Veteran Actor Akin Lewis Recalls Being Labeled a Dropout for Choosing Acting Over Medicine
Veteran Nigerian actor Akin Lewis has opened up about the early challenges he faced in his career, particularly the harsh criticism he endured for choosing acting over more conventional professions such as medicine and engineering. In a heartfelt reflection, Lewis shared how these negative remarks only fueled his determination to succeed in the film industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Merit Awards
Lewis was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural edition of the Black Merit Awards, a platform dedicated to celebrating outstanding individuals of African descent who have shown excellence, innovation, and impact across various fields. The awards aim to highlight Black excellence while promoting leadership, creativity, and social advocacy on a global scale.
Speaking about his journey, Lewis recounted the discouragement he faced. “They called us dropouts because I was not a doctor, engineer, or anything like that,” he said. “For me, it became a lifetime objective. I went back to school and worked harder, even earning a doctorate degree. But I remained focused on acting. Today, I am grateful. We are not done yet; we are still here and still working.”
Yemi Solade Shares Similar Struggles
Joining Lewis in sharing his experiences, fellow actor Yemi Solade discussed the family resistance he encountered when he decided to pursue a career in the creative industry. Solade noted that despite initially being ostracized for not meeting family expectations, his perseverance has ultimately paid off.
“When I look back, I don’t regret working under Prof. Wole Soyinka,” Solade said. “My family initially distanced themselves from me, but today, I don’t even know who my number one fan is anymore. I’ve spent nearly 50 years in acting and I’m still going strong.” He also expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing the award as both significant and meaningful.
Black Merit Awards: A Global Beacon of Celebration
In her remarks, Toyin Black, the Chief Executive Officer of the Black Merit Awards, emphasized the platform's role as a bridge connecting Africa with the global diaspora and bringing international recognition to Black excellence. “Whether in Lagos, London, Atlanta, or Accra, the Black Merit Awards is a beacon of celebration,” she stated.
Black added, “Representation is not just visibility, it is validation. By recognising those who dare to lead, create, and uplift, we inspire pride, motivation, and cultural preservation.” She further explained that the awards aim to elevate and celebrate excellence worldwide by acknowledging individuals, organizations, and initiatives that shape the narrative of the Black experience globally.
The stories shared by Akin Lewis and Yemi Solade underscore the resilience required to overcome societal pressures and pursue one's passion in the arts. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring creatives facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief in achieving success.
