The supremacy battle between the old and ‘new Nollywood’ isn’t ending anytime soon, as it came to a head with a recent episode of Emma Ugolee‘s ‘The Gist’.
On the newly aired show, renowned filmmakers Charles Novia, Moses Inwang and Uzodinma Okpechi were invited to talk about the industry and they didn’t have nice words to say.
READ: Charles Novia chides AMVCA organisers for omitting Jab Adu on its tribute list
Moses Inwang expressed his dissatisfaction with the current crop of actors by saying, ‘they even call themselves the new Nollywood,’ while Novia chimed that, ‘if you put Blossom, OC Ukeje at the box office, and put a different film with Ramsey Nouah and RMD. It’s the movie with Ramsey that would probably pull more crowd.’
Uzo Okpechi even went as far as calling them ‘Instagram stars’.
Cc @MealdredO pic.twitter.com/wP1Nb4EzDh
— Uduak Isong (@Uduakisong) September 24, 2016
It quickly drew reactions from Nollywood actors, producers and directors who took to Twitter to share their thoughts with words like petty, disappointing, and embarrassing used to describe the statements.
@Uduakisong just saw a clip of it and I am embarrassed to be in the same industry with these guys. Smells a lot like #badbelle. It’s a pity.
— Emmanuel K. Uduma (@emmauduma) September 24, 2016
Shame!!! Pettiness!!! https://t.co/qoR2AnlM4B
— Niyi Akinmolayan (@niyiakinmolayan) September 24, 2016
By the way, about The Gist clip, I watched the entire show. It was even way worse than the clip. More names were called and dragged.
— Isioma ‘Jazz’ Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) September 25, 2016
When Jennifer Lawrence burst into the scene, the entire Hollywood and American media machinery built her into their next big Star.
— Isioma ‘Jazz’ Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) September 25, 2016
Dakota Fanning, Emma Watson, John Boyega. The next Generation of Hollywood is prepped and doing the industry proud.
— Isioma ‘Jazz’ Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) September 25, 2016
Now people are making films in a time when Nollywood is Nigeria’s punching bag. When it is a thing of pride to say “I don’t watch Nollywood”
— Isioma ‘Jazz’ Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) September 25, 2016
10/15 years ago, everyone watched Nollywood and if they didn’t, they did not voice said opinion. You had no choice.
— Isioma ‘Jazz’ Osaje (@MsJazzyfied) September 25, 2016
Actress Kemi Lala-Akindoju also expressed her views.
4. It is no longer automatic that your film will sell out at the box office if u cast a ‘star’. Your marketing must be INTENSIVE
— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) September 25, 2016
5. The film ‘THY WILL BE DONE ‘ starring Ramsey Noah and Mercy Johnson was not an automatic box office hit.big name is no longer all u need
— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) September 25, 2016
7. Calling @OCtheGreatUkeje & @BCChuks instagram stars was very derogatory. These are the ones who are actually putting in the work
— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) September 25, 2016
9. We should allow each person the right to a uniqueness in this journey. Not everyone wants to be known in Abeokuta
— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) September 25, 2016
14.This is actually a hard time to bcom a ‘star’ in Nollywood. d industry is more critical, so actors who hav built a name shud b commended
— Kemi Lala Akindoju (@lalaakindoju) September 25, 2016
There were more reactions from unimpressed Nollywood stakeholders.
You people should sheath your swords abeg. It’s very unnecessary. Let’s work together and see how Nollywood can take over the world.
— Uduak Isong (@Uduakisong) September 24, 2016
If mkt ppl selling the same products, sit side by side,are at peace with 1 another even helping the other out. I don’t understand Nollywood
— Uduak Isong (@Uduakisong) September 24, 2016
Dear Oc and Blossom, your names were pronounced very well o and that is all that matters. Don’t take d bait please
— SunCountry (@MealdredO) September 24, 2016
So that the industry continues to grow. For the sake of us and the ones coming after us. We’re on the same team not opposite sides.
— Uduak Isong (@Uduakisong) September 24, 2016
Yes, we’re struggling to create new stars. But this is not something to be proud of or sneer at. The shame is on all of us. #Nollywood
— Uduak Isong (@Uduakisong) September 24, 2016
No Fields Found.@charlesnovia Uncle Charles well done. We saw you and your friends doing Nollywood proud on TV today. This division is all we need
— James Omokwe (@JamesOmokwe) September 24, 2016
