Reflecting on his career, Okanlawon acknowledged that while he had mastered his craft, he initially underestimated the importance of branding—a critical factor for longevity in the entertainment industry. He revealed that had he known better, he would have been more intentional about building his personal brand from the start.
“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, and then I became popular,” he shared.
The Power of Branding and Talent
Okanlawon emphasized that a strong brand, combined with talent, is essential for success in the entertainment industry. “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,” he said.
Despite his achievements, the actor admitted that navigating fame remains a challenge. “I don’t know if I am managing it (fame), but I am surviving acting,” he quipped.
Advice for Fellow Entertainers
Okanlawon also offered valuable advice to aspiring entertainers, stressing the importance of branding in building a sustainable career. “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,” he said.
Through his journey, Deyemi Okanlawon has not only established himself as a talented actor but also as a thoughtful voice on the intersection of artistry and personal branding in Nollywood.