Enioluwa Explains Why Nollywood Uses Familiar Faces in Films

Nollywood actor and social media personality, Enioluwa, recently weighed in on a recurring debate about the Nigerian film industry.

On November 11, 2024, an X user expressed frustration over seeing the same actors repeatedly cast in Nollywood movies.

This comment was sparked by a post from actress Jemima Osunde promoting fellow actress and friend Bimbo Ademoye’s new YouTube film Fame and Fury.

The user remarked, “I’m sincerely tired of seeing the same faces in this damn industry.” In response, Jemima fired back, “We’re tired of seeing your face too in your office. Damn! I hope they sack you.”

I'm sincerely tired of seeing the same faces in this damn industry https://t.co/L2rKSIGIz6

— salamalekun bitches (@95andbeyond) November 11, 2024

In the wake of this online exchange, Enioluwa took to X to address the issue, shedding light on why Nollywood often casts familiar faces. He highlighted that, unlike Hollywood, the Nigerian film industry has financial constraints that prevent actors from surviving on a single project per year.

Enioluwa explained, “People often say they’re tired of seeing the same faces in Nigerian films. However, unlike in Hollywood, actors in Nigeria can’t afford to do just one film a year—how much are they paying? The industry currently can’t support as many newcomers as people might expect because, realistically, many of them wouldn’t be able to meet even their basic needs. No one wants to be famous and financially unstable.”

You made a crucial point there but you didn't suggest any solution.

— Nice Guy (@marvyofficial_) November 11, 2024

In response to Enioluwa’s explanation, another user pointed out that while he made a valid argument, he did not offer any solutions. To this, Enioluwa elaborated further:

“We don’t have the buying power yet; it’s growing because streaming platforms have come in, and people have set new records at the box office. Nevertheless, you can’t compare it to Hollywood. For instance, an Avengers film that grosses over $2 billion can pay its actors millions and still have substantial profits.”

We don’t have the buying power yet, it’s growing because streaming platforms have come in and people have made more records in the box office. Nevertheless you can’t equate it to Hollywood, an Avengers that made over $2 billion that can pay its actors millions of dollars and…

— Eni Adeoluwa (@Enioluwa_) November 11, 2024