Gideon Okeke on Lack of Afrobeats Support for Nollywood

Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has criticised the Nigerian entertainment space for what he described as the neglect of the film industry, while Afrobeat stars continue to receive overwhelming praise and global recognition.

In a video shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, Okeke questioned why Nigerian musicians are celebrated while actors, actresses and filmmakers are rarely acknowledged in the same way.

“You know how we carry our Afrobeat music on our head. Big three, big five, big this. We idolise and worship ourselves,” he said.

He named top Nigerian music stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema and others, and asked what would happen if they publicly acknowledged the talents within Nollywood.

“What’s going to happen if your big three, big five, or whoever big over there, come down to look around and see your cousins on the other side of the media hemisphere and say, ah, you see that bros over that side? He’s bad. That babe, bad” he asked.

He further stated that despite the global attention Afrobeat receives, Nigerian films are not enjoying the same level of international exposure or endorsement, questioning if they don’t watch Nigeria movies.

“Una no dey watch Nigerian films, all of una, una know yourself. Una watch Nigerian film? Beat yourself on the chest, you know yourself,” he said in pidgin.

The actor referenced former US President Barack Obama, noting that his annual music endorsements have consistently boosted artists’ visibility worldwide.

“Since when Obama sit down for presidential seat, na every year Obama dey endorse una, every year, it will come out. He will publish his best music, una name no dey fall inside? Abi no be so?” he asked.

He lamented that despite the volume of Nigerian films produced, they have not benefited from such high-profile endorsements.

“Nigerian films never, ever move like that before,” he said.

Okeke urged Nigerian musicians and influential figures to create similar platforms to promote Nollywood.

“Publish your own 2025 Nollywood films of yourself. Publish your own 2025 baddest Nollywood films, baddest Nollywood actors and actresses, baddest Nollywood producers, the way Obama publishes you every year,” he said.

He stressed that the entertainment industry thrives when creatives support one another, adding that celebrated entertainers should not “chop all the glory alone.”

While acknowledging that no one owes anyone anything, Okeke argued that collective progress benefits everyone.

“The truth about life be say nobody owes you anything, and you don’t owe anybody anything” he said.

He concluded by lamenting the lack of unity within the creative industry, stating that Nigerian entertainers often fail to support their own and stressing that Nigerian actors and actresses deserve more recognition and support.

Watch video below: