Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, has opened up about his rise to stardom, revealing that while he always aspired to be an outstanding actor, he never fully grasped the complexities that come with fame.
In a conversation with Saturday Beats, Okanlawon admitted that although he had mastered the art of acting, he initially underestimated the significance of branding—a key factor for sustaining a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Looking back, he acknowledged that a more strategic approach to branding would have positively influenced his career trajectory.
“I wanted to act but didn’t know anything about fame. I wanted to be a great actor. Becoming famous is a totally different kettle of fish for me. I wish I knew I should have been more intentional about my brand. I knew the craft, but the one thing I didn’t know much about was branding. But when I did, it started working better, then I became popular,” he shared.
He emphasized that true success in the entertainment industry requires both talent and a strong personal brand.
“The best kind of guy is the person who has both talent and the brand, and that’s what I am working on. You either be so good in your craft that you start working on your brand or do both simultaneously,” he added.
Despite his achievements, Okanlawon admitted that handling fame is still an ongoing challenge.
“I don’t know if I am managing it (fame), but I am surviving acting,” he noted.
Offering advice to fellow entertainers, he stressed the importance of branding in career longevity.
“I would advise this anytime—as an entertainer, work on your brand so you become so popular that they call you to act and also to promote the film. It is more about branding,” he concluded.
