Jemima Osunde Accuses Nollywood Filmmakers of Forcing Actors To Become Content Creators

Nigerian actress Jemima Osunde has voiced her frustration with the growing trend of filmmakers prioritising actors’ social media presence over their performance ability.

Speaking on the “Running Lines” podcast by Working Talent Agency on April 5, Osunde criticised the pressure on actors to also function as online influencers in order to land roles.

“They’re forcing actors to be social media content creators,” she said. “It’s now like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ Why? If you’re not an actor with a social media presence, you won’t be cast because you need to sell the film. That should not be my job.”

The 28-year-old actress, known for her breakout role as Leila in “Shuga,” expressed concern over the shifting standards in Nollywood, suggesting that the focus on visibility undermines the craft of acting.

Referencing international actors, she added, “How many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he’s not on your screen as an actor?”

Osunde, who earned an Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) nomination for her role in “The Delivery Boy” (2018), concluded that casting decisions should remain grounded in talent and performance rather than digital popularity.