Famous Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, aka Mama G, has spoken out about the financial hardships that many artists in the Nigerian film business endure, attributing the issue to a lack of royalties.
Speaking during an interview on Isbae U’s podcast/show “Curiosity Made Me Ask,” the actress claimed that many actors only get paid once for their roles in films, regardless of how frequently the films continue to make money.
As said, this is why some actors are forced to publicly ask for help despite years of working in the industry.
“The problem why you see us beg is because they don’t give us royalties. We just work and toil so hard, and then that peanut, that money you gave us on board to come and shoot for you, is the only thing we get.”She said.
Ozokwor compared the situation with what goes on in more developed film industries, where actors continue to earn from their work long after production has ended.
“Go and look at the smallest actors in developed countries. Every work they do fetches them money every day of their lives.”
She added that in those countries, royalties continue even after an actor’s death, helping their families remain financially secure.
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“Even when they are gone, their families still live on that. We, we are still working hard.”
The veteran actress noted that the lack of residual income has pushed many Nigerian actors to explore alternative platforms, particularly YouTube, where they can earn directly from their content.
“That’s why everyone is running to YouTube,” she said.
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has criticised the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) organisers for excluding her from their 2026 nominees.
Lilian Afegbai’s co-star in “To Kill a Monkey,” Bimbo Akintola, has been nominated for Best Lead Actress in the 12th edition of the AMVCA, according to the organisers’ latest announcement.
Reacting, Afegbai slammed the organisers for snubbing her, arguing that her character, Idia, was the most trending character in the hit series, ‘To Kill A Monkey.’
She, however, said she doesn’t care much about validations, adding that the organisers can “eat” their award.
On her X handle, she wrote, “AMVCA smh. I always choose to believe everything happens for a reason.
“I don’t need a nomination for validation. The truth is clear: Nobody trended like Idia from TKAM last year. Her acting was 100. You guys can eat your award.”
