Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has voiced fresh frustration over what he describes as the film industry’s quiet neglect by Nigeria’s biggest music stars, insisting that Nollywood would be far bigger if Afrobeats heavyweights openly backed local films.
In a candid post shared on his Instagram page, the actor questioned why Afrobeats stars — despite enjoying massive global recognition — rarely use their influence to promote Nigerian movies.
According to Okeke, the imbalance is striking, especially as actors consistently show up for musicians, amplifying their work and celebrating their global wins.
He argued that true growth for the creative industry lies in collaboration, not silos.
“You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves. 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.
The actor further challenged Afrobeats stars to be honest about their consumption habits, suggesting many of them do not actually watch Nigerian films.
“Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself. 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?. Nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything,” he added.
Okeke stressed that Nollywood and the music industry are two sides of the same creative coin, and that mutual support — not selective praise — is what will push Nigerian entertainment to the next level on the global stage.
