Renowned Nigerian actor, Deyemi Okanlawon has recounted a defining moment from his first trip to Ghana, where a lack of money for hotel accommodation unexpectedly became a turning point in his career.
In an exclusive interview with Ghana Weekend on Thursday September 25, Okanlawon recalled arriving in Ghana for the Ghana Movie Awards with only enough money for a flight ticket. With no funds for a hotel, he stayed up partying through the night until it was time to return to Nigeria.
“People thought I was the life of the party, but the truth was I didn’t have a place to stay. I partied all night until it was time to catch my flight back, and I slept on the plane,” he revealed.
The actor described the experience as a lesson in determination and planning, stressing that many in the industry wait passively for opportunities rather than actively creating them.
His persistence during that first visit paid off, as it led to key collaborations with Ghanaian filmmakers including Yvonne Nelson, Salma Mumin, and Pascal Amanfo, which helped shape his career in Ghana’s film industry.
Reflecting on his journey, Okanlawon said success requires self-awareness, goal setting, and the willingness to seize opportunities, regardless of the challenges.
