Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has spoken on the state of things in Nollywood.
In an interview with her colleague, Ayo Adesanya, she said that Nollywood is no longer passion-driven but more makeup and BBL-oriented. According to her, today’s Nollywood is more focused on appearance than passion, unlike in the beginning.
Bimbo noted that in the early days, actors were driven by hunger and passion, not money or glamour. She recalled how she and Sola Sobowale, Joke Silva, would work long hours, even overnight, without caring about food or pay because they prioritised the art over comfort.
Akintola added that things are different now, as actors are more concerned about their outward appearance than passion.
She stated that people’s obsession with their looks is why there is a spark in BBL. Bimbo noted how looks will eventually fade, no matter what one does.
“The passion is gone. When we joined the industry, everyone was passion-driven. How much were people being paid? It wasn’t a lot of money. But the passion to make a difference and do something that you felt was your reason for being in. And every person that we met was on that same level of passion. Even Aunty Joke and Aunty Shola were all passionate about the work. We had people who wouldn’t sleep. Who is talking about food or working 12 or 14 hours? We would work till we finish. And it wasn’t about glamour. Our work isn’t glamorous but reality, we reflect life back at society.
I think when we do stage, we still get those passion-driven people who want to do their best in front of the audience.
Now, people are saying, “My makeup isn’t right for this, and I can’t wear this. “Is that what the film is about? We are more concerned about our outfits and how we look. This is why, generally, there is a spark in BBL. It is now about looks and not content or what one has. Looks will fade no matter what you do. “
In a past interview, Bimbo had questioned her colleagues’ source of income over their lavish lifestyle, as she isn’t rich. Bimbo noted how some of them sleep with or date politicians to fund their lifestyles, while others come from rich families.
Similarly, Kanayo Kanayo had blown hot over the state of things in the industry. The veteran stated that Nollywood shouldn’t be a ground for Brazilian Butt Life (BBL), sex workers, Instagram stars, and homosexuality. The veteran further called out social media influencers, who are now taking over Nollywood, for being the biggest cause of disrespect in the industry.
Not done lamenting the industry, Kanayo, in another interview, slammed Nigerian ladies who are desperate to enter Nollywood without skills. He stated that one doesn’t come to Nollywood to learn how to act but to showcase their talent. He told them they should sell crayfish if acting isn’t in them.