Popular Nollywood star Bolanle Ninolowo is no stranger to fame, but for him, the spotlight is only a means to a bigger end. Known by fans as Makanaki, Ninolowo is redefining what it means to be a successful entertainer in Nigeria’s booming film industry. In a recent interview with The Nation, the actor revealed that his journey has been shaped not just by talent, but by grace, intention, and a calculated approach to personal branding.

Beyond the Screen: The Actor as a Brand

For Ninolowo, the glitz and glamour of Nollywood are not ends in themselves but tools in a broader strategy to build a legacy. “Yes, first is grace, and then two is positioning,” he said. “My brand is very important to me. I’m not just an actor, I’m a business actor.”

This distinction, he explained, is what sets him apart in an industry crowded with talent. To him, being a recognizable face on screen is only half the story; what matters more is how audiences connect with the identity behind the roles.

Building the Makanaki Persona

Over the past decade, Ninolowo has carved out a space for himself not just through memorable roles, but through a distinct public image. His nickname Makanaki has become more than just a character—it’s a cultural stamp.

“Maybe you can tell me how many actors in the last decade the industry has been able to brand in a way that people call them by a name outside of their acting name,” he posed rhetorically. “So, when you say Maka, see how everybody reacts? That is the brand.”

Rather than appearing in every available project, Ninolowo said he’s focused on maintaining the value of his brand through selectivity and strategy. “How many more films do I have to act in for you to know who I am?” he quipped.

Branding Over Fame

In a fast-moving entertainment industry, where public attention is often short-lived, the actor insists that fame without direction is a wasted opportunity. “Film comes out and it goes. So build a brand,” he advised. “Do something that gives you a name you can leverage. Think about your positioning. It’s very, very key. It’s not just acting.”

Ninolowo’s approach underscores a growing shift in Nollywood, where savvy actors are blending art with enterprise. For him, every appearance—whether on screen or in public—is an opportunity to reinforce a personal brand that outlives any single role.

A Business-Minded Entertainer

As Nollywood continues to evolve and attract global attention, Ninolowo’s emphasis on branding and positioning speaks to the growing need for actors to think beyond the camera. His story offers a blueprint for aspiring entertainers: talent opens the door, but strategy keeps it open.

In his words, success is “not just jumping from set to set,” but understanding the value of presence, reputation, and long-term visibility.

Bolanle Ninolowo is not just playing characters—he’s playing the long game.