Nollywood actor and filmmaker Lilian Afegbai recently took to Instagram to voice her frustrations over the growing divide within the Nigerian film industry, where creatives are increasingly labeled based on the platforms showcasing their work.
Her passionate post sheds light on a simmering issue that rarely gets openly addressed: the classification of filmmakers and actors into categories such as “YouTube filmmakers,” “Netflix stars,” or “Amazon actors.”
According to Afegbai, this trend creates an unfair hierarchy within Nollywood, diminishing the talents of those working on less globally recognized platforms while elevating others associated with international streaming giants.
“Normally, an actor is an actor. It’s about, are you a good actor? Can you act? But it’s you viewers that have turned the whole thing upside down,” Afegbai lamented. She called out audiences for perpetuating this divide by judging movies solely based on the presence of specific celebrity names on promotional posters.
Highlighting the stifling impact of such a mentality, she urged viewers to look beyond established stars and give emerging actors and filmmakers the opportunity to grow. “Other people have to have room to grow. More actors have to come,” she stressed, advocating for a more inclusive industry that nurtures fresh talent.
Afegbai didn’t shy away from sharing her personal experiences with this issue, recounting encounters with a particular YouTube producer who dismissed her as “not a YouTube face.” The producer’s condescending remarks and lowball offer of ₦100,000 for 15 scenes left her feeling disrespected and undervalued.
“You don’t need to disrespect me. You’re not God. Relax,” she fired back. These incidents, she explained, illustrate a deeper problem within Nollywood, where the very people who should collaborate to uplift the industry often sow division instead.
Afegbai also held viewers accountable for their role in perpetuating this hierarchy. She pointed out the unrealistic expectation that celebrity actors should dominate every film, saying, “How many films is your fave going to be in at the same time? It’s not possible.”
By equating star power with quality, audiences inadvertently discourage diversity in casting and storytelling. This obsession with familiar faces not only limits opportunities for new talent but also narrows the creative scope of Nollywood’s narratives.
Afegbai’s candid outburst isn’t merely a personal rant—it’s a wake-up call for the Nollywood community. She emphasized that the industry’s strength lies in its diversity, from grassroots YouTube films that reflect everyday Nigerian life to the glossy Netflix productions that capture global audiences.
Instead of creating divisions, she urged both the industry and viewers to appreciate the unique value each platform brings. “Whether it’s YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon, a great story is a great story,” she stated, underscoring the importance of focusing on storytelling rather than labels.
Ultimately, Afegbai’s message is a call to action for everyone involved in Nollywood. For actors, the focus should remain on honing their craft and delivering authentic stories, regardless of the platform. For producers, fostering mutual respect and fair compensation should be a priority to ensure that all contributors feel valued.
To viewers, she offered a challenge: broaden your horizons and support films and actors wherever they appear. As Afegbai concluded, “Greatness isn’t limited to Netflix or Amazon—it thrives wherever talent and passion exist.”
