Faith, Film & Hollywood: Building Impact On & Of Screen w/ Dayo Okeniyi

From the moment Dayo Okeniyi started sharing his journey, it was clear: this wasn’t just a conversation, it was a masterclass in purpose, perseverance, and staying rooted. Actor, creative, and community-builder, Dayo Okeniyi joined us on The First Gems to talk legacy, hustle, Hollywood and what it really means to live for something bigger than yourself.

From a childhood in Nigeria to blockbuster films like The Hunger Games and Terminator Genisys, Dayo’s story is proof that faith, hard work, and a little delusion (the good kind) really can take you far. But more than the résumé, it’s his heart for people, culture, and impact that left us inspired.

"Excellence was never something that was sacrificed in the pursuit of your passions."

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Listen to our full interview with Dayo on Apple Podcasts:

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Roots that Run Deep

Dayo was born in Jos, Nigeria, raised in Lagos, and carries both Nigerian and Kenyan heritage. His upbringing was the best of both worlds — a Nigerian dad who emphasized logic and legacy, and a creative, literature-loving Kenyan mom who encouraged him to perform in plays from a young age.

“I’m the product of creative nepotism — my mom put me in my first play in the 4th grade. She said, ‘You’re going to be Joseph in the nativity.’ I said, ‘Bet.’”

Even as the youngest of five in a competitive, high-achieving household, Dayo says he always felt supported to dream — but dreaming alone wasn’t enough. His parents emphasized excellence, planning, and hard work: “You can do anything… but be the best at it. What’s your game plan?”

Choosing Acting Over ‘The Safe Route’

Despite getting a degree in visual communications and finance, Dayo couldn’t shake the pull of performance. After college, he gave himself one year in LA to chase the dream — no plan B.

It wasn’t easy. He shared stories of cold auditions, late-night bus rides, rejection, and rooming with four other guys while surviving on ramen. But what kept him going was his faith — and moments of encouragement that reminded him he was on the right path.

"Sometimes, all you need is one person to see you. One person to affirm, ‘You’re not crazy. You’re good at this.’"

That affirmation came in the form of a random acting class, a casting director who took a chance on him, and eventually... a call from The Hunger Games team. He booked the role of Thresh — his first major project — and that one decision opened every door that followed.

A Platform Bigger Than Acting

Yes, Dayo’s an actor. But he’s also using his platform to give back and build community. Through his role as a RED ambassador (you’ve seen the red iPhones? That’s RED) and his own initiative, PVO (Positive Vibes Only), he’s created a model for how to party and serve at the same time.

“We throw events for the culture. You can turn up, but the next day? Maybe you feed the homeless while you’re nursing your hangover.”

PVO has hosted cause-based events from New York to Ghana, always collaborating with local organizations to give back in real ways — whether it’s supporting infant health initiatives in Nigeria or job prep programs in D.C. It's about shifting networking from “what can I get?” to “what can I give?”

The Storytelling We’ve Been Waiting For

Right now, Dayo’s working on an Igbo psychological thriller inspired by the “ogbanje” mythology — a spirit child who returns to the womb only to die again. It’s a deeply personal project that explores identity, diaspora, and the tug-of-war between humility and boldness that many first-gens know all too well.

"You don’t have to be either-or. You can be humble and step into your shine. You can carry your culture and still evolve beyond it."

💎 The Gem: You’re Not Behind. You’re Becoming.

If there’s one thing to take from Dayo’s journey, it’s this:

 Your path is valid — even if it looks nothing like what you imagined.

“The older I get, the more I feel connected to who I was as a kid. That tells me I’m doing something right.”

Whether you’re chasing a creative dream, redefining success on your own terms, or just figuring it all out, Dayo’s story is your reminder that you’re not behind — you’re becoming. Take your time. Build your thing. And know that you’re allowed to want more — for yourself, for your people, and for your purpose.

Want more convos like this? Catch the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow The First Gems for more stories that speak to your soul.