Actor Gideon Okeke has criticised the entertainment industry for prioritising Afrobeats stars over actors, actresses, and filmmakers.
In a video on Instagram, Okeke questioned why musicians receive global recognition while Nollywood professionals are overlooked.
He referenced top music stars, wondering if they would acknowledge Nollywood talents if they looked beyond their circle.
Okeke noted that despite Afrobeat’s global attention, Nigerian films lack international exposure and endorsements, stating that influential figures aren’t promoting Nollywood.
“You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.
“What’s going to happen if your big three, big five, or whoever big over there, come down to look around and see your cousins on the other side of the media hemisphere and say, ah, you see that bros over that side? He’s bad. That babe, bad” he asked.
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“Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself,” he said in pidgin.
Okeke urged musicians and influential figures to promote Nollywood, citing former US President Barack Obama’s annual music endorsements.
“Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una, every year, it will come out. He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside? Abi no be so?” he asked.
“Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.
He stressed that collective progress benefits everyone, lamenting the lack of unity within the creative industry.
“Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he said, urging entertainers to support their own.
