
Dante Okere plays the villain in Showmax's Under the Influence
In episode 5 of Under the Influence, Dami (Iremide Adeoye) finds himself at the centre of a social media storm. A club owner’s viral video accuses him of owing ₦4 million, and in an instant, admiration turns to scrutiny. While his friend Oye (Isioma Okey-Nwosu) sees an opportunity in the chaos, Dami quickly realises that online fame offers no protection from real-world consequences.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Dami and Folarin, played by Dante Okere, continues to deepen. Folarin is a commanding presence in the influencer world - stylish, confident, and accustomed to being in control. But as Dami’s star rises, Folarin’s dominance is threatened, leading to a power struggle between the two. Dante’s portrayal of Folarin captures the intoxicating allure of power and the fear of losing relevance, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition in a world where perception is everything.
Watch the interview with Dante Okere
In a recent interview, Dante opens up about playing Folarin, the appeal of playing a villain, and the dangers of letting fame cloud one's judgment.
What was so exciting about playing my role?
I think Folarin is very fashionable. That’s the most exciting part for me. And it was an opportunity for me to play something I’ve always wanted to play - a villain. So that was like number two. But the most exciting part was the fact that the character is very fashionable. I liked the styling and the whole vibe.
In your opinion, is Folarin a victim or a bad person due to circumstances?

So, I won’t say he’s not a victim. Folarin, from the character, just felt too comfortable. He felt untouchable. So, I think fame got into his head. I won’t call him a victim. I feel like he’s a bad person here.
Do you think viewers will sympathise with Folarin’s story?
No, I think you guys are going to hate him really bad. Folarin is a bad guy - you’re going to hate him. You might like him, though. ‘Cause he’s very stylish, and I mean, I played Folarin.
How did you prepare to take on the role of the villain?
It started from the audition tape. You know, when I got the audition, I just knew what I needed to do - what was needed for the character. I mean, sometimes, as actors, playing the villain is very enticing to us. So, that was exactly what I needed. I didn’t really prepare like that. I just got on the script and worked on it.
If you could give your character one piece of advice, what would it be?
Folarin is proud. Like I said, the fame went to his head, and he felt untouchable until Dami came into the picture and, you know, outclassed him. So, make him just calm down, you understand, and just chill. My advice is, everybody can hit; the sky is big enough for every bird to fly. So, my advice is, calm down. Calm down.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for social media validation?
I’ve bought followers. It was about my IG algorithm. I wasn’t getting enough likes, and I put out content. I put out nice pictures, and I felt like the likes and comments were not adding up. So, I bought followers.
Episodes 1-5 are now available to stream on Showmax, with new episodes released every Friday.
More like this

MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime.

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.

The Real Housewives of Potomac S9-10
The reality series follows several well-to-do women who live in a community of rolling hills and gated mansions in Potomac.

From The Office to The Paper
As The Office’s OG documentary crew gets a new business in their crosshairs, we expose the connections between these two workplace mockumentaries.

Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection
Dexter’s son Harrison “killed” him in the finale of Dexter: New Blood. But he’s back from the dead and on a mission: tie up loose ends.

Inside spy movie Black Bag
Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp give us a top-secret peek inside their new spy movie Black Bag.

The Paper S1
Fans of "The Office" will love this mockumentary comedy. The documentary crew that immortalised Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch is searching for a new subject. A historic Toledo newspaper that needs reviving.
BBNaija S10 on Showmax
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, coming to Showmax
More Originals you'll love

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together unforgettable Housewives from across the continent. Lands 28 November on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (2025)
When Meje, the living embodiment of the seven deadly sins, threatens the land, young warriors Dara and Ishe must prevent an age of darkness.

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders animated film lands on Showmax in September
The epic franchise returns with an animated feature film, Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, premiering on Showmax Friday, 26 September 2025.
Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

BBNaija 10/10: Road to finale

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Xtra affordable entertainment: pay for Showmax with your MTN airtime

What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in September 2025

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Ilana Glazer delivers in Babes

5 new reality shows on Showmax in August

The Big 6ix on new Premier League season and their SA adventure