Entertainment
“Why Do Musicians Get All the Love?” — Gideon Okeke Calls Out Neglect of Nollywood
Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has criticised what he described as the persistent neglect of Nigeria’s film industry, lamenting that while Afrobeat artistes enjoy massive praise and global recognition, actors and filmmakers are often overlooked.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, Okeke questioned the imbalance in how Nigeria’s entertainment sectors are celebrated, noting that musicians are widely idolised while Nollywood talents rarely receive similar acknowledgment.
“You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.
The actor mentioned leading Nigerian music stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido and Rema, asking what it would cost them to publicly recognise and endorse talents within Nollywood.
“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.
Okeke further argued that despite the global attention Afrobeat continues to enjoy, Nigerian films do not receive the same level of international exposure or endorsement. He questioned whether top musicians even watch Nigerian movies.
“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.
Referencing former United States President Barack Obama, Okeke pointed out how Obama’s annual music recommendations have consistently boosted the global visibility of African artistes.
“Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una… He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside?” he asked.
He lamented that despite the large volume of films produced in Nigeria, Nollywood has never benefited from similar high-profile endorsements.
“Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.
The actor urged Nigerian musicians and other influential figures to create platforms that spotlight Nollywood, suggesting they publish annual lists celebrating outstanding Nigerian films, actors, actresses and producers.
“Publish your own 2025 Nollywood films… the way Obama publishes you every year,” he said.
While acknowledging that no individual owes another support, Okeke stressed that the entertainment industry thrives when creatives uplift one another, warning against a culture where a few “chop all the glory alone.”
He concluded by lamenting the lack of unity within Nigeria’s creative space, insisting that actors and filmmakers deserve greater recognition and collective support from within the industry.
See also:
“Lupus Is Not Contagious” — Funke Akindele Advocates Empathy During Abeokuta Visit
“I Must Be Married in 2026” — Comedienne Princess Appeals to Top Pastors for Life Partner
Jane Mena Gives Thanks as Toddler Narrowly Escapes Staircase Accident
Taaooma Calls Out Lagos Authorities Over Growing Menace of Illegal Waste Dumping