Players and followers of the entertainment industry in the country in recent time have expressed divergent views over the extravagant lifestyles of new generation actors especially the females folks who flaunt their wealth, status, properties on the internet. For many followers of the industry, the practice is childish and condemnable but to some others, the display of wealth and opulence by the artistes is the hallmark of the industry.
Veteran Yoruba actress, Mrs. Idowu Phillips, fondly known as Iya Rainbow, has this to say concerning this attitude among the young ladies.
“It is those who are not wise that are showing their wealth on the internet,” the octogenarian said.
“How can you be showing off that you have N15million when you don’t have N5 million? Those who are still exposing their bodies, we are still talking to them at locations because I dislike it. I don’t want them to go astray. God said that we should cover our body. Why do you have to expose yourself?
She continued: “Lack of role models and masters is another issue. In the past, we had masters who trained upcoming actors and actresses. But now, someone with money will just come, without enough training. That is one of those things killing the industry.”
Popular actor, Dele Odule, in an interview offered that the industry needs to be sanitized.
Odule shot into limelight after starring in an award-winning Yoruba movie titled, Ti Oluwa Ni Ile argued that if there was a standard, many of those people who are always flaunting material things on social media wouldn’t be in the industry.
“You would see many actresses dancing around on social media. Even when they get pregnant, they flaunt it. Buying a car shouldn’t be a big deal but they make it seem as if it is. What is the essence of going on social media to flaunt cars and other items?” He asked rhetorically, adding: “A well trained actor will never run after material wealth. I am not saying that acting cannot open doors, it actually does. But those following this trend are passing a wrong message to the young ones out there and that will have a warped impression of the industry.”
Versatile Nollywood actress, Ronke Ojo popularly known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke opined that celebrities can seek attention of the public for various reasons but frowned at pretension.
The well-endowed actress urged her colleagues to act maturely rather than bragging with their cars and wealth.
“You bought a car, you put it on social media. Even those that are not up to 40 years are now lying on social media that they are 40. You bought a house you put it on social media. Why?” she posted on her Instagram.
“Before you show off, first look at the condition of your home. Have you ever seen a banker flaunting his or her car on social media? Why are we doing all that? Actor Odunlade Adekola bought a Range Rover and nobody knew anything since he has brain and is wise. This one bought a car, it’s on social media, that one bought something, it’s on social media. Is social media our life?”
For popular comedian, AY Makun, it is important for celebs to exhibit their wealth.
AY, took to his Instagram handle to educate those who criticize entertainers, he pointed out that it is important for celebrities to always be trending subjects, in order to remain relevant.
“Why would some people come out of Big Brother Nigeria and suddenly become relevant? It’s all because in show business you must have something to show before the business would come,” the comedian turned filmmaker claimed.
“If we are going to be honest with ourselves, we should admit that some of us go into show business wanting people to talk about us, wanting everyone to know who we are and the things we can do. But that also does not take away the fact that there are a whole bunch of people who will still not like us, no matter how we try.”
Reacting to a fan’s comment on why rich men don’t show off their wealth on the internet, the award-winning comedian said: “The likes of Dangote won’t flaunt their wealth because they are not into the business of showbiz which is essential to make people relax and laugh.”
During a conversation with the host of ‘Your View’ on TVC recently, beautiful Nollywood actress, Sotayo Sobola popularly known as Sotayo, who owns a multi-million naira production studio, exotic cars including Mercedes Benz G-wagon and a Range Rover E-vogue, clarified that she didn’t get her chattels to oppress anyone.
“I just live my life. I don’t do things because I want to impress anybody,” the 33-year-old light-skinned actress said.
“Let me be honest with you, it is not acting but my businesses that pay my bills. I think people should not be deceived that being an actor is lucrative. Like I always advise upcoming actors, ‘don’t say you want to become an actor just because you want to buy cars or houses’. Though, acting will pave ways for you to get to some places and meet prominent people and if you’re there, just try to use the opportunity to market your business and some other things that you are into and make money.”
Sobola then disclosed the secret of her wealth is her mother.
“My mum is one person that gives me millions,” the tattooed actress said.
“She doesn’t even ask me what I want to use money the for. She will just give me money. I am not saying that she gave me everything that I have but she is one of my backbones. I’m sure you have somebody, somewhere that helps you.
“Everybody has one or two people that help them. If you are pumping money into something that is not bringing money and it is not making sense, it is like you keep pouring water into a basket. As for me, I get little money from acting and producing but not as profitable as it looks. Some people look at me and say, ‘where did she see money, is it from the movie she was acting?’ and that is the truth, it’s not from the movie except I want to deceive myself.”