Deyemi: Movies, series are more financially rewarding

Deyemi Okanlawon is a Nigerian film, television, theatre and voice actor. He was born in Lagos to an aircraft engineer father, Adeyemi Okanlawon, and Adeyinka Okanlawon, a baker and entrepreneur, and had his elementary education at Taikenny Nursery and Primary School in Lagos, and secondary education at International School, Lagos. He went on to get a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Lagos. The former baker and sales and marketing executive also obtained a certificate in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy. While in the university, Okanlawon became an active member of drama groups and made his feature film debut in the 2010 movie, ZR-7. He has since featured in over 50 films including ‘Beyond Blood’, ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’, ‘Road To Yesterday’, ‘No Man’s Land’ and ‘Gidi Up’. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, he shares his passion for acting and lifestyle.

Share with us your sojourn into acting
While I was in school, I was a part of a faith-based drama group and also ran a business selling cake and bread on campus. This led me into selling and marketing after school. Sometime in 2010 during a sales call, I got into a conversation where I was informed about an audition, which led me to being cast in two movies. I eventually resigned as head of marketing at OLX Nigeria and switched to a full-time career as an actor in 2013.

You always play your roles passionately and intensely. How are you able to do this?
As a child, whenever I read books or watched movies, I always pictured myself as being inside the movie, not watching from outside, and was always keenly interested in each character and why or how they behaved in certain ways. I started to look at people around me the same way and took interest in human behaviour, hence each character that I play represents one I’ve experienced either in reality, in movies or books, or purely from my imagination, and with whom I have a deep connection.

In your nine years career in the movie industry, you evolved so well. What prepared you and how are you able to maintain this standard for yourself?
My entire life, from my family, education, relationships, successes, failures, and most importantly my faith, prepared me for a life as an actor. Knowing who I am and having a clear vision of the life I want to live helped and still helps guide my choices.

You have both stage and TV series, film and voice acting to your credit. Which of them do you consider your favourite and comfort zone?
I have no favourite or comfort zones. As long as I find the project appealing and challenging, I would put in the amount of work required to excel, no matter the platform. Having said that, movies and series are more financially rewarding.

What new project are you working on and what should we be expecting from you?
Everyone should look out for two Netflix originals in which I feature – The King’s Horseman and Blood Sisters. I am also working, as a producer, on a slate of four film projects, which are at various levels of development.

How would you define your style?
My style is a direct reflection of my personality – classy and conservative with a touch of edginess.

What does fashion mean to you?
If style is a personal signature that reflects personality, then fashion is the set of colourful pens you use when signing. Fashion follows trends but ultimately it’s meant to embellish one’s style.

What is your favourite outfit?
I have none really. I’m as comfortable in a three-piece pin-striped power suit as I am in a full-on Aso-Oke Agbada traditional attire. As long as the style, design and fit command attention, I’m fine.

What is your favourite local dish?
This is hard! My go to favourite meal is Amala, Gbegiri and Ewedu with goat meat. But I can easily swap that with pounded yam and Ofe Nsala or Banga and starch.

What key lessons have you gained so far?
Dream big, and when afraid, dream bigger to conquer fear. Find your purpose, determine your desires, set goals and take responsibility for others. Seek wise counsel and have mentors. Expect failure but don’t let it stop you, don’t let it discourage you, don’t let it hold you down for too long. Your mental and physical health is your greatest asset. Strive for excellence and to be the best in all you do. Let the successes and achievements of others inspire you but never treat them as god or be intimidated – you are your fiercest and only competition.
Describe Deyemi in three words
Compassionate, excellent, innovative.

What changes do you hope to see in the industry?
With the current conversations and activities going on amongst stakeholders in Nollywood, a lot of the changes I want to see are already being implemented and a stronger, more profitable, more recognised, more vibrant, higher quality and self-regulated industry is not too far off.

What is your philosophy of life?
Never limit the size of your God-given dream to the current level of your life, your environment and the work of your hands.