Social media personality and culture advocate Enioluwa Adeoluwa has sparked a conversation about the way African stars are measured against their Western counterparts.
The influencer recently pushed back against comparisons between Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele and Hollywood actress Taraji P. Henson, urging people to recognize Akindele as a legend in her own right.
Taking to social media, Enioluwa expressed his frustration over the repeated narrative that Akindele is the “Nigerian Taraji P. Henson,” questioning why African stars are often framed as local versions of global celebrities rather than being celebrated on their own terms. “I don’t understand the constant need to compare our icons to Western figures,” he wrote.
While acknowledging his admiration for Henson, Enioluwa emphasized Akindele’s unparalleled impact on Nollywood. He described her as “an unstoppable box office record breaker” and a force in African cinema whose influence speaks for itself.
His remarks have since ignited a broader conversation about the tendency to define African creatives through a Western lens. Many supporters echoed his sentiment, arguing that stars like Akindele should be recognized for their own accomplishments rather than being placed in the shadow of foreign counterparts.
With blockbuster successes and record-breaking achievements under her belt, Funke Akindele has long carved out her place in cinematic history—not as Nigeria’s version of anyone, but as an industry titan in her own right.
