What I didn’t know about fame – Deyemi Okanlawon

Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon has reflected on his journey to fame, admitting that while he always aspired to be a great actor, he never anticipated the complexities of stardom.

Taking a retrospective look at his career in a chat with Saturday Beats, he acknowledged that while he had mastered his craft, he initially overlooked the importance of branding—a crucial element for longevity in the industry. He admitted that had he known, he would have been more intentional about his brand.

He stated, “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 emphasised that a strong brand, coupled with talent, is the key to success in entertainment. “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.”

Despite his success, Deyemi revealed that navigating fame remains a challenge. “I don’t know if I am managing it (fame), but I am surviving acting”, he said

Encouraging fellow entertainers, he added, “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.”

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