Veteran Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has spoken out against the Nigerian movie industry’s fixation on social media following, revealing that some producers prioritized an actor’s online presence over their talent.
In a recent interview with Pulse, Arukwe recalled the challenges he faced as a struggling actor, saying, “I remember when I started, it was a big problem for me. There was a time in this industry when it was mostly about Instagram and Twitter followers… I didn’t understand it, but I knew I had to be at peace with it, because a production house wants to hire you and they’re looking at your numbers.”
Arukwe, 40, questioned the emphasis on social media, asking, “But can he act?” He acknowledged that some actors have successfully leveraged their online presence to secure roles, but emphasized that talent should be the primary consideration.
The ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ star’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the role of social media in the entertainment industry, with many arguing that it has created unfair pressures and biases in the casting process.
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