Biography
Adebowale "Debo" Adedayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, is an award-winning Nigerian actor, producer, and cultural trailblazer. Celebrated for his dynamic screen presence and satirical storytelling, Debo has become a defining voice in contemporary African entertainment, bridging film, television, and digital media with a mandate to inform and impact society.
Debo emerged as the second-highest grossing Nollywood actor of 2025. His body of work spans from viral online contents enjoyed by millions of followers to major Nollywood productions, with acclaimed performances in Behind The Scenes (2025), Freedom Way (2024), Lisabi (2024), Legend of a Vagabond Queen (2024), Small Talk (2023), Brotherhood (2022), Anikulapo (2022), Ayinla (2021) among others. He premiered Freedom Way and Legend of the vagabond queen of Lagos as leading man at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) In 2024.
From intense dramatic roles to sharp-witted comedic turns, Debo’s range and authenticity have earned him industry praise, including the 2025 Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting, an AMVCA nomination for Best Supporting Actor and an inclusion in the YNAIJA & Ebonylife’s list of the Nollywood 100 most influential figures. In 2022 and 2023, he won the TrendUpp Force of Influence award given to the Creative that commanded the highest influence in the Nigerian social media space, making him the only person to have won the category twice. Debo served as a judge at the 2025 Short Shorts Film Festival in Japan, further affirming his influence in shaping emerging talent and global cinema conversations.
Debo earned a distinction in Acting at the PEFTI Film Institute, a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Redeemer’s University and has been awarded two honorary doctorates in the arts. Committed to continuous professional development, he has completed an Advanced Acting for Camera course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
Raised in Lagos by an educationist mother, Dorcas Adedayo, and a journalist father, Musa Adedayo, Debo's passion for performance was evident early on. He grew up with a deep appreciation for storytelling, honing his skills by mimicking influential figures in his life, including teachers and public personalities. Despite numerous academic challenges, including transferring between multiple universities due to his stance against intimidation and oppression by authorities, his determination to pursue acting never wavered, and these early struggles helped shape his resilience and creative vision.
In addition to his acting and online content production, Debo has been a passionate advocate for social change, using his platform to champion causes such as the #EndSARS movement in 2020, where he played a prominent role in raising awareness about police brutality in Nigeria. His online content often reflects his advocacy for a better society, merging humor with civic education.
Today, Debo continues to push the boundaries of Nigerian cinema and digital content creation, balancing a successful acting career with his role as a social commentator. He remains dedicated to creating compelling narratives, whether on screen or online, that both entertain and inspire.
