According to a recent interview on the Afropolitan Podcast, veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde highlighted the stark difference between the rapid global expansion of Afrobeats and the slower growth of the Nigerian film industry. She attributed this disparity primarily to the significant capital requirements of filmmaking compared to music production.
The screen icon explained that while a viral music track can be produced and distributed with relatively low overhead, a high-quality film demands extensive logistics, large crews, and substantial financial backing. Without a major shift in investment and funding structures, she warned that Nollywood would continue to struggle to compete on the same global scale as its musical counterparts.
Beyond her industry critique, Omotola is also making waves with her directorial debut, “Mother’s Love,” which recently screened at the Pan African Film Festival. The film, which stars Noray Nehita and Lilian Afegbai, is set to hit Nigerian cinemas this month, marking a significant transition in her career from leading lady to filmmaker.
Her comments have sparked a wider conversation within the Nigerian creative sector about the need for institutionalized funding and government support to help cinema match the international footprint of Nigerian music.
The Nation Newspaper (via Web): “Jalade-Ekeinde explained that music production typically requires far less capital than film production, making it easier for artists to create and distribute their work internationally.”
Legit NG (via Web): “What is holding Nollywood back is mostly funding… filmmaking involves more complex logistics, including larger crews, cast members, and higher production costs.”
Echotitbits take: Omotola’s transition to directing gives her a unique perspective on the financial “bottleneck” of the industry. As streamers like Netflix and Prime Video shift their strategies in Africa, her call for more robust local funding highlights a critical need for Nollywood to maintain creative independence while scaling up production value.
Source: The Nation Newspaper — https://thenationonlineng.net/omotola-blames-nollywoods-slow-global-growth-on-funding-challenges/ March 11, 2026
Photo Credit: The Nation Newspaper
