Gideon Okeke Calls for Stronger Support Between Nigerian Music and Film Industries
Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has sparked an important conversation within Nigeria’s creative space after sharing a heartfelt video addressing what he described as an imbalance in support between the country’s music and film industries.
In the video, Gideon questioned why Nigerian musicians are widely celebrated, idolised, and promoted on the global stage, while Nollywood actors, actresses, and filmmakers rarely receive the same level of public backing, especially from their colleagues in the music industry.
He noted that Nigerian music stars proudly embrace labels such as the “big three” or “big five”, yet very few of them openly recommend, hype, or promote Nigerian films and filmmakers—even at a time when platforms like Netflix and other streaming giants have given Nollywood unprecedented global exposure.
Gideon further referenced how influential global figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, regularly promote music and films they enjoy, questioning the potential impact if Nigerian music stars used their massive platforms to amplify Nollywood in a similar way.
Opinion: A Necessary Conversation Nollywood Can’t Ignore
Gideon Okeke’s message hits close to home—and it’s one many creatives have whispered about for years. Nigerian music has undoubtedly conquered the world, but that success didn’t happen in isolation. It was driven by intentional collaboration, loud self-promotion, and collective branding—tools Nollywood is still struggling to fully harness.
His call is not an attack on musicians but a plea for unity. When one creative sector thrives alone, the ecosystem remains incomplete. Imagine the ripple effect if top Nigerian artists casually tweeted about a Nollywood film they loved or showed up to premieres with the same energy they bring to award shows.
Support doesn’t always require money—sometimes it’s just visibility, validation, and voice. As Nollywood continues to tell African stories to the world, the industry deserves the same hype culture that music enjoys.
Gideon’s words are a reminder that true global dominance comes when creatives lift one another, not when success exists in silos. The question now is: who will listen—and who will act?
