Who’s Running Nollywood Now – The Icons or the Influencers

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Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is in the midst of an exciting generational shift. For decades, industry veterans like Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ramsey Nouah, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Joke Silva have commanded screens and set the tone for storytelling.

 But now, a new crop of talented actors and actresses are rising fast  and the big question is: who’s really steering the wheel of Nollywood today?

The truth is, both veterans and newcomers are shaping the narrative, but in very different ways. Nollywood veterans remain icons.

 Their names still attract massive attention, and their experience brings depth to major productions. Ramsey Nouah, for instance, has successfully transitioned into directing, with films like Living in Bondage: Breaking Free showing that he’s not just maintaining relevance  he’s evolving. Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart made history as Nigeria’s first Netflix original and helped spotlight the global potential of Nollywood content.

Still, the energy in today’s Nollywood is undeniably driven by fresh faces. Actresses like Bimbo Ademoye, Genoveva Umeh, and Sharon Ooja are not only dominating casting calls but also redefining star power with their social media presence and modern storytelling.

 Their ability to connect with fans online gives them a wider and more active following, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences. They are taking Nollywood to new platforms, from Netflix to Amazon Prime, and even YouTube.

The veterans may have built the house, but the newbies are redecorating it for the future.

What’s particularly interesting is the increasing collaboration between both generations. In many recent films, seasoned actors are sharing the screen with newcomers, creating a balance between experience and innovation. 

These pairings are mutually beneficial  the older stars provide mentorship and credibility, while the new generation brings fresh eyes and global appeal.

At the end of the day, Nollywood isn’t being run by one side  it’s a dynamic, evolving space where legends coexist with rising stars. The veterans still hold their ground, but the newbies are driving the momentum. And together, they’re pushing Nollywood to new creative and international heights.

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