The journey to success is rarely linear, and for veteran Nigerian actor Akin Lewis, the road was paved with skepticism and doubt. Looking back on his early days in the film industry, Lewis recounted how friends and family questioned his decision to pursue acting over conventional careers such as medicine or engineering.
Honoured recently with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Black Merit Awards, Lewis said the criticism he faced only fueled his determination to excel. “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.”
The Black Merit Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of individuals of African descent across sectors including arts, science, enterprise, and social advocacy, aim to highlight Black excellence while fostering leadership, creativity, and positive social impact.
Lewis was joined at the ceremony by fellow veteran actor Yemi Solade, who shared his own experience of pursuing a creative career despite initial family opposition. “When I look back, I don’t regret working under Prof. Wole Soyinka. 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,” Solade said, reflecting on decades of dedication to the craft.
Toyin Black, CEO of the Black Merit Awards, emphasized the broader mission of the platform: connecting Africa with the global diaspora while amplifying international recognition of Black achievement. “Whether in Lagos, London, Atlanta, or Accra, the Black Merit Awards is a beacon of celebration,” she said. “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.”
The awards underscore the importance of acknowledging individuals, organisations, and initiatives shaping the narrative of the Black experience worldwide—showcasing the resilience, talent, and vision that define generations of African excellence.