Kumawood actor and producer Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, has voiced his disappointment over the lack of media promotion for his new film, Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero.
The film, which had its second premiere on 16 August 2025 at the Eusbett Hotel Cinema in Sunyani, has, according to Lil Win, been ignored by Ghanaian media outlets.
In a heartfelt video message, the actor stood beside his GH¢1.2 million 2024 RAM 1500 truck, branded with stickers of the movie, and lamented the absence of coverage. He explained that despite premiering the film in Sunyani, no local television or entertainment-focused station had taken notice.
Lil Win revealed that between 22 and 24 August 2025, he spent time monitoring all the major entertainment channels in the country, hoping his project would be discussed. Unfortunately, he claimed, none of them mentioned the film.
Expressing his frustration, he said: “The movie has been nominated as the Best Movie in Africa at the Switzerland Festival Awards, yet no television station in the country talked about it.”
The Kumawood star further stressed that his disappointment stems from the fact that the movie has received international recognition, but still, the Ghanaian media has remained silent on its success.
Earlier this month, Lil Win disclosed that he had invested nearly $1 million into the project, covering both production and promotion. The movie was first premiered in Kumasi on 2 August 2025.
He insisted that no Ghanaian filmmaker had ever made such a significant financial commitment to a single project, describing his effort as “a bold step to raise the standard of Ghanaian cinema.”
Ghana’s media landscape tends to prioritize sensationalism—scandals, feuds, or gossip—over substance. This trend often sidelines serious efforts within the creative industry, especially in film.
When actors or producers release high-budget or well-crafted projects, they frequently don’t receive the media push needed to reach larger local audiences.
The actor’s outburst isn’t just about his film — it’s about demanding respect and recognition for Ghanaian creative labor.
If the media doesn’t step up to highlight and promote local films and talents, the industry risks stagnation. Journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media houses need to become active collaborators in the growth of Ghana’s creative sector.
Promoting local success stories, featuring Ghanaian films, and spotlighting artistic excellence must become part of the national agenda — not an afterthought.
The Kumawood actor’s criticism opens the door for an important national conversation: if Ghana is to build a globally competitive film industry, it needs its media on board — not as passive observers, but as active cheerleaders.
Reactions To Lil Win’s Plea
Some people highlighted that the timing of the release of the movie was not favourable since there had been national issues, such as the passing of the legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba on July 26, 2025, and the military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom on August 6, 2025.
The other issues that some of his fans highlighted that overshadowed the release of his movie were dancehall musician Shatta Wale’s legal troubles with Economic and Organised Crime (EOCO).
davidfshady8 said: “Don’t mind them, ok, we love you 🔥🔥.”
mercy_dwomoh said: “It’s very sad we don’t support each other.”
rate_je_mappelle said: “Watch to the end 😂😂 this guy is never serious. He’ll get you angry and later make you laugh. Meadow for a reason 🙌.”
yeh_iam_joel said: “Shatta Wale was arrested. Our minds were there instead.”
midwife_nyarkogh said: “Hmmmm😢 Ghana dieer hmmmm we don’t support our own at allll😢😢😢.”
raymondstylo8 said: “We love you more and more, never mind them, you will go higher and higher❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
bentilsmith1 said: “Captain, some of the good people in Ghana have seen your good work and we appreciate your efficacy as well as bravery to the movie industry on international levels.”
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