he founded in 2009. In December 2018, Ex Nihilo showcased Jacky Ivimy’s Dialektikon at the Park Theatre, which Bolaji directed.
Adebayo Bolaji Painting Career
A self-taught artist, Bolaji turned to painting later in his acting career. He credits his background in acting and law with honing his ability to ask profound questions, which influences his art.
In 2016, Bolaji was the commissioned artist for Tangle’s project at Yinka Shonibare’s MBE Guest Projects Space in Hackney, London. He later exhibited at Galerie Proarta in Zürich, Switzerland.
Adebayo Bolaji Personal Life
Bolaji resides in London and is also a skilled percussionist.