Kunle Idowu, popularly known as Frank Donga, sits with the media enterpreneur Chude Jidenowo on his viral show #WithChude, and in a conversation that moves easily between humour and honesty, he opens up about the quiet, unlikely journey that led him into acting and cultural relevance. Best known for creating one of the most recognisable characters in contemporary Nigerian pop culture, Kunle shares how he has often been “the kind of person who goes with the flow,” including how that instinct shaped his path into performance. Beyond the viral sketches, he also speaks about moments of validation, including winning awards at both the African Film Festival and the Toronto African Film Festival, milestones that affirmed the depth of his work beyond comedy.
In a striking turn, Kunle talks about a lifelong shyness he describes as almost pathological. He tells Chude that he was so shy he barely spoke to his cousins growing up and did not shake hands with a girl until his second year in university. He shares how this deep introversion shaped his inner life and relationships, and how faith became an anchor through it all. “If I lost everything today, who or where would I run to?” he asks, before answering simply: “God and prayer.” He also recounts a pivotal moment when actor Daniel Etim-Effiong called him about a video that had gone viral, describing how unseen seasons can suddenly give way to public recognition.
Throughout the conversation, Kunle returns to a grounding conviction that has sustained him through success and uncertainty alike: “No matter how much I lose, as long as I do not lose my ability to hear God, I’m fine.” It is this blend of humour, vulnerability, faith, and self-awareness that defines Frank Donga.
WATCH EPISODE: https://vimeo.com/1152354538
