Actor Gideon Okeke has tagged the Nigerian film industry “a beast” over the ill-treatment and impoverished state of the actors in the industry. According to Okeke, Nollywood mistreats actors and the guild needs to demand royalties and residuals for actors.
Okeke, in several posts on his Instagram page, voiced his frustration with Nollywood. He expressed his belief that Nollywood treats actors as “second class citizens” compared to their counterparts in the music industry.
In an emotion-laden post, the Tinsel actor wrote: “I’ve really begun to feel frustrated in this CRAFT that I love so much”. Okeke then went on to emphasize the importance of actors and entertainment.
“Remember that during the times of COVID lockdown, ONLY folks working in “essential services” were allowed to come out. Doctors, nurses, farmers etc. Let me remind you that while you were holed up in your home for upwards of 4 months, watching television; the ACTOR participated actively, in keeping your sanity in check. That’s an essential service if you ask me.”
Read the full post below:
Okeke lamented about the impoverished state of actors, who he alleged are denied of royalties and residuals for their work. “But for all that the ACTOR does (for society), all that accrues to him at the end of the day is the upfront payment which he accepted. Which most of the time, comes at a piecemeal drop, covering for a duration of a lifetime… For life!”
Okeke also chided the top executives in the industry, who he accuses of being more interested in the superficial than in the welfare of the actors. “What really is the union or the guild? What are they representing?” He asked in a video uploaded to his IGTV.
“Call me an upstart, call me a rebel but you are a thief if you support a system that does not give what is due to the performer,” he said.
Watch the video below:
Okeke said that the audience had the power to change the system and therefore suggested a boycott of Nigerian media. In the coming days, we will see if any other actors corroborate Okeke’s concerns and if this will actually result in a movement for the better treatment of actors in Nollywood.
Maybe this ties in with Anita Joseph’s reason for why Nollywood actors delve into other businesses. Read that story here.