Popular Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has spoken out against the unsettling practice in the industry of casting performers based more on their social media following than their skill.
Uzor Arukwe disclosed in a recent interview with Pulse that actors with a strong internet following are frequently preferred by directors over those who possess true acting talent. Uzor Arukwe conceded that a small number of actors had succeeded in the business by having both skill and a significant online following.
He stressed that performers with more social media followers are given preference over those who are truly talented, creating an unfair advantage brought about by this trend.
After more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, Uzor Arukwe thought back on his early days as a struggling actor and said:
“I remember all so clearly when I started. It was a big problem for me,” the 40-year-old actor told Pulse in a recent interview.
“There was a time in this industry when it was mostly about Instagram and Twitter followers, and stuff like that. I didn’t understand it but knew it was something I had to be at peace with, because a production house wants to hire you and they’re looking at your numbers. ‘But can he act?’ That is the question I always ask. But there are some people who are blessed who are fantastic actors who have numbers and they’ve been doing well.
Before joining Nollywood, Uzor Arukwe spent ten years working in the business sector, as he disclosed in another article. Uzor Arukwe discussed his early days in Nollywood and his ascent to prominence in a recent interview. The Kambili actor also talked about the challenges he had in his early career and how he quit a corporate job after ten years to pursue a career in Nollywood.
Arukwe’s remarks have started a dialogue that goes beyond Nollywood and offers a more comprehensive analysis of how technology, entertainment, and creativity are intertwined in the digital age. One thing is certain as performers, directors, and viewers consider the ramifications of this paradigm change: an actor’s real value is determined by the breadth of their skill and the genuineness of their work, not by the quantity of fans they gain.
The direct criticism of Nollywood’s casting procedures by Uzor Arukwe highlights a concerning development that jeopardizes the industry’s integrity. He pushes industry stakeholders to reevaluate their goals and reaffirm their commitment to excellence in storytelling and performance by drawing attention to the mismatch between social media metrics and actual creative worth. Arukwe’s voice is a beacon of honesty and a constant reminder of the significance of talent and innovation in the entertainment industry as Nollywood navigates the intricacies of the digital age.
