A closer look at Ghana’s Kingsley Yamoah (Don K)


 

The movie industry like all the other arts and entertainment fields is not easy climbing up the ladder to the top. However, in as much as it is difficult to do so, there are some who are blessed and very fortunate to have a smooth journey on their path to success.

Many people believe luck plays a key role in people’s success stories, however even though luck inevitably exists what is key for a fast-rising success in the arts and entertainment industry is branding and market positioning.

One fast artiste who is making waves in this thorny movie industry in Ghana is a gentleman who got his breakthrough in his forties, similar to that of American actor and narrator, Morgan Freeman who got his Hollywood breakthrough at forty-eight years in the 1985 movie “Marie”.

His birth name is Kingsley Kwamina Ayew Yamoah popularly known as ‘Don K’ by all who know him both off and on-screen. He came into the world on 6th May, 1966 and hails from Apam in the Central Region. He had his primary and ordinary level education in Nigeria where he lived with his family.

He attended Bodija International School in Ibadan, Abadina College and University of Ibadan, all in Oyo State between 1976 and 1985. He had his sixth form education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. He also attended the Institute of Management in Accra, African Literature Centre at Kitwe in Zambia. He travelled to Canada between 1989 and 1993 where he studied at the Algonquin College, Ottawa. Growing up he aspired to be a public relations officer in a hospitality establishment but God gave him more than he asked for.

His professional acting journey began in 2010 with his first role as “The rich man” in Sparrow Production’s television series, “Peep” directed by Shirley Frimpong Manso. He said, it is his most challenging role till date as he awaits bigger challenges. One can tell the passion with which he acts and pours out his lines. It is a clear conclusion of love for what he does, which he proudly confirmed, “I don’t like acting, I love acting” he said smiling.

He appears in acting roles not far from his real life looks; usually clean shave as “God is his barber” but has his trademark beard intact laced with grey hair which he refers to as his silver beard. He has an infectious smile which adds up to his brand and also an extremely stern face for his roles as a boss. He has a very commanding presence and convincingly plays the role of a big man with ease. He said he looks forward to playing more roles in epic storylines with rural settings preferably playing the antagonist which he describes as juicy.

Before he was virtually dragged by the ear into acting, he worked in the food and beverage industry as he is a hotelier by profession and also owns Desperados Bar and Grill located at Ashaley Botwe in Accra. He is married with children. He is an ambivert by nature. Asked who his favourite actor is in Ghana, he didn’t hesitate to mention Adjetey Annan who he has great respect and admiration for in the acting profession.

He has featured in several movies, series and television commercials including, Series: Sparrow Productions “Peep”, “Adam’s Apple” “Tenants”, “V-Republic”, “Shampaign” Venus Film’s series “Five Brides”, “Sunshine Avenue”, “Charade”, “Table of Men”, “Church Wahala”, “Heels and Sneakers”, “Housekeepers”, “RSM”, “Madam”, “The Billionaire’s Wife”, “Khutam”, etc.

Movies: “The Pledge”, “Potomanto”, “Blood On The Dance Floor”, “Venom”, “Stalemate”, “Game Plan”, “Indian Money”, “Silence, “Man of Many Languages”, “The Funeral of Kwadae” and a host of others. In 2025, he’s starred in a short film titled, “The Article” directed by Mark Cofie Jnr. His versatility also transcends to theatre featuring in a number of productions including, “The Second Coming of Nkrumah” by Latif Abubakar. He plays the chief on the dispute-settlement series, “Ahenfie Court”.

He has also featured in television commercials for companies such as Kasapreko Company Limited, OLX, MTN Ghana, FanMilk amongst others. He looks forward to exploring various daring roles with different directors. He says, “it makes you seasoned”.       



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