Deyemi Okanlawon (born 19 April 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian film, television, theatre, and voice actor.[1] He is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic talents in the Nigerian film industry, earning the distinction of being the highest-grossing Nollywood actor of 2020 and 2021, according to the Film One Box Office report.[2][3] Deyemi is best known for his roles in Netflix Originals, including Blood Sisters, The King’s Horseman, King of Boys: The Return of the King, Lisabi, as well as major blockbusters like Omo Ghetto: The Saga,[4] Prophetess, and All’s Fair in Love.[5][6]
Deyemi Okanlawon | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Deyemi Okanlawon | |
| Born | Adeyemi Okanlawon 19 April 1981 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Education | Chemical Engineering, Acting For Film |
| Alma mater | University of Lagos, Delyork Creative Academy |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Producer |
| Years active | 2010 – present |
| Website | www |
Early life
editBorn in Lagos, Deyemi Okanlawon is the son of Adeyemi Okanlawon, an aircraft engineer, and Adeyinka Okanlawon, a baker and entrepreneur. He began his education at Taikenny Nursery and Primary School and later attended the International School, Lagos. He also obtained a degree in Chemical engineering from the University of Lagos. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Acting for Film from the Delyork Creative Academy.[7][8][8]
Career
editOkanlawon's journey into acting began at the tender age of five when he starred in a school play. By the age of nine, he had already appeared in a nationally syndicated television commercial alongside industry veterans Kunle Bamtefa and Sola Sobowale. While studying at the University of Lagos, he became an active participant in drama groups. After graduation, he worked as a sales and marketing executive in industries like FMCG.[9][10]
In 2010, he made his feature film debut in ZR-7 and also starred in the short film A Grain of Wheat. His performances in short films and web series, such as Gidi Up,[11] Blink, and Knock Knock, gained recognition. By 2012, he had become a rising star in Nigeria.[12][13]
In 2013, Deyemi made the bold decision to focus on acting full-time. Since then, he has appeared in over 50 films, TV series, theatre productions, music videos, and commercials. His work has earned him nominations and awards from such as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), Ghana Movie Awards (GMA), BON, In-Short, and City People awards.[14][15]
In 2015, Okanlawon founded Covenant Entertainment Services, a full-service production advisory, marketing consulting, and talent management firm. The company later served as a consultant for Silverbird Film Distribution. In 2019, Deyemi took up the role of marketing manager at Silverbird and then the head of Nollywood and independent movie distribution. In 2020, during the pandemic, he briefly stepped in as acting CEO before returning to acting full-time in 2021.[16]
Deyemi's range as an actor was further demonstrated in 2017 with his performance in the romantic comedy-drama Scars, directed by Tope Alake, where he starred alongside Lilian Esoro and Chelsea Eze, marking his entry into the romantic comedy genre.[8][16]
In 2020, he played a supporting role in Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which became Nigeria's top-grossing film, earning over ₦187 million, according to the Nigerian Box Office yearbook.[17]
In 2022, Okanlawon appeared in Blood Sisters, Nigeria's first Netflix Original Series, which premiered on 5 May 2022.[18] He also starred in Elesin Oba: The King's Horseman, the first Yoruba-language film to be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival. That same year, he received his first Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) nomination for Best Actor in a comedy for his role in Omo Ghetto: The Saga, further solidifying his place in contemporary Nigerian cinema.[19]
In 2024, after a decade in the industry, Deyemi leveraged his extensive sales and marketing expertise and his on-screen experience to produce his debut film, All’s Fair in Love. This romantic comedy, starring Timini Egbuson and Buhle Samuels, achieved tremendous commercial success, grossing over ₦130 million at the West African box office. The film was also licensed to Prime Video, where it became the second most-watched Nollywood title of 2024.[16]
Deyemi's second film Three Working Days premiered in Nigerian cinemas on 18 October 2024. Directed by Ikechukwu Jerry Ossai and produced by Bleeding Art Production in collaboration with FilmOne Studios, the film is a heist thriller that follows a father's quest to secure a stable future for his family amid an economic crisis. The cast includes Nancy Isime, Femi Adebayo, Uzor Arukwe and Mike Ezuruonye.[20][21]
Personal life
editOkanlawon got married in January 2013.[16] On 10 July 2016, Okanlawon and his wife Damilola welcomed their first child.[22]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | ZR-7 | Alabi | Udoka & Olufemi | Principal (Feature Film) |
| Grain of Wheat | Saviour | Daniel & Ruyi | Lead Role/Short Film | |
| 2011 | Dependence | Dayo | Brian Wilson | Lead/Short Film |
| 2012 | 6:30PM | Ghost | Tonye Faloughi | Short Film/Supporting Role |
| Journey To Self | Ex lover | Tope Oshin-Ogun | Feature Film alongside Ashionye Raccah, Katherine Obiang, Dakore Akande, Tina Mba and more | |
| Blink | Husband | Tolu Ajayi | Lead Role/Short Film | |
| Gidi Up Season 1 | Tokunbo | Jade Osiberu | Lead/Series | |
| 2013 | Kpians: The Feast of Souls | Eric | Stanlee Ohikhuare | Sub-Lead/Feature Film alongside Kiki Omeili and Ashionye Ugboh-Raccah |
| Kpians Premonition | Eric | Stanlee Ohikhuare | Sub-Lead/Web | |
| Gidi Up II | Tokunbo | Jade Osiberu | Lead/Series | |
| Oblivious | Charles | Stanlee Ohikhuare | Feature Film | |
| 2014 | Dowry I | Demola | Victor Sanchez | Lead Role/Series |
| Lekki Wives III | Hassan | Blessing Egbe | Supporting Role/Series | |
| A Place Called Happy | Dele | LowlaDee | Feature Film | |
| Perfect Imperfection | Kanmi | Ehizojie Ojesebholo | Lead Role/Feature Film | |
| Friends and Lovers | Frank | Yemi Morafa | Feature Film | |
| A Few Good Men | Wale | Ejiro Onobrakpor | Feature Film featuring Joseph Benjamin | |
| Vanity's Last Game | Justin | Ehizojie Ojesebholo | Feature Film | |
| 2015 | Dowry II | Demola | Victor Sanchez | Feature Film featuring Iretiola Doyle |
| If Tomorrow Never Comes | Kay | Pascal Amanfo | Feature Film featuring Yvonne Nelson | |
| Road To Yesterday | Michael | Ishaya Bako | Feature Film featuring Majid Michel and Genevieve Nnaji | |
| All Of Me | Chris | Okey Ifeanyi | Feature Film | |
| Undercover Lover | Mr Roberts | Okey Ifeanyi | Feature Film | |
| 2016 | Desperate Housegirls 2 & 3 | Femi | Sukanmi Adebayo & Akin-Tijani | Supporting Role/Series |
| Tobi | Ha.foo.sa | Niyi Akinmolayan | Animated Series | |
| It's About Your Husband | Kay | Bunmi Ajakaiye | Feature Film | |
| Madam Caitlyn | Dr Sam | - | Feature film | |
| Asawana | Sere | Diminas Dagogo | Feature Film | |
| Dinner | Richard 'Richie' Boyo | Jay Franklin Jituboh | Feature Film featuring Iretiola Doyle and Richard Mofe Damijo | |
| 2017 | The Royal Hibiscus Hotel | Martin | Ishaya Bako | |
| 2018 | The Devil in Between | Frank | Pascal Amanfo | Drama |
| 2019 | Pandora's Box | Tope Alake | ||
| Two Weeks in Lagos | Joshua | Kathryn Fasegha | ||
| 2020 | Rise of the Saints | Wale | Samuel O. Olateru | |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Femi Stone | JJC Skillz | Produced by Funke Akindele | |
| 2021 | King of Boys: The Return of the King[23] | Adetola Fashina | Kemi Adetiba | Netflix original limited series |
| Swallow | Sanwo | Kunle Afolayan | ||
| Castle & Castle | Kwabena Mills | |||
| Prophetess | Fogo Bombastic | Niyi Akinmolayan | ||
| 2022 | Blood Sisters | Kola | Biyi Bandele | Netflix original limited series |
| 2022 | Elesin Oba, The King's Horseman | Olunde | Biyi Bandele | Netflix and Ebonylife TV co-production |
| 2023 | Domino Effect | Kola | Freddie George | |
| 2024 | Timini | Timini | Chibuike Ibe | Action |
| 2024 | Dead Serious | Deremi | Moses Inwang | Comedy |
Awards
edit| Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | In-Short Film Festival | Best Actor in a Short Film - Supporting Role in an English language film (Married but Living Single) | Deyemi Okanlawon (Blink) | Won | |
| Best Short Film | Blink | Nominated | |||
| Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards (AMVCA) | Best New Media Online Video | Kpians Premonition | Won | ||
| AFRINOLLY | Best Animation | In Iredu | Won | ||
| 2015 | Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards | Revelation of the Year | Deyemi Okanlawon (If Tomorrow Never Comes) | Won | |
| GMA Awards | Best Actor, African Collaboration | Deyemi Okanlawon (If Tomorrow Never Comes) | Won | ||
| 2016 | GMA Awards | Best Actor, African Collaboration | Deyemi Okanlawon (No Man's Land) | Won | |
| Best Actor in a Drama Series | Deyemi Okanlawon (An African City) | Nominated | |||
| 2019 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Supporting Actor –English | Deyemi Okanlawon (Levi) | Nominated | [24] |
| 2022 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actor in A Comedy | Deyemi Okanlawon (Omo Ghetto: The Saga ) | Nominated | [25] |
References
edit- ^ Oloruni, Sola (25 February 2021). "Deyemi Okanlawon, Broda Shaggi, Falz, 2 other highest-grossing actors in Nollywood". Legit.ng. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
- ^ Okoroji, Kelvin (5 March 2022). "Deyemi Okanlawon beats RMD, AY Comedian, others as highest grossing actor". QED. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
- ^ Trin, Mercy (12 March 2022). "Deyemi Okanlawon sparks reactions with pregnant woman in Ghana". Kemi Filani News. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ Nwogu, Precious (5 April 2021). "'Omo Ghetto- The Saga' was unlike anything I have ever done as an actor- Deyemi Okanlawon". PulseNG. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (21 May 2022). "Blood Sisters- Deyemi Okanlawon, Gabriel Afolayan, Genevova Umeh speak on roles". The Nation Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ Adekanye, Modupeoluwa (26 July 2021). "KING OF BOYS- THE RETURN OF THE KING' COMES TO NETFLIX AS 7-EPISODE SERIES". The Guardian Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
- ^ Izuzu, Chidumga (19 March 2016). "9 things you should know about talented actor". PulseNG. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 October 2016.
- ^ a b c Vitae, Style (19 February 2015). "DEYEMI OKANLAWON'S FIVE THINGS THIS WEEK". Style Vitae. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ Adekanye, Modupe (18 April 2021). "DEYEMI OKANLAWON - EXPLORING GOLD MINES IN ACTING". The Guardian Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Izuzu, Chibumga (19 April 2016). "9 things you should know about talented actor". PulseNG. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Gidi cast on The Juice, Ndanitv, Retrieved 6 October 2016.
- ^ "The EbonyLife and Times of Deyemi Okanlawon". ebonylifetv.com. Lagos, Nigeria. 26 May 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ Ibaka, TV (16 May 2016). "Adeyemi Okanlawon". IbakaTV.com. Lagos, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ Royal, David (9 May 2022). "AMVCA 2022- Movies, actors that got double nominations". Vanguard Newspaper. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
- ^ "Beast Of No Nation wins big at Ghana Movie Awards 2015".
- ^ a b c d Izuzu, Chidumga (11 November 2014). ""My Wife is My Woman Crush Forever" - Deyemi Okanlawon". PulseNG. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ "Meet the leading male faces of Nollywood - Daily Trust". Daily Trust. 6 July 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
- ^ Edeme, Victoria (8 May 2022). "Acting in Blood Sisters drained me mentally - Deyemi Okanlawon". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
- ^ "Blood Sisters: Deyemi Okanlawon, Gabriel Afolayan, Genevova Umeh speak on roles".
- ^ ADEKUNLE, MUSA (25 October 2024). "5 films hitting the cinemas this weekend". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (26 October 2024). "Jerry Ossai's 3 working days grosses N14.8 million in opening week". Nairametrics. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^ Showemimo, Adedayo (12 July 2016). "Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon welcomes first child". TheNetNG. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ Adekanye, Modupe (26 July 2021). "King Of Boys: The Return Of The King Returns As 7-Episode Series". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ Bada, Gbenga (15 December 2019). "BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ "2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 26 March 2022.