I’m Not Selfish – LilWin Explains Why He’s Bringing Actors Back on Set

Ghanaian Kumawood actor and producer Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, has criticised the growing comparison between professional movie actors and YouTubers or skit makers, insisting that actors who have contributed to the film industry should not be written off.

LilWin made the comments after welcoming a group of Nigerian movie stars who arrived in Ghana to join the cast of his upcoming international movie project, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu).

The Nigerian stars include veteran actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwo, alongside Mike Ezuruonye, Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko, among others. The production is being positioned as a collaboration between Ghanaian and Nigerian film talents.

According to LilWin, he is deliberately using his platform and resources to support colleagues in the Ghanaian movie industry, particularly actors who have not had regular opportunities to appear on set in recent years.

“I’m not selfish, and that’s why I’m supporting fellow actors who haven’t been on set for a long time.”

He argued that the decline in opportunities for traditional actors should not be interpreted as proof that YouTubers or skit makers have become bigger than established movie stars.

“Only in Ghana do people claim YouTubers are bigger than real movie stars.”

LilWin said professional actors and online content creators operate in different spaces, stressing that the achievements and contributions of established actors to Ghana’s film industry should not be overlooked.

He specifically referenced Nigerian stars such as Sabinus and Kanayo O. Kanayo, questioning whether Ghanaian YouTubers could simply be placed on the same level as actors who have built long careers through film.

For LilWin, the debate should instead focus on creating more opportunities for actors and strengthening Ghana’s movie industry.

The Kumawood star also spoke about his broader ambition of using filmmaking to promote Ghanaian culture and tourism to audiences beyond the country.

His latest project, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), takes its name from the famous Nzulezu stilt village in Ghana’s Western Region. The community is located on the Amansuri wetland and is traditionally accessed by canoe.

The choice of location allows the film to place one of Ghana’s distinctive cultural and tourism attractions at the centre of an international production.

LilWin has previously pursued similar Ghana-Nigeria collaborations through his film A Country Called Ghana, which featured Nigerian actors including Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum and Victor Osuagwu. His current project is expected to further expand that cross-border approach.

He has also previously spoken about the financial challenges facing Ghana’s movie industry and the need for greater investment in local productions.

In a separate part of his remarks, LilWin also highlighted what he sees as his achievements and influence within the Ghanaian entertainment space.

He said that when it comes to setting records in the industry, only major Ghanaian businessmen such as Osei Kwame Despite and Ibrahim Mahama could compete with him if they decided to enter the movie business.

“When it comes to setting industry records, only businessmen like Despite and Ibrahim Mahama can compete with me if they enter the industry.”

The statement reflects LilWin’s confidence in the scale of his activities as both an actor and producer.

With the arrival of the Nigerian stars, attention is now turning to the production of A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) and its attempt to combine Ghanaian locations and culture with established Nollywood talent.

LilWin maintained that the ultimate test should be the work itself.

“Let the person act, and then the work itself will speak for itself.”