Nollywood may be thriving in global visibility, but veteran broadcaster and media critic Emma Ugolee believes its soul is under threat.
In a blistering social media post on August 6, 2025, Ugolee accused the industry of sacrificing acting skill on the altar of Instagram fame—choosing stars by follower count instead of actual talent.
“It’s sickening,” he wrote. “An unwritten rule that is becoming the new casting code—choose popularity, not professionalism.”
The “Influencer Actor” Crisis
Using the acclaimed drama series To Kill a Monkey as proof of what true acting looks like, Ugolee spotlighted actors Bucci Franklin and William Chinoyenem, who deliver gripping performances despite having a modest combined following of less than 380,000. “These guys prove that storytelling is about skill—not skits.”
In sharp contrast, Ugolee name-checked content creator Egungun, whose millions of followers stem from viral, sexually suggestive street interviews. Yet, it’s personalities like Egungun, he argued, that producers now chase—not because they can act, but because they “bring numbers.”
“Stop Forcing Actors to Become Clowns”
Ugolee didn’t hold back on what this trend is doing to real actors. Many now feel compelled to chase controversy, strip down for the camera, or create scandal just to stay visible in casting conversations.
“They have to be rich at frivolity… or involved in dramas unrelated to acting,” he wrote.
“Some actors just want to act without needing to be popular. Stop putting pressure on them to meet your ridiculous follower quota.”
He ended with a shout-out to directors and casting professionals who still scout for craft, not clout: “Respect to the filmmakers who still get it right—who look at audition tapes, not follower tabs.”
What’s Really at Stake?
Ugolee’s words cut through the hype to reveal a growing identity crisis in Nollywood:
| Key Issue | His Take |
|---|---|
| Casting by popularity | “Unfair, sickening trend” |
| Influencers vs. Actors | “Followers ≠ talent” |
| Social pressure on performers | “Actors feel forced into controversy to stay visible” |
| Example of true talent | To Kill a Monkey stars praised for skill, not social media |
| Call to action | “Prioritize performance over popularity” |
