RONKE OSHODI-OKE: Nollywood Will Frustrate You

It’s no secret that the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is a tough space to navigate, and veteran actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke has once again spoken about the frustrations actors and filmmakers face. Her remarks highlight ongoing challenges such as poor pay, lack of structure, and the exploitation of talent—issues that have plagued the industry for years.

The Reality of Nollywood’s Struggles

In recent years, several Nollywood stars have come forward with grievances about the industry’s working conditions. Ronke Oshodi-Oke’s comments reflect a broader sentiment shared by many actors, particularly those who have spent decades building their careers. One of the biggest challenges in Nollywood is the financial instability actors experience. Unlike Hollywood or Bollywood, where structured contracts, royalties, and unions protect actors, Nollywood operates largely on a gig economy model. Many actors rely on one-off payments per project, with no guarantees of future work or financial security.

Another pressing issue is the lack of proper welfare and health benefits for actors. Over the years, several Nollywood veterans have struggled with medical bills and financial hardship, leading to public crowdfunding efforts to support them. Despite the industry generating billions of naira annually, wealth distribution remains uneven, leaving many talents undervalued and underpaid.

Exploitation and Unfair Treatment

Ronke Oshodi-Oke has been in the industry for decades, making her well-versed in its inner workings. Her frustration likely stems from the way actors, producers, and crew members are often exploited. Upcoming actors struggle to break into the industry without facing sexual harassment, favoritism, and unfair treatment. Meanwhile, veteran actors are often sidelined as filmmakers prioritize newer faces.

Moreover, filmmakers frequently encounter funding challenges. Many Nollywood movies are self-financed, with little support from investors or the government. This leads to rushed productions, low budgets, and poor-quality films that fail to reach their full potential.

Is There Hope for Nollywood?

Despite these frustrations, Nollywood continues to grow, especially with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime investing in Nigerian films. These platforms provide higher production budgets, better exposure, and a chance for Nollywood to compete on a global scale. However, the industry’s structural problems still need addressing.

For Nollywood to truly thrive, there must be reforms—better contracts, actor unions, and stronger regulations to protect professionals in the field. Until then, as Ronke Oshodi-Oke said, the industry will continue to frustrate those within it.