Award-winning Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has recounted how he once spent an entire night dancing at an after-party because he could not afford hotel accommodation, as he picked up a major award at the 15th Ghana Movie Awards.

Okanlawon shared the story on Sunday, 7 June 2026, in Accra while accepting the Best African Collaboration award for his role in the film “Sukura” at the ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.

Reflecting on his journey, the Nollywood actor contrasted his current success with his first visit to Ghana in 2015, when financial constraints left him stranded without a place to stay after attending the awards.

“I had no money for a hotel,” he told the audience. “So I stayed at the after-party and danced through the night until morning, just so I could catch my flight back to Lagos.”

The actor described the experience as a defining moment in his career, using it to inspire others pursuing creative ambitions across Africa.

“Thank God for the gift of storytelling that we all share here today,” he said. “This award goes to every single person who has ever dreamt of being great.”

Okanlawon’s win for “Sukura” marks a full-circle moment, returning him to the same platform where he once struggled financially but now stands recognised among Africa’s leading film talents.

The 15th edition of the Ghana Movie Awards drew actors, filmmakers and industry stakeholders from across the continent, celebrating achievements in African cinema and cross-border collaborations.

For Okanlawon, the recognition underscores not just professional growth but personal resilience — turning what was once a night of survival into a symbol of success.

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