Actor Tayo Faniran has accused Nollywood of allowing nepotism, favouritism and personal connections to influence career opportunities, awards and recognition in the industry.
Speaking with TVC, Faniran, who rose to prominence after winning Big Brother Africa before transitioning into acting, said his criticism was based on his personal experiences in the Nigerian film industry.
The actor claimed that some people formed opinions about him during his time on Big Brother Africa, and that those perceptions have continued to affect his career. He also argued that awards and industry recognition are sometimes influenced more by personal relationships than the quality of an actor’s work.
“Some people made their own impression of me when I was younger and in Big Brother Africa,” Faniran said, arguing that such perceptions can prevent actors from receiving opportunities they have earned.
He went further to allege that the industry’s system is effectively rigged, claiming that some of the producers, directors and actors regarded as Nollywood’s biggest names did not necessarily attain their positions solely through talent.
“The film producers that you guys see and you know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers. Same with directors. Same with actors,” he said.
Faniran cited The Fire and the Moth as a project he believes deserved greater recognition, particularly for its director, cinematographer and sound team. He also alleged that some people within Nollywood deliberately sabotage the careers of others, although he did not name anyone.
“There are also, you know, people who are in the industry that, not that they know much or they have a lot to contribute, but theirs is just to sabotage people,” he said, describing parts of the industry as being driven by “magomago”, nepotism and clique-based favouritism. He contrasted Nollywood with Afrobeats, arguing that the music industry appears more open to emerging talent while film opportunities can remain concentrated among established industry circles.
Rather than wait for the system to change, Faniran said he has focused on creating his own opportunities. He pointed to his 2020 film Man Like Jimmy and his more recent four-part series Bodija, which he said he personally funded with more than 100 million Naira. “All that we need is just a fair hearing or a fair submission,” he said.
He stressed that his comments were not directed at any individual but at what he considers systemic problems within Nollywood. He called for greater emphasis on merit and fair consideration in determining who receives opportunities and recognition in the industry.
