Society Gists

Jemima Osunde, a rising star in Nollywood, has voiced her frustration over a growing trend in the film industry—the pressure on actors to become social media content creators just to secure movie roles.

Speaking during an episode of the Running Lines podcast, the 28-year-old actress and model criticized what she sees as a shift away from talent and professional merit to online popularity.

“Now they are forcing actors to be social media content creators. It is now like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ Why?” Osunde questioned.

She expressed concern that the entertainment industry now prioritizes actors with large online followings over those with pure acting talent, simply to help market films.

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“If you are not an actor with a social media presence, you are not going to be cast because you need to sell the film. That should not be my job!”

To drive her point home, Osunde referenced Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves, known for his incredible performances and low-key lifestyle. She questioned why Nigerian actors are expected to dance or trend online when globally respected actors thrive without doing so.

“Like, how many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he is not on your screen as an actor?”
Jemima Osunde rose to fame through her role as Leila in the MTV drama series Shuga, and later gained critical acclaim with her performance in The Delivery Boy (2018), which earned her a Best Actress in a Leading Role nomination at the 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Her remarks have sparked conversations about the commercialization of acting, the blurred lines between influencers and trained performers, and the need to refocus on storytelling and talent in Nollywood.