Akah Nnani Shares Gems At Del-York Creative Academy: Inspiring the Next Generation of Creatives!

Light, Camera, Excitement!

Excitement crackled in the air thicker than Lagos humidity. A full-blown jolt of inspiration and applause thrummed through the campus as Del-York Creative Academy welcomed the phenomenal media personality Akah Nnani– actor, filmmaker, and all-around creative powerhouse.  Del-York Creative Academy, each year, weaves a little magic into the curriculum, opening its doors to welcome a filmmaking genius, a titan of the industry,  to inspire the next generation of creatives, an infusion of experience and enthusiasm that ignites the creative spark within the DCA students.

Small Beginnings & Excellence

The conversations flowed like a languid breeze as the seasoned storyteller engaged the students with some questions on what impact they wanted to gain. From humble beginnings as a young chorister,  to now, he shared the stumbles, triumphs, and unwavering passion that propelled him forward. He spoke of the relentless pursuit of excellence, the importance of honing one’s craft, and the courage to carve a unique path: his words, each nugget of wisdom on the aspiring creatives’ journeys. There were bursts of laughter, moments of quiet reflection, and a shared sense of purpose that vibrated through the halls.

It’s Not Easy, But Not Impossible

Nnani didn’t shy away from the realities of the creative industry. He fielded questions with genuine warmth and seasoned answers with wit and wisdom. “You can’t control what other people do but you can control your response. As a filmmaker, build a thick skin. There is  a level of vulnerability, so be humble to accept critiques and learn and put it constructively”

He spoke of the challenges and moments of self-doubt that plagued him and even the most successful filmmakers but emphasized revisiting the past to know the “whys and hows” as they would help write the story and give the resilience needed to navigate the ebbs and flow of the dynamic industry.

Attitude: The reason many fail

He made a mental note of acknowledging your emotional character and being self-aware. “As a creative, your attitude either makes or mars you if you do not curb or master it.” Nnani dwelled on the entertainment industry being a business of people and everybody bringing value as a filmmaker,  you can soak inspiration and learn from absolutely anybody and anyone.

Embracing the Journey

As the session drew close, Nnani encouraged the aspiring DCA creatives to go out and face the world and unleash their creativity. They have to be ready and willing to remove self-preservation, admit their inner demon, and decide that they will win. He concluded by saying “The camera is an eavesdropper. Forget about the camera and give your best in every character, as there are no small roles. How you do or play the role is what makes it big.” In his words, a seed sown within the creatives that promises to yield a bountiful harvest of creative brilliance in the industry with their stories “ Be a rising star, not a shooting star as the voice of a storyteller is truly authentic to who you are.”