Popular Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has voiced strong disappointment with some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars—such as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Rema and others—for what he describes as their lack of support and recognition for talents within the country’s film industry.
Okeke argued that if these music superstars publicly acknowledged Nollywood actors and filmmakers, it would significantly raise their profiles and help highlight the contributions of many creative professionals who often go unnoticed.
The actor expressed his concerns in a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, lamenting that while Nigerian musicians receive global acclaim and constant celebration, the same recognition rarely extends to the film sector.
He said: “You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves.”
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Okeke added that it would be a major boost for Nollywood if the country’s music icons looked beyond their own industry and praised outstanding talents from the film world.
He said: “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.”
The actor also criticized the music stars for rarely watching or supporting Nigerian films, emphasizing the need for greater cross-industry appreciation.
He asked: “Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself.”
Okeke’s comments have sparked reactions across social media, with many users agreeing that Nollywood deserves more recognition and support from the wider entertainment industry, especially from music icons who command massive influence both locally and internationally.