LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti has expressed disappointment with her colleagues, accusing many of showing superficial affection while failing to support one another during difficult moments in the movie industry.
Speaking during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress said the industry is losing the unity it once had.
She revealed that many entertainers are battling similar challenges but choose to remain silent, pretending everything is fine instead of standing together.
Jaiye questioned why the public often admires celebrities without knowing what goes on behind the scenes, insisting that many relationships within the industry are not as genuine as they appear.
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Reflecting on one of her personal experiences, she recalled the period when her movie was removed from several cinemas.
According to her, despite many producers facing similar struggles, none of her colleagues publicly supported her or visited the affected cinemas.
“The people you’re emulating, and looking at as an example, do you really want to know them? The people you call celebrities and follow on social media. Not one actor went to those cinemas or even supported me, despite the fact that we’re all going through the same thing,” she said.
The actress also criticized what she called performative friendships in Nollywood. She noted that while colleagues are quick to post birthday messages every year, many disappear when real support is needed.
“But if I celebrate my birthday, the next day, they’d wish me a happy birthday. So I stopped wishing people a happy birthday because I don’t want anyone to wish me one. Please don’t,” the actress added.
Beyond the issue of friendship, Jaiye drew attention to the financial realities of filmmaking, explaining that many people underestimate the enormous cost of producing movies and the challenges filmmakers face in recovering their investments through cinema distribution.
