LAGOS, Nigeria – Nollywood actor and filmmaker Lilian Afegbai has sparked a heated conversation about the growing divisions within the Nigerian film industry, calling out the categorisation of creatives based on the platforms showcasing their work.
Taking to Instagram, Afegbai criticised the practice of labelling filmmakers and actors as “YouTube filmmakers,” “Netflix stars,” or “Amazon actors,” a trend she says creates unnecessary hierarchies and stifles creativity.
“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,” Afegbai wrote in a fiery post, laying the blame on the industry and audiences who perpetuate these distinctions.
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A Divided Industry
Afegbai’s frustrations highlight an issue that has long simmered beneath Nollywood’s surface: the unequal treatment of talent based on their affiliations with particular platforms.
According to her, this practice unfairly diminishes the contributions of those who primarily create content for grassroots platforms like YouTube while elevating those associated with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon.
Sharing her experiences, Afegbai recalled an encounter with a YouTube producer who dismissed her as “not a YouTube face” and offered her an unacceptably low fee of ₦100,000 for 15 scenes.
“You don’t need to disrespect me. You’re not God. Relax,” she said, reflecting on the condescension she faced.
Her remarks shed light on the struggles of actors and filmmakers navigating a fragmented industry, where opportunities and respect are often determined by the platform their work appears on.
The Role of Viewers
Afegbai also turned her critique toward audiences, accusing them of reinforcing the divide.
“How many films is your fave going to be in at the same time? It’s not possible,” she stated, urging viewers to give lesser-known actors a chance to shine.
She pointed out that the obsession with celebrity names and big platforms has led to a lack of support for emerging talent and grassroots productions, discouraging diversity in storytelling and casting.
“Other people have to have room to grow. More actors have to come,” she emphasised, calling for a shift in audience attitudes to ensure the industry’s continued growth.
Collaboration Over Competition
Afegbai’s comments serve as a wake-up call to the Nollywood community and its supporters.
She stressed the need for collaboration and mutual respect, urging producers to offer fair compensation and foster an environment where all contributors feel valued, regardless of the platform they work on.
“Nollywood’s strength lies in its diversity,” Afegbai said, highlighting the unique contributions of grassroots YouTube films that capture everyday Nigerian life and the polished productions on global platforms like Netflix.
For actors, Afegbai advised focusing on honing their craft and telling authentic stories, while she encouraged viewers to appreciate talent wherever it exists.
“Greatness isn’t limited to Netflix or Amazon—it thrives wherever there is passion and dedication,” she concluded.