Ruth Kadiri Opens Up on Why She Chose YouTube: “I Refuse to Lose Myself While Entertaining Others”
Award-winning Nollywood actress and producer Ruth Kadiri has opened up about her bold move to start creating and releasing films on YouTube, describing it as a decision rooted in self-awareness, fulfillment, and creative freedom rather than fame or external validation.
Speaking in an interview with Jay On Air, Kadiri revealed that venturing into YouTube filmmaking wasn’t an easy decision — especially at a time when the platform wasn’t seen as a viable space for serious filmmakers.
“The last thing I want to do as a person is to lose myself in the process of being an entertainer,” she said.
“I need to be able to keep the wealth of happiness and fulfillment for myself while growing and building what I want to build. And I’m not going to let anybody sway me.”
With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Ruth Kadiri has worn many hats — actress, screenwriter, and producer — building a reputation for consistency, creativity, and emotional storytelling.
She admitted that stepping into YouTube was initially confusing, as she didn’t understand the platform’s business model.
“People were already making films on YouTube. It wasn’t something I was so aware of. I didn’t understand the business… But when I wanted to do it, I knew how mine was going to go. Most times when I want to do something, I know when it’s going to succeed. I don’t know how I know, but I know,” she said confidently.
Kadiri further shared that her strong sense of purpose often makes people misunderstand her decisions.
“People don’t understand the long-term goals. If you have energy to explain, you do. If you don’t, you just keep it short,” she explained.
“With platforms like YouTube, I expect entertainers to be going wild and creative. All those things we wrote in our journals, we’re not doing anymore.”
💭 Opinion: Ruth Kadiri’s Story Is a Masterclass in Creative Independence
Ruth Kadiri’s journey is a refreshing reminder that success in entertainment isn’t always about red carpets or blockbuster premieres — sometimes, it’s about control, peace, and purpose.
In a time when many filmmakers chase validation from streaming giants and critics, Kadiri’s choice to build her own space on YouTube shows courage and vision. She’s proving that authenticity and ownership can coexist with success — and that creators don’t need to sacrifice happiness for applause.
Her words, “I refuse to lose myself while entertaining others,” are more than just a quote — they’re a manifesto for every creative battling between self-expression and societal expectations.
Ruth Kadiri isn’t just making movies; she’s redefining Nollywood’s creative economy — one YouTube upload at a time. 🎥💪
