Rwanda: Nigerian leading Actor-Producers Deyemi & Etimeffiong are in Kigali

Renowned Nigerian actors Deyemi Okanlawon and Daniel Etim Effiong have begun a working visit to Kigali aimed at exploring investment opportunities in Rwanda’s cinema industry as part of their efforts to expand their ventures.

These actors, who have gained fame through various films streamed on Netflix, arrived in Kigali on Friday, July 5, 2024, and their visit is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.It is their first time in Kigali, and on Saturday, July 6, 2024, they toured different parts of the city, especially the surroundings of the hotel where they are staying, engaging in various activities including hiking.

On the night of Sunday, July 7, 2024, the actors held a special meeting with notable individuals including actor Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy, who is involved in organizing the Mashariki African Film Festival, and Hakizimana Peter, the Director of Ikirenga Art and Culture Promotion, among more than 10 others, with the aim of exploring investment opportunities.

The discussions focused on showcasing the journey of Rwanda’s cinema industry, its progress, and the various initiatives aimed at supporting those involved in the sector.

Hakizimana Peter told Local News Outlet that the discussions concluded with the actors committing to visit Ikirenga Art and Culture Promotion to observe their operations.

The pair paid a courtesy visit to Ikirenga Arts and Cultural Promotion Headquarters, July 08, 2024 and gained a lot of knowledge about the entertainment industry in Rwanda and how the organization is impacting the next generation of creators.

Brief knowledge about the pair

Deyemi is followed by over 1 million people and has made 3003 posts on his Instagram account.He gained significant fame through films such as *Omo Ghetto: The Saga*, *Blood Sisters*, *King of Boys: The Return of the King*, among others.

Between 2020 and 2021, he was listed among the top-earning actors in the Nollywood industry.Deyemi attended both secondary school and university in Nigeria and holds a degree in film production.

In various media interviews, he has expressed that he found his passion for cinema at a young age. At the age of 5, he acted in an ‘end-of-year’ film while he was in primary school.

At nine years old, he also participated in television productions. However, he states that he solidified his name in the industry after acting in the film *ZR-7* in 2010, followed by *A Grain of Wheat*.

Since 2013, he has acted in over 50 films, which have helped him win major awards in the cinema industry.While Daniel Etim Effiong is followed by over 766,000 people on Instagram and describes himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent actors who have accumulated numerous awards.

He also participates in hosting various events and film production.He was born and raised in Jaji, Nigeria, but has also lived in countries including Benin. His father, Moses Effiong, was a member of the Nigerian Armed Forces.Daniel completed his education in Nigeria, focusing mainly on film production.

In 2017, he produced a five-minute film called *Prey* that aired on television, funded by his wife, Toyosi, and featuring actors such as Tope Tedela and Odenike Odetola.In 2019, he starred in a film alongside notable actors like Sarah Hassan and Catherine Kamau Karanja called *Plan B*.

This film earned him a nomination at the 7th AMVCA Awards in 2020.He also starred in the film *Fish Bone*, produced by Editi Effiong, alongside Shaffy Bello and Moshood Fattah.

In 2020, he directed the documentary film *Skin*, which was streamed on Netflix.

Peter Hakizimana (Left) Ikirenga Director and Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy who is a Festival Director welcomed Deyemi and Etimeffiong to HQ. [IsmartHouse/2024]

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