Ghanaian actor and producer Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win, has unveiled an ambitious new project that continues his push to bridge Kumawood and Nollywood. In a recent announcement, the Kumawood star confirmed that a roster of prominent Nigerian actors will arrive in Ghana on September 30, 2026, to begin work on his second major international film, titled A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu).
The cast includes veteran performers Kanayo O. Kanayo, Patience Ozokwor (widely known as Mama G), Mike Ezuruonye, Zubby Michael, Destiny Etiko, and several other Nollywood names. Their arrival marks a significant collaboration between the two West African film industries and builds directly on the success of Lil Win’s previous crossover project, A Country Called Ghana.
That earlier film, released in 2024, featured Nigerian stars Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum, and Victor Osuagwu alongside Ghanaian talent. It earned festival recognition in Nigeria and screenings on international platforms, including Ethiopian Airlines flights, showing Lil Win’s growing ability to attract regional audiences and distribution. A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) represents the next step in that trajectory.
The title references Nzulezu (also spelled Nzulezo), the unique stilt village built over the Amansuri wetland in Ghana’s Western Region. Known as “the people living on water,” the community traces its origins to migrants who settled on the lake centuries ago. The village remains a major cultural and tourist attraction, accessible only by canoe through mangrove forests and wetlands.
By setting the story there, Lil Win appears intent on highlighting one of Ghana’s most distinctive landmarks while crafting a narrative with broader African appeal.
Details of the plot have not been fully showed, but the project is positioned as an international production under Lil Win’s Weezy Empire banner. The actor has previously spoken about his desire to elevate Ghanaian cinema by securing high-profile talent and improving production standards.
In earlier interviews, he expressed interest in eventually attracting Hollywood names, though he acknowledged that funding remains the primary barrier. For now, the focus is on solidifying partnerships within Africa.
Public Reaction
Lil Win’s approach has drawn mixed reactions in the past. Some critics questioned the heavy use of Nigerian stars in A Country Called Ghana, arguing that local talent should take center stage. He responded by noting that the majority of the crew and cast remained Ghanaian and that cross-border collaborations help expand the market for both industries. The new lineup suggests he remains committed to that strategy.
The Nigerian actors named for A Journey to Africa bring substantial experience and fan bases. Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor are long-standing figures in Nollywood, known for dramatic and maternal roles that have defined entire eras of Nigerian cinema. Mike Ezuruonye rose to prominence in the 2000s and stays a recognizable face.
Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko represent a more recent generation of popular performers who command strong online followings and consistent box-office or streaming attention. Their collective presence is expected to generate significant pre-release interest across Ghana and Nigeria.
Production is scheduled to begin shortly after the actors’ arrival at the end of September. Filming locations will include the Nzulezu area itself, offering authentic visuals of the stilt houses, canoes, and surrounding wetlands. Such settings have rarely been used as primary backdrops in major commercial productions, giving the film a potential visual distinction.
Lil Win has positioned himself as one of the more proactive producers within Kumawood in recent years. Beyond acting, he has invested in marketing, including branded vehicles for promotional tours, and has sought wider distribution for his films.
The international recognition gained by A Country Called Ghana appears to have encouraged further ambition. In recent statements, he has also discussed raising his personal acting fees after the completion of this project, signaling confidence in the film’s commercial prospects.
The collaboration arrives at a time when both Nollywood and Ghanaian cinema continue to expand their digital and theatrical reach. Streaming platforms, festival circuits, and diaspora audiences have created new opportunities for stories that travel beyond national borders.
Projects that deliberately mix talent from neighboring countries often benefit from dual market appeal and shared promotional efforts.
Industry observers will watch closely to see whether A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) delivers on its promise of higher production values and compelling storytelling. Previous Lil Win films have been praised for entertainment value and accessibility while sometimes drawing criticism for uneven technical quality.
The involvement of experienced Nollywood actors may raise expectations for performance and narrative polish.
For Ghanaian audiences, the film offers another opportunity to see local landmarks and culture presented on a larger stage. For Nigerian viewers, it provides familiar faces in a fresh setting. For both industries, it represents a practical example of regional cooperation rather than competition.
As the September 30 arrival date approaches, anticipation is building among fans on social media. Lil Win’s announcement has already circulated widely, with many expressing excitements at the prospect of seeing these established stars work together in Ghana.
A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) continues Lil Win’s effort to expand the reach of Ghanaian filmmaking through strategic partnerships. By bringing a strong contingent of Nollywood talent to one of the country’s most distinctive locations, the production aims to create a film that feels both rooted in place and open to wider African audiences.
READ ALSO:Drug Seizures Alone Cannot Break Trafficking Networks, Inspector Warns
