Dolapo Adeleke, professionally known as LowlaDee, is a multi-award-winning filmmaker from Nigeria who has gained recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema. With a burgeoning career, she has not only directed and produced impactful films but has also delved into writing and storytelling. In this comprehensive overview, we will explore her life, career, notable works, and achievements.
Personal Stats
| Full Name | Dolapo Adeleke |
| Date of Birth | Born on September 6, 1990 |
| Net Worth | $1million as of 2023 |
| State of Origin | Kano State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Alma Mater | Covenant University |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, Writer, Director |
| Awards | Multiple awards, including AMVCA, BON, and more |
Early Life And Education
She was born on September 6, 1990, in Kano State, Nigeria, Dolapo Adeleke exhibited her storytelling talent from a young age. Before even entering university, she had already authored two literature books, providing a glimpse of her future as a storyteller. She completed her secondary education at Dansol High School in Lagos State. In 2011, she graduated from Covenant University with a second-class upper degree in Mass Communication, laying the academic foundation for her career.
Career In Filmmaking
Dolapo Adeleke’s journey in the world of filmmaking commenced at a remarkably young age. Her career has been marked by various milestones and awards:
Early Recognition As A Teen Writer
Dolapo Adeleke’s literary prowess was evident early in her life. She received the “Best Teen Writer of the Year” award from Angles Magazine for her literary works, which included “Flesh and Blood” and “The Little White Hen.”
Breakthrough with “Brave”
She made her mark with the short film “Brave,” a notable work that featured talented actors such as Adesua Etomi and Wole Ojo. This film earned her a nomination in the Best Film Director category at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in 2015. “Brave” also clinched the Best Short Film award at the Best of Nollywood Awards and received nominations at the prestigious African Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Short Film and Best Actor in a Drama.
Television Film “A Place Called Happy”
In 2015, Dolapo Adeleke produced her first critically acclaimed television film, “A Place Called Happy,” which starred renowned actors like Blossom Chukwujekwu and Kiki Omeili.
Web Series “This Is It”
In 2016, she released “This Is It,” a highly acclaimed mini-series hosted on her YouTube platform. The series rapidly gained popularity, accumulating over 8 million views in total. It was broadcast on television stations across Africa and earned the Best Television Series award at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2018. Remarkably, Dolapo Adeleke served as the writer, director, and editor for the 20-episode series while also working as the showrunner.
Awards and Nominations
Her contributions to the world of filmmaking led to several award nominations and recognitions. In 2016, she received a nomination for the EbonyLifeTV Sisterhood Awards Africa in the “Film Director of the Year” category for her work on “This Is It.” In 2017, she garnered a nomination for the prestigious “Future Awards Africa” in the category of New Media. Additionally, in March 2018, she was featured as one of Leading Ladies Africa’s “100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria.”
“Plan B”
One of her notable projects was “Plan B,” a digital film featuring a Kenyan-Nigerian storyline. The film became an instant hit, amassing over one million views within the first two weeks of release, all without paid advertising. “Plan B” went on to secure the title of Best East African Film at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2019.
Establishing LowlaDee Productions Co.
Today, Dolapo Adeleke manages LowlaDee Productions Co., previously known as Doreen Media. Her work takes her between Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi, Kenya, as she continues to make a lasting impact on the film industry.
Filmography
Dolapo Adeleke’s portfolio includes an array of engaging works spanning various genres. Here are some of her notable productions:
- 2013: “Be My Guest” (Short Film)
- 2013: “The Call” (Short Film) – Featuring Eldee, Paul Utomi, and Adesua Etomi
- 2014: “Brave” (Short Film) – Featuring Adesua Etomi
- 2015: “A Place Called Happy” (Television Film) – Featuring Blossom Chukwujekwu and Kiki Omeili
- 2016: “This Is It” (Web/Television Series) – Featuring Nick Mutuma and Chy Nwakanma
- 2017: “Entangled” (Television Film) – Featuring Mawuli Gavor and Ini-dima Okojie
- 2019: “Plan B” (Web/Television Film) – Featuring Sarah Hassan, Catherine Karanja, and Daniel Etim Effiong
- 2020: “Just In Time” (Feature Film) – Featuring Sarah Hassan, Mawuli Gavor, Stycie Waweru, Pierra Kenna, and premiering on Netflix worldwide.
Awards And Recognitions
Dolapo Adeleke, better known as LowlaDee, has achieved remarkable success, as evidenced by her numerous awards and nominations. Her contributions to the film industry have not gone unnoticed:
- 2014: Best Short Film – “Brave” (Best of Nollywood Awards)
- 2015: Best Director (Nigeria Entertainment Awards) – Nominated for “Brave”
- 2015: Best Short Film – Nominated for “Brave” (African Magic Viewers Choice Awards)
- 2016: Film Director of the Year – Nominated (EbonyLife Sisterhood Awards Africa) for “This Is It”
- 2018: Best Television Series – “This Is It” (Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards)
- 2019: Best East African Film – “Plan B” (Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards)
Personal Life
Dolapo Adeleke’s life took a profound turn when, at the age of 16, she was involved in a brake failure accident on August 20, 2007. This incident occurred as she was on her way to retrieve documents for her admission to Covenant University. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and left her with scars on her forehead, which eventually led to her signature fringe/bangs hairstyle. For her, this hairstyle is more than just a fashion choice—it serves as an empowering symbol that helps her overcome the trauma and effects of the life-changing accident.
In a candid revelation, LowlaDee shared that she once grappled with depression. However, her encounter with the American-Indian TV show “The Mindy Project,” created by Mindy Kaling, breathed new life into her. The show brought her joy and reawakened her creative side. This newfound inspiration ultimately gave birth to her highly successful romantic comedy web series, “This Is It.”
Dolapo Adeleke, known as LowlaDee, has emerged as a distinguished filmmaker and storyteller in the Nigerian and African
