Nollywood actress and filmmaker Lilian Afegbai has ignited an important conversation about the growing divide within the Nigerian film industry. In a passionate Instagram post, Afegbai addressed the troubling trend of labeling filmmakers and actors based on the platforms they work with—such as YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon.
Her post sheds light on an issue that has been quietly simmering within Nollywood for years: the hierarchical treatment of creatives. According to Afegbai, these labels unfairly diminish the talents of those who work primarily on YouTube while elevating others associated with global platforms.
“An Actor is an Actor”
In her post, Afegbai emphasized that talent should be the defining factor for success in Nollywood, not the platform.
“Normally, an actor is an actor. It’s about, are you a good actor? Can you act? But it’s you viewers that have turned the whole thing upside down,” she lamented.
She also criticized audiences for judging movies solely by the presence of big-name actors on posters, a mentality that stifles the growth of emerging talent.
“Other people have to have room to grow. More actors have to come,” she added, urging audiences to give lesser-known actors and filmmakers a chance.
A Personal Battle
Afegbai shared her own experiences with prejudice in the industry, recounting encounters with a particular YouTube producer who dismissed her as “not a YouTube face” and offered her ₦100,000 for 15 scenes—a figure she found both insulting and unprofessional.
“You don’t need to disrespect me. You’re not God. Relax,” she responded.
Her story underscores the broader challenges faced by Nollywood creatives who find themselves undervalued and pigeonholed.
The Role of Viewers
Afegbai didn’t shy away from holding audiences accountable for perpetuating the divide. She pointed out the obsession with celebrity-driven films, which limits opportunities for fresh talent.
“How many films is your fave going to be in at the same time? It’s not possible,” she argued, urging viewers to support diverse casting and storytelling.
By equating star power with quality, Afegbai noted, audiences discourage the diversity that Nollywood needs to thrive.
Collaboration Over Competition
Afegbai’s call to action goes beyond mere critique—it’s a rallying cry for unity. She stressed that Nollywood’s strength lies in its diversity, from grassroots YouTube productions to global Netflix hits.
For actors, she advises focusing on honing their craft and telling authentic stories, regardless of the platform. For producers, she advocates for mutual respect and fair compensation to ensure everyone feels valued.
To viewers, she offers a simple plea: “Support films and actors, no matter where they appear. Greatness isn’t limited to Netflix or Amazon—it’s wherever passion and talent thrive.”
At the core of her message is a reminder for the Nollywood community to drop the labels. Whether on YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon, a great story is a great story—and that’s what truly matters.
