Audacious Shafy Bello in masterclass

When many hear the name, Shafy Bello, attention quickly shifts to the gorgeous woman who started her acting in 2012 and for those born in the 70s or 80s will remember her as the young lady who featured in the 1997 hit song by Seyi Sodimu’s Love Me Jeje.

Only a few are aware of her early struggles, her achievements as a song minister in churches, her journey to suspension from the church choir by the current Soun of Ogbomoso, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye and her interest in raising stars.

Shafy’s journey to becoming one of the Nigerian actors who have a good command of the English language started in Anthony Village, Lagos, where she was enrolled at Iya Olodo tutorial class. Though, Iya Olodo was tough and strict with the students, her approach and commitment to shaping the students resonated with Bello.

Shafy grew up in the United States where she completed her education and started working but she soon returned to Nigeria after getting the nod of her ex-husband to do so.

In 2012, she starred as Joanne Lawson in the TV series Tinsel and as Adesuwa in Taste of Love. Shaffy has since featured in several Yoruba and English language films and TV series including, When Love Happens and Gbomo Gbomo Express.

After decades on the screen, Shaffy Bello recently stepped on the podium at Ecobank Pan African Centre in Ozumba Mbadiwe, Lagos, to speak to young people in her first masterclass on relying on the source, integrity, purpose, kindness and tell her personal stories of grass to grace, grace to grass and grass to grace.

Her masterclass was to inspire young people to dream and dare, to be persistent and consistent and be focused.

When asked about why it took her so long to have the masterclass, the 60 year old thespian said: “After my 50th birthday, God dropped it in my heart to do this and I have been nurturing it. I was scared of coming out to do this. I asked myself if I was ready or its time and if people will show up but I finally made up my mind. I just want to impact people, ignite something within them.”

Speaking on the future of the programme, she said: “I want this to be a national tour, inspire people; it’s not about the money, I have the money but all I’m looking for are sponsors to lighten the weight on me because I won’t get the number if I only spend my money; I can get very fast and go far if I have people to back me.”