Popular Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has voiced her concerns over the growing trend in Nigeria’s film industry where actors are being pressured to become social media content creators to secure movie roles.
Speaking during a recent conversation with fellow actor Jammal Ibrahim, Osunde lamented that some filmmakers now prioritize an actor’s online presence over talent and professionalism.
“Now, it’s as though they [filmmakers] are forcing every actor to be a social media content creator before casting them,” Osunde said. “It’s as if you must dance on the internet to get roles. Why? It’s like if you’re not an actor with a strong social media presence, we’re not casting you because we need you to sell our film. That shouldn’t be the actor’s job.”
Jammal Ibrahim echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of having good management that understands an actor’s personality and works around it, rather than forcing them to conform.
“I told my management that I don’t know how to dance. I’m a terrible dancer,” he said. “A good manager should ask, ‘How can we work with who you are to make you better?’ not ‘How can we push you to be everyone else?’”
Ibrahim also emphasized his reluctance to partake in promotional activities that do not align with his personality. “If you’re doing a PR stunt for a film and you’re going to be dancing, seriously, I’m not going to be part of it unless I feel like the dance is something I can actually do. I don’t want to look stupid on screen. It’s just not my personality,” he added.
