Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has publicly challenged some of Nigeria’s music stars, accusing them of not doing enough to promote the local film industry.
The 43-year-old actor made the remarks in a post shared on his Instagram page, where he questioned the level of support Afrobeats stars offer Nollywood despite the film industry’s consistent celebration of their achievements.
Okeke noted that actors and filmmakers often amplify the global success of Nigerian musicians, but such energy is rarely returned when it comes to promoting Nigerian films and talents.
He argued that artistes such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido and Rema have the influence to spotlight Nollywood and help open global opportunities for its creatives.
“You know how we carry our Afrobeats music on our heads? We say big three, big five, big this; we have almost idolised ourselves,” he said.
“I ask myself a question that imagine your big three, big five, big one — Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, all of them, don’t you watch Nigerian films? Since Netflix came to this country, haven’t you watched any Nigerian films?
“Have you not seen any actor you can actively promote? Can you not use your mouth to speak well of exceptional talents?”
Okeke also criticised the growing trend of musicians joining film projects as executive producers, suggesting that vocal public endorsement would have a stronger impact.
“You are beginning to act as executive producers. You are sneaking into the cracks. What will happen if you use your mouth and endorse a producer, actor, actress, or cameraman?” Okeke asked.
“Publish your own 2025 baddest Nollywood films, baddest Nollywood actors and actresses, baddest Nollywood producers, publish your own the way Obama publishes you every year. The way you make the cuts to Obama also drives traffic for other people; you don’t want to take all the glory.
“But when you travel overseas, and you encounter a foreigner, why not say, ‘My Gee, our actors over there are bad. They can compete with Hollywood.
“We are all cousins. We are all together. Our actresses know you.”
In recent years, several Nigerian music stars have expanded into filmmaking, blurring the line between both industries.
In 2024, The Guardian reported that Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy ventured into film production by executive producing the thriller 3 Cold Dishes through Spaceship Films, the production company he co-founded with his mother, Bose Ogulu.
That same year, singer Tiwa Savage made her acting debut while also serving as executive producer on Water & Garri, a project developed as a visual extension of her 2021 EP. The film was released on Prime Video on 10 May.
Unlike core film producers who oversee day-to-day creative decisions, executive producers are typically responsible for financing and high-level project backing.
About 3 Cold Dishes
The film, directed by Asurf Oluseyi, features a cast that includes Wale Ojo, Osas Ighodaro, Femi Jacobs, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards and Greg Ojefua, alongside actors from Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The story follows three women who survived sexual abuse after being trafficked as teenagers. Years later, they reunite to confront the men who destroyed their lives. The film tackles themes around sex trafficking and abuse across parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Production took place across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, with dialogue in English, Yoruba and French.
The project is a multi-studio collaboration involving Asurf Films Ltd, Spaceship Films, Nexthought Creativehub Ltd, Ifind Pictures, Martian Network, Alma Productions, Black Mic Mac, Capital Film Productions and Azurenoir & Co.
In November 2025, the film recorded an opening weekend gross of ₦24.6 million at the Nigerian box office.
