Lil Win Aims to Feature Hollywood Stars in His Films

After successfully featuring prominent Nollywood actors in his recent film A Country Called Ghana, Kumawood actor and film producer Lil Win has revealed plans to enhance his next movie, A Journey to Africa, by casting Hollywood stars. However, despite his optimism, Lil Win acknowledges that his dream of bringing Hollywood talent to Ghanaian cinema hinges on securing substantial financial backing from either the government or private investors.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, February 24, 2025, Lil Win, born Kwadwo Nkansah, expressed his belief that funding is the primary obstacle standing in the way of his ambition. “I am fully aware that some people may doubt my goals, but I am confident in my abilities,” he said. “With the right financial support from private investors or the government, I know I can bring Hollywood actors on board for A Journey to Africa.”

Lil Win’s desire to see the Ghanaian film industry reach new heights is a key motivator behind his appeal for financial assistance. He stressed that his goal isn’t just to achieve personal success, but to contribute to the growth and global recognition of Ghanaian cinema. “I want to see our industry flourish and remain relevant on the international stage, and that’s why I am reaching out for help,” he explained.

In 2024, Lil Win’s production company, Weezy Empire, attracted significant attention with the release of A Country Called Ghana, which featured top Nollywood stars such as Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum, and Victor Osuagwu (also known as Awilo Sharp Sharp). Lil Win shared that he paid the lead actor, Ramsey Nouah, a whopping $40,000 (GHS 621,241) and invested an additional $100,000 in marketing and promotional efforts. This included purchasing a branded vehicle to help advertise the film.

Reflecting on the financial strain of such an undertaking, Lil Win acknowledged that securing the necessary funds remains the biggest hurdle in his pursuit of higher-profile stars. “Everything comes down to money. If I had the funds, no actor would turn down my offer,” he said. “Unfortunately, at this moment, I do not have that kind of money.”

Despite the challenges facing the Ghanaian film sector, which has been struggling due to a lack of investment, Lil Win encouraged fellow actors to take initiative and explore opportunities in production. He advised them not to wait passively for roles to come their way but to take the reins as producers or directors if they have the resources. “The industry is facing difficult times, primarily because of limited investment, which has forced many of us to fund our own projects,” he noted. “I encourage my colleagues to take action—don’t wait for a producer to offer you a role. If you have the means, create your own movie.”

Lil Win proudly pointed out that all of his films and TV productions have been self-funded, underscoring the significance of his personal investment in the Ghanaian film industry. “All of my projects, from movies to TV productions, were funded entirely by me. So, imagine the level of quality I could achieve with the backing of an investor,” he said.

One of Lil Win’s proudest accomplishments is A Country Called Ghana, which he believes showcases the potential of the Ghanaian film industry. “I consider A Country Called Ghana to be one of the best productions in recent times, alongside I Told You So,” he said. The film has earned several accolades, including Best Indigenous Film at the 2024 Nollywood Film Festival, and Best Production Design and Best Make-Up at the 2024 Imo International Film Festival. A Country Called Ghana was also nominated for Movie of the Year at the 2024 Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF).

The movie will begin screening on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Silverbird Cinemas, and Lil Win is urging movie lovers to attend and support the film. He believes the film’s success can help elevate Ghanaian cinema to new heights, especially with the right investment and support from the public and private sectors.

In conclusion, Lil Win’s vision for A Journey to Africa and his dream of featuring Hollywood stars in the film highlight his commitment to expanding the reach of Ghanaian cinema. While financial constraints remain a significant challenge, Lil Win’s persistence, passion for the industry, and belief in his ability to deliver high-quality productions continue to fuel his determination to push boundaries and elevate the global profile of Ghanaian filmmaking.