Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has spoken out against what he sees as the entertainment industry’s unfair focus on Afrobeats stars at the expense of actors, actresses, and filmmakers.
In an Instagram video, Okeke questioned why musicians continue to receive global accolades while Nigerian film professionals struggle for recognition. He highlighted the lack of international exposure and endorsements for Nollywood, pointing out that influential figures rarely promote the industry.
“You see how we carry our Afrobeat music on our heads. Big names everywhere. We idolise ourselves,” he said. “What if those big names actually looked around and noticed your cousins in the other side of the media world? They’d see the talent, the work… they’d acknowledge it.”
Okeke called out prominent figures for ignoring Nigerian films. Speaking in pidgin, he added, “Una no dey watch Nigerian films. Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself.”
He urged musicians and influential personalities to actively support Nollywood, citing former US President Barack Obama’s yearly music endorsements as an example of consistent promotion. “Since Obama sat in that presidential seat, every year he dey endorse your music. Nigerian films? Never, ever move like that before,” he noted.
Stressing the importance of collective growth, Okeke lamented the lack of unity in Nigeria’s creative industry. “Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said, calling on all entertainers to support one another.
This statement underscores ongoing calls for Nollywood to receive the global recognition it deserves alongside the meteoric rise of Afrobeats.
