Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, known widely as Lilwin, has addressed the uproar that followed his emotional reaction to the timing of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba’s candlelight vigil coinciding with his latest movie premiere.
The Creative Arts Agency held the tribute at Black Star Square on Saturday, August 2, 2025, the very same day Lilwin’s film Ibrahim Traoré was to be premiered in Kumasi. Initially, the actor labelled the overlap as “sabotage,” a remark that ignited fierce criticism from Ghanaians who accused him of putting personal ambition ahead of a national farewell to the music icon.
During an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Lilwin clarified that his frustration was never about competing with the vigil for attention or ticket sales, but about losing the chance to personally honour a man he deeply admired.
“Honestly, it wasn’t about losing ticket sales because the movie premiere had already gained massive attention. Promotions were going well and everyone knew something big was on the way. Unfortunately, just a week before the premiere, we lost our legend, Daddy Lumba, which was a heartbreaking moment for all of us.
“To my surprise, his candlelight vigil was scheduled on the same day as my premiere. I believe many Ghanaians didn’t realise this until I pointed it out. I didn’t mention it because of my movie, but because I’m a huge fan of Daddy Lumba and I deeply admire him.
“I was torn between my premiere and the vigil of my idol and people misunderstood me. I wasn’t angry because of my premiere, I was just hurt because I couldn’t be at the vigil. I wanted to pay my respects, too,” he explained.
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The controversy soon spiralled into darker territory, with online trolls accusing Lilwin of “ritual sacrifices” to secure box-office success, an allegation he called both hurtful and absurd.
“The accusations hurt me very much, but they made me stronger because anytime I listened to Daddy Lumba’s Yentie Obiaa, I was motivated to remain focused. I went on with the premiere and it was successful.”
That success was underscored by the presence of high-profile guests, including Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. David Kabré, who attended with a military delegation. Also present were Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, industry colleagues Vivian Jill, Dr Likee, Kyekyeku, and Kweku Flick, along with several business leaders.
In a highlight of the night, H.E. Kabré presented Lilwin with the Best Actor in Africa award, a gesture the actor described as unforgettable.
“I truly appreciate the honour and I was overjoyed because creating a movie about a country’s leader and he is so pleased that he sends his ambassador and military personnel to honour me, means a lot. That moment was priceless.
“Captain Ibrahim Traoré truly inspires me. I deeply appreciate him for the recognition and all the support he has given me,” he added.
