Setting the Stage for a Conversation with

The News That Changed Everything

Welcome to 154: Introducing Charlyne White

Breaking Bread and Breaking Names

The Journey from Nigeria to Hollywood

Accents and Impersonations: Charlyne's

Nigerian Food and Cultural Connections

From UCLA to Music: A Multifaceted Career

Financial Realities and Nigerian Values

The Burden of Student Loans

Navigating Financial Challenges

Nigerian Values and Frugality

Early Work Experiences

The Art of Auditioning

Learning from Rejection

The All American Experience

Landing the Role of a Lifetime: Bel-Air

The Impact of Bel-Air on Ali's Life

Tapping into Complex Emotions

Reflections on Playing Carlton Banks

The Impact of "Fresh Prince" on Carlton's

Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability

Dating Life and Career Balancing Act

Kanye West's Influence on Carlton's Character

Cast Members' Personal Lives

Balancing Multiple Careers in Entertainment

Height and Self-Confidence

Homecoming Experience at Howard University

"Fading" and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Would You Rather Game

Closing Remarks and Song Performance

Olly Sholotan — actor, musician, producer, and the breakout star who redefined Carlton Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air — joins Akbar and Godfrey for a hilarious, soulful, and deeply honest conversation on One54. From Nigerian roots to Hollywood sets, Olly opens up about the journey that shaped him into one of the most compelling young creatives in entertainment today.Born in Atlanta, raised between Nigeria, the UK, and Houston, Olly shares how culture, identity, and constant reinvention sharpened his artistic instincts. He talks about learning accents out of survival, finding community as a first-generation kid, and discovering his passion for storytelling.

Olly breaks down how he taught himself to produce music from scratch, why Billie Eilish’s early career inspired him at UCLA, and how he blends his voice into complex sound design. He shares stories of grinding through auditions, the nerves of almost landing a role in Logan, and the pressure of stepping into one of TV’s most iconic characters with Bel-Air.

They also explore Nigerian food culture, jollof rice superiority, Yoruba spirituality in Cuba, African influence around the world, and the shared thread between Nigerian, Caribbean, and Black American communities.

From being a tech-loving kid who thought he’d study computer science…
To performing Shakespeare in British dialects…
To singing full Cuban songs phonetically for an Off-Broadway musical…
To starring in a global reboot of a cultural classic…

Olly’s story is a reminder that African creativity is boundless — and unstoppable.A vibrant, comedic, and meaningful conversation filled with identity, art, hustle, culture, and laughter.

Olly Sholotan — actor, musician, producer, and the breakout star who redefined Carlton Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air — joins Akbar and Godfrey for a hilarious, soulful, and deeply honest conversation on One54. From Nigerian roots to Hollywood sets, Olly opens up about the journey that shaped him into one of the most compelling young creatives in entertainment today.Born in Atlanta, raised between Nigeria, the UK, and Houston, Olly shares how culture, identity, and constant reinvention sharpened his artistic instincts. He talks about learning accents out of survival, finding community as a first-generation kid, and discovering his passion for storytelling. Olly breaks down how he taught himself to produce music from scratch, why Billie Eilish’s early career inspired him at UCLA, and how he blends his voice into complex sound design. He shares stories of grinding through auditions, the nerves of almost landing a role in Logan, and the pressure of stepping into one of TV’s most iconic characters with Bel-Air. They also explore Nigerian food culture, jollof rice superiority, Yoruba spirituality in Cuba, African influence around the world, and the shared thread between Nigerian, Caribbean, and Black American communities. From being a tech-loving kid who thought he’d study computer science… To performing Shakespeare in British dialects… To singing full Cuban songs phonetically for an Off-Broadway musical… To starring in a global reboot of a cultural classic… Olly’s story is a reminder that African creativity is boundless — and unstoppable.A vibrant, comedic, and meaningful conversation filled with identity, art, hustle, culture, and laughter.

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.

Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.

One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America. Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots. Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry. One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of...

One 54 Podcast

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.

Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.

Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.

One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time 

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America. Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots. Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry. One54 - Celebrating Africa&rsquo;s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time&nbsp;

Olly Sholotan — actor, musician, producer, and the breakout star who redefined Carlton Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air — joins Akbar and Godfrey for a hilarious, soulful, and deeply honest conversation on One54. From Nigerian roots to Hollywood sets, Olly...

Olly Sholotan on Bel-Air, Nigerian Roots, Music Genius & Hollywood Hustle | One54

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9af38f9c-5121-4d5d-b2aa-b3a9015c89b7/transcript