My mom once beat me on stage – Actor Sanyeri recounts

Actor Olaniyi Afonja, widely known as Sanyeri, has opened up about the strain his acting ambitions placed on his relationship with his parents, admitting he now regrets not pursuing further education.

In an interview, Sanyeri recounted how his love for acting clashed with his parents’ expectations. They insisted that formal education was the only path to success and strongly opposed his involvement in the entertainment industry.

He revealed that being caught on a movie set or at rehearsals instead of in school often led to harsh punishments. “There was a day Iya Niyi [my mother] came with a cane to beat me on stage,” he recalled. “My hands and legs were tied during a performance in front of the audience and my fans.”He revealed that being caught on a movie set or at rehearsals instead of in school often led to harsh punishments. “There was a day Iya Niyi [my mother] came with a cane to beat me on stage,” he recalled. “My hands and legs were tied during a performance in front of the audience and my fans.”

Despite the public embarrassment and family pressure, Sanyeri said he could not abandon the craft that brought him fulfillment. He eventually left home to live with his employer at the time.

Reflecting on his journey, the actor expressed regret for some of the choices he made. “I regret not furthering my education,” he admitted, acknowledging that his parents’ strictness stemmed from their desire to protect him and secure his future.