Kyekyeku, Opoku Bilson Are Skit Makers, Not Actors, Says Sampower

The Director of the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Sampower, has stirred conversation in Ghana’s entertainment industry after questioning the description of popular comic performers Kyekyeku and Opoku Bilson as actors.

Sampower reportedly described the two Kumawood personalities as skit makers, arguing that they should not necessarily be regarded as actors based on the type of content they currently produce.

In a video sighted by Nsemwokrom.com, Sampower made the comments during an interview with Kumasi-based blogger SeanCity.

Speaking about the current crop of entertainers in Ghana’s film industry, Sampower suggested that there is a difference between actors who work on movie productions and performers who primarily create short skits for social media.

He reportedly pointed to himself and other actors who were on set shooting a movie as an example of what he considers traditional acting.

According to Sampower, the fact that someone is popular for appearing in comic videos does not automatically mean the person should be classified as an actor.

His comments have already generated interest because Kyekyeku and Opoku Bilson are both familiar faces to Ghanaian audiences and have built significant followings through comedy and entertainment content.

Kyekyeku has become known for his comic performances and appearances in Kumawood productions, while Opoku Bilson has also gained attention through comedy videos and his work with Dr Likee’s comedy team.

Both have developed strong social media followings, with their videos regularly attracting views and reactions from audiences in Ghana and beyond.

Sampower’s remarks therefore raise a wider question about how Ghana’s entertainment industry defines an actor in an era where social media has changed the way performers reach audiences.

For many years, acting in Ghana was closely associated with feature films, television productions and stage performances. The rise of TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and other platforms has, however, created a new space for performers who produce shorter forms of entertainment.

Some of these personalities have gone on to feature in movies and other mainstream productions, while others have largely built their careers around online skits.

It is within this changing environment that Sampower’s comments have attracted attention.

His argument appears to centre on the distinction between movie acting and skit-making, rather than the popularity or talent of the performers involved.

The comments have also sparked discussion about whether social media comedians who transition into films should be considered actors, or whether the two forms of entertainment should be treated as separate professions.

For Kyekyeku and Opoku Bilson, the debate comes at a time when both continue to expand their presence in Ghana’s entertainment space.

Their popularity has been driven largely by comedy, online videos and appearances that appeal to a younger audience.

Sampower’s comments do not necessarily determine how the two entertainers should be professionally classified, but they have certainly opened up a conversation about the changing face of Ghanaian entertainment.

As more comedians and digital creators move between skits, movies and other forms of entertainment, the distinction between traditional acting and online performance is likely to remain a subject of debate.

For now, Sampower’s remarks have given social media users another topic to discuss, particularly among fans familiar with Kyekyeku and Opoku Bilson’s work.

The full context of his comments can be seen in the video below.