Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has spoken out about a major issue allegedly influencing the casting of actors in the Nigerian movie industry.
The movie star claimed that filmmakers are now pressuring actors to become social media content creators before casting them in their films.
Osunde made this claim recently with her colleague, Jammal Ibrahim.
She said:
“Now, it’s as though they [filmmakers] are forcing every actor to be a social media content creator before casting them. It’s as if you must dance on the internet to get roles. Why?
“It’s like if you’re not an actor with a strong social media presence, we’re not casting you because we need you to sell our film. That shouldn’t be the actor’s job.”
ALSO READ: “He is Not My Husband”-Jemima Osunde Clarifies Relationship With Tolu Arokodare
Jammal Ibrahim added:
“That’s where good management comes in. I’ll give you an example: I told my management that I don’t know how to dance. I’m a terrible dancer. So, a good manager would look at you and say, ‘Okay, this is your personality. How can we work with who you are to make you better?’ Not, ‘How can we push you to be everyone else?’
“If you’re doing a PR stunt for a film and you’re going to be dancing, seriously, I’m not going to be part of it, unless I feel like the dance is something I can actually do. I don’t want to look stupid on screen. It’s just not my personality.”
In March, Jemima Osunde opened up about her relationship with new Super Eagles striker, Tolu Arokodare.
There were speculations that they were a couple after the actress expressed happiness over the Genk striker’s maiden invitation to the Nigerian national team.
Arokodare was among the 23 players invited by new head coach Eric Chelle for the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Reacting via her X handle on Thursday, an excited she wrote,
“My family member is playing for Nigeria! As in, he’s really one of the 23 super eagles this season.
What a life! I’m about to be a menace, it’s TEA time babyyyyyy.”
In another post, she clarified that Arokodare is not her husband but a friend turned family member.
She wrote,
“He’s not my husband, he’s my friend that’s basically become family. I am so proud of him and his journey so far. I pray for him and for the entire team to make us all proud!
