Wande Thomas talks about Under the Influence now streaming on Showmax

Under the Influence is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes released every Friday. 

In the first episode, we meet Dami (Iremide Adeoye), a recent graduate who moves to Lagos to stay with his older brother, Ayo (Bobby Ekpe), who reluctantly agrees to take him in. Dami’s boundless energy and enthusiasm clashes with Ayo’s more grounded perspective, leading to a rapid escalation of conflict. Struggling to cope with his frustration, Dami makes a choice that sets off a series of events that will change his life in ways he never expected. 

Watch the trailer for Under the Influence

With a sharp eye for storytelling, showrunner and director Wande Thomas has crafted a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of social influence, examining how it shapes our decisions, behaviors, and identities. In this interview he shares more about the themes in the series and what viewers should expect 

How does this story capture the complexity of social media life in today's world? 

Under the Influence takes an honest look into the phenomenon of pseudo-fame. It highlights how, on social media, not everything is as it seems. While achieving fame or "blowing up" can feel like the ultimate goal, it’s just one part of the equation. The real challenge lies in figuring out how to monetize that fame, stay grounded, and not lose yourself in a world where so much is fake. It’s a layered take on the pressures of navigating a space that thrives on curated perfection. 

What are three things viewers can look forward to in Under the Influence?  

The three things I want viewers to look forward to are, first, great acting: performances that I’m proud to say include some of the best from young, up-and-coming actors in Nollywood. Second, I’d love for people to enjoy the many twists and turns in the story, as well as the organic storytelling. We worked hard to make it feel like a real world. We don’t go over the top, but we also don’t underdeliver. It’s as natural and authentic as possible. Lastly, there’s the comedy. It’s a very, very funny show, but it’s also a funny show with a lot of heart. It’s a coming-of-age story, and I hope people will follow Dami on his journey, learn a couple of things, and maybe even fall in love, because the show features some very dynamic relationships. 

The show blends comedy and drama, tackling fame and identity. How do you maintain a balance between entertainment and meaningful storytelling? 

Entertainment and storytelling naturally go hand in hand. From as far back as prehistoric times, people have used music and other creative elements to keep their audience engaged while telling stories. Without entertainment, it’s hard to hold people’s attention, especially now when attention spans are so short. By blending comedy and drama, the show makes sure it’s not just entertaining but also meaningful. It’s the perfect way to explore themes like fame and identity while keeping people hooked. 

The series delves into family dynamics, with a special focus on the relationship between Dami and Ayo. What made highlighting this bond so significant? 

The sibling bond between Dami and Ayo felt significant because sibling relationships are so universal. Even if not everyone has siblings, the dynamics of sibling rivalry are easy to relate to. What made it even more interesting was the generational divide between them, Dami being Gen Z and Ayo being a millennial. Over the years, we’ve seen these generational debates play out, and it’s fascinating how every generation feels like they have a better approach to life. Exploring that dynamic through the lens of siblings just felt natural and relatable. 

Social media culture can be chaotic and rewarding. What message does Under the Influence send about navigating its highs and lows? 

Like we mentioned earlier, Dami achieving overnight fame and hitting those big numbers is every young person's dream. We all crave attention and validation, but the real challenge comes with understanding the impact of that attention. The show emphasizes the importance of not living your life based on the expectations of people you don’t truly know. Dami learns this lesson the hard way – getting dragged, caught up in trying to impress strangers, and losing sight of himself. Ultimately, the message is clear: in navigating the highs and lows of social media, it’s crucial to stay grounded and true to who you are. 

Dami’s influencer journey feels very relatable. Did you draw inspiration from real-life influencers and celebrities? 

Absolutely. A significant part of the story was inspired by my experience working with an up-and-coming influencer who was also a skit maker. Watching how he handled fame—especially his dynamic with his friends—was fascinating and left a lasting impression. That initial inspiration shaped the story, but we also drew from the lives of other influencers. Nicole Chikwe, a well-known lifestyle and fashion influencer, was part of the writers' room and even wrote some episodes. Her insights, along with the experiences of other influencers, helped us create a narrative that feels authentic and relatable. 

African filmmakers are getting noticed. How can Nigerian filmmakers leverage this momentum to tell more authentic stories and reach a global audience? 

Nigerian filmmakers can ride this wave by telling stories that are authentic but have universal appeal. The truth is, the world is more connected than ever, and experiences that resonate with us as Africans can also strike a chord with people in Asia, America, or anywhere else. It’s all about staying true to your unique perspective while being intentional about how you tell the story. If the story is real and well-told, it will connect with audiences everywhere. 

Stream episode 1 of Under the Influence now on Showmax. New episodes are released every Friday.