Award-winning Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has recounted how he had to dance at the after-party of the 2015 Ghana Movie Awards because he had no money to stay in a hotel.
The Nollywood actor shared this emotional throwback while picking up his award for the Best African Collaboration in the movie “Sukura” at the 15th Ghana Movie Awards that happened in Accra on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Kempinski Hotel.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings in the Pan-African film space, the actor dedicated his win to dreamers across the continent.
He contrasted his current success with his first trip to Ghana eleven years prior, disclosing that financial constraints forced him to improvise just to attend the ceremony.
“Thank God for the gift of storytelling that we all share here today,” Okanlawon stated during his acceptance speech.
“This award goes to every single person who has ever dreamt of being great,” he added.
Okanlawon detailed how a lack of funds left him stranded with no lodging options after landing in Accra for the 2015 event.
Instead of letting the situation deter him, he used the event’s official afterparty as a temporary shelter.
He stayed awake dancing through the night until daylight broke, allowing him to check in for his morning flight back to Lagos.
The 15th edition of the star-studded awards scheme marked Okanlawon’s third time attending the event.
His victory for Sukura highlighted a full-circle moment in his career, transforming a location once filled with financial hardship into a stage for regional recognition.
Watch the video below:
🇳🇬Nigerian actor ,Deyemi Okanlawon wins Best Actor African Collaboration with the movie , Sukura . #Ghanaweekend#15thGhanaMovieAwards pic.twitter.com/wBIPM1HjJc
— Ghana Weekend (@GhanaWeekend) June 8, 2026
