Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has criticised top Afrobeats stars for not doing enough to promote the Nigerian film industry.
In a recent Instagram post, Okeke expressed frustration that while Nollywood actors and actresses consistently celebrate the achievements of Nigerian musicians, the support is rarely reciprocated by the singers.
Okeke specifically called out leading artistes like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema, urging them to leverage their massive influence to highlight and promote Nigerian cinema.
He asked whether these musicians watch Nigerian films or have noticed talented actors who deserve recognition.
“You know how we carry our Afrobeats music on our heads? We say big three, big five, big this; we have almost idolised ourselves,” he said.
“I ask myself — Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, all of them — don’t you watch Nigerian films? Since Netflix launched here, haven’t you seen any Nigerian movies? Have you not spotted an actor you could promote? Can’t you use your platform to speak well of exceptional talents?”
Okeke further criticised a trend where musicians try to enter Nollywood “through the cracks,” often taking on executive producer roles, instead of actively promoting and celebrating actors and filmmakers.
“You are beginning to act as executive producers. You are sneaking into the cracks. What will happen if you just use your mouth and endorse a producer, actor, actress, or cameraman?” he asked.
He encouraged musicians to publicly highlight the best of Nollywood, just as international platforms like Obama’s annual lists recognise talents, arguing that such endorsements would drive attention to Nigerian film professionals.
“But when you travel abroad and meet foreigners, why not say, ‘My Gee, our actors over there are talented. They can compete with Hollywood. We are all cousins. Our actresses know you. We are all together.’ Why not give them that recognition?” Okeke added.
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