Nigerian comedian and actor AY has signed a movie deal with a Chinese production company called Hua Hua Media. Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, announced the collaboration via his Instagram page.
Check it out:
Following the commercial successes of “30 Days in Atlanta” and “10 Days in Suncity”, AY has a new movie in the works. And this time, the destination is China.
Who’s really gaining here?
AY says this deal will put Nigeria on the map; which is confusing considering that Nigeria has been on every map since before 1960. The Nigerian movie industry is thriving right now, so this isn’t so much of an innovation than exploitation.
The Nigerian Movie industry has penetrated into the spheres of international streaming and award controversy. It certainly doesn’t need AY’s slapstick humour and borderline racial stereotypes to put it on the map. But we digress.
This deal between AY, Film One, and the Chinese Hua Hua Media will definitely secure more entertainment deals between Nigeria and China. This is especially true seeing as China is trying to get elbows deep in the entertainment industry.
For over a year now, it seems like the Chinese have been targetting influencers and creatives. From writers on Opera to performers for Vskit, they seem to be mining relentlessly for gold.
Apparently, the business-driven Asians see a huge market here and want a piece of the action. What we can say for sure is that it won’t be long before we get Chinese expatriates at the helms of the entertainment industry.
We do not want to cloud this development as a negative one. But we certainly do hope AY read between the fine print and wasn’t coaxed by the 7-star hotel room they gave him.
Congratulations AY. On to bigger things!