Nigerian media personality Emma Ugolee has condemned Nollywood’s trend of casting actors based on follower count rather than acting skill, calling it unfair to true professionals.
Emma Ugolee took to Instagram to express his disappointment with what he described as an “unwritten rule” in Nollywood, where actors are increasingly selected for roles based on their social media presence rather than their craft.
Using the ongoing hit series To Kill a Monkey as an example, Ugolee highlighted that its two lead actors—despite being highly skilled and respected—have a combined following of just 380k. He explained that they excel in acting but don’t gain massive followers because they avoid scandals, nudity, and public controversies that often boost online popularity.
Ugolee contrasted this with an internet sensation, Egungun, who has over 2 million followers by engaging in provocative street interviews where he asks women to display sensual movements and discuss intimate topics. According to Ugolee, these are the types of individuals Nollywood now prefers to cast simply for publicity purposes.
This is unfair to actors. Believe it or not, some actors just want to act without being popular. Stop putting pressure on them to meet your criteria for a public following. They might have everything it takes to kill the role and nothing it takes to impress fickle-minded people daily,” he wrote.
Ugolee praised directors who continue to prioritize talent over social media influence, urging the industry to return to valuing skill and professionalism.
Previously, Ugolee stirred conversations when he claimed tribalism played a role in why Southwest Nigeria dominates the music scene. He also once revealed how a woman rejected him due to his kidney condition, only for her to pass away while he continues to live and thrive.
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