Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has spoken about his journey from studying chemical engineering to becoming an actor.
In an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, the 44-year-old said his interest in the arts began while he was a science student in secondary school. He read literature books and took part in drama activities.
While studying chemical engineering at the university, he sold his mother’s bread and cakes.
After graduation, he joined her business for two years, selling at institutions including Babcock University and Yaba College of Technology.
“As I left school, my mum said I was so good at it and why not join her and help her sell. So, I joined her for 2 years and sold cakes. I would go to Babcock, Yabatech and a few others to sell bread and cakes. That thought me marketing for 10 years up until 2013,” he said.
He said the experience taught him marketing for 10 years, up until 2013.
Deyemi added that he was also involved in drama through a Christian campus fellowship.
He later heard about an audition, attended it and got two roles.
He also revealed that he once wanted to work as an on-air personality but did not get a response from the stations he approached.
His career formally began with a certificate from the New York Film Academy.
By 2011 he made his feature film debut in ZR-7: The Red House Seven and appeared in short films and web series like Blink, Gidi Up and Knock Knock.
In 2013 he committed to acting full time.
Since then, Deyemi has appeared in more than 50 productions across film, TV, theatre, commercials and music videos.
Notable works include Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Blood Sisters, Castle & Castle, Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman and Radio Voice released in 2025.
He also produces films, his 2024 debut, All’s Fair in Love, became popular on Prime Video and Three Working Days followed that same year.
Deyemi also worked behind the scenes.
He founded Covenant Entertainment Services in 2015, consulted for Silverbird Film Distribution and served as acting CEO during the pandemic before returning to full-time acting in 2021.
On screen, he is known for versatility and has been among the most featured Nigerian actors on streaming platforms.
He won Best Actor in a Short Film at the In-Short Film Festival (2013) and received award nominations from AMVCA, AFRIFF, AMAA, GMA, BON and others.
Outside acting, Deyemi Okanlawon refers to himself as a creative entrepreneur. He has mentioned that income from acting, brand deals and business investments have sustained him over time.
