Lilian Afegbai Calls for Unity in Nollywood, Slams Growing Divide Based on Platforms

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Lilian Afegbai has taken to Instagram to express her frustrations over a growing divide in the industry, where creatives are increasingly being labelled and segregated based on the platforms where their work is showcased.

The actress, known for her candid approach, addressed the issue in a passionate post, shedding light on a troubling trend where filmmakers and actors are classified as YouTube filmmakers, Netflix stars, or Amazon actors. This segregation, according to Afegbai, has led to the creation of a hierarchy within the industry that diminishes the talent of those working on platforms like YouTube while elevating those associated with global giants like Netflix and Amazon.

A Call for Equal Treatment Afegbai questioned the logic behind this labeling, arguing that an actor’s worth should not be determined by the platform they work on but by their talent and skills. “Normally, an actor is an actor. It’s about, are you a good actor? Can you act? But it’s you viewers that have turned the whole thing upside down,” she said, calling out the audiences who have turned the industry upside down by making distinctions between actors based on their platform affiliations.

She also highlighted how this mentality stifles the growth of emerging talent. “Other people have to have room to grow. More actors have to come,” Afegbai emphasized, pointing out that the obsession with popular names on posters is limiting opportunities for lesser-known yet equally talented actors and filmmakers.

Personal Experiences with Platform Segregation In a heartfelt segment, Afegbai shared her personal experiences with a particular YouTube producer who dismissed her as “not a YouTube face.” She recounted being subjected to condescending comments and unfair offers, including a producer who offered her ₦100,000 for 15 scenes, a sum she deemed disrespectful. “You don’t need to disrespect me. You’re not God. Relax,” Afegbai fired back, illustrating the disrespect many creatives face due to the platform divide.

Her experience highlights the broader issue of how some within Nollywood are sowing division, creating unnecessary competition between filmmakers who should instead be collaborating to elevate the industry as a whole.

The Role of Viewers in Perpetuating the Divide Afegbai also took a bold stance by holding audiences accountable for perpetuating this divide. “How many films is your fave going to be in at the same time? It’s not possible,” she pointed out, urging viewers to give lesser-known actors a chance. By placing too much focus on celebrity names and equating star power with quality, audiences inadvertently discourage diversity in casting and storytelling, leaving emerging talent without opportunities.

Unity Over Division: A Path Forward for Nollywood Afegbai’s post serves as a wake-up call for Nollywood, urging both creatives and audiences to embrace unity rather than division. The strength of Nollywood lies in its diversity, from grassroots YouTube films that reflect everyday Nigerian life to high-budget Netflix productions that reach a global audience. Instead of creating divisions based on platform affiliation, the industry should recognize the value each platform brings to the table.

For actors, the focus should remain on honing their craft and telling authentic stories, regardless of the platform. Producers should foster mutual respect and fair compensation, ensuring that all talents are valued. And to viewers, it’s time to support films and actors without bias, recognizing that greatness isn’t limited to Netflix or Amazon; it thrives wherever talent and passion exist.

Afegbai’s call to drop the labels resonates deeply: whether it’s YouTube, Netflix, or Amazon, a great story is a great story—and in the end, that’s what truly matters.