Nollywood Star Deyemi Okanlawon Reflects on 2019 Exit from Acting Amid Frustrations Over Industry Quality and Pay

Popular Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has opened up about a pivotal moment in his career when he decided to step away from the film industry. Speaking on the CreativiTea podcast, the Nollywood star revealed that he temporarily quit acting in 2019, citing a profound sense of dissatisfaction with the financial rewards and the overall quality of productions within the industry at the time. His departure marked a significant shift as he opted to return to a traditional 9-to-5 corporate role to regain a sense of stability and professional fulfillment. Okanlawon's decision was driven by the realization that his passion for the craft was not translating into the standard of living or artistic satisfaction he desired. He highlighted a troubling trend in Nollywood where "noise"—referring to hype and social media presence—often receives more recognition and financial compensation than actual quality and talent. This imbalance made it increasingly difficult for him to justify the grueling demands of a full-time acting career when the industry's reward system appeared skewed against merit-based excellence. During his hiatus, the actor sought refuge in the corporate world, leveraging his professional skills outside of the entertainment sphere. He explained that the move was necessary because he felt unfulfilled by the projects available to him and the compensation packages offered to even top-tier talent. This period of reflection allowed him to reassess his career trajectory and the conditions under which he would be willing to return to the screen, emphasizing the importance of establishing sustainable career paths for creatives in Africa's largest film industry. Okanlawon's candid remarks shed light on the systemic challenges faced by many actors in Nollywood, where the glamour of the red carpet often masks the financial struggles behind the scenes. By speaking out, he joins a growing chorus of industry veterans calling for better structures, improved pay scales, and a shift in focus from viral moments to high-quality storytelling. His story serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action for stakeholders to address the economic realities of the profession to ensure that the industry continues to attract and retain high-caliber talent.