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Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has expressed concern over the current state of Nollywood, lamenting that the industry has shifted from being passion-driven to becoming more focused on glamour, appearance, and body enhancements.
Speaking during an interview with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, Akintola stated that unlike the earlier days when actors were driven by dedication to the craft, today’s Nollywood appears more interested in makeup and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL).
According to her, back then, actors worked tirelessly out of love for the art and not for money or appearances. She recalled working alongside the likes of Sola Sobowale and Joke Silva, where long hours and sleepless nights were normal because the priority was telling authentic stories.
“The passion is gone. When we joined the industry, everyone was passion-driven. How much were people being paid? It wasn’t a lot of money. But the passion to make a difference and do something that you felt was your reason for being in. And every person that we met was on that same level of passion. Even Aunty Joke and Aunty Shola were all passionate about the work. We had people who wouldn’t sleep. Who is talking about food or working 12 or 14 hours? We would work till we finish. And it wasn’t about glamour. Our work isn’t glamorous but reality, we reflect life back at society,” she said.
Akintola stressed that stage plays remain one of the few places where she still finds genuine passion among actors. However, she believes the film industry has been overtaken by an obsession with outward beauty.
“Now, people are saying, ‘My makeup isn’t right for this, and I can’t wear this.’ Is that what the film is about? We are more concerned about our outfits and how we look. This is why, generally, there is a spark in BBL. It is now about looks and not content or what one has. Looks will fade no matter what you do,” she added.
This is not the first time Akintola has spoken out. In a previous interview, she questioned the source of wealth of some of her colleagues, suggesting that many fund their extravagant lifestyles through relationships with politicians or by coming from wealthy backgrounds.
Her concerns echo those of another Nollywood veteran, Kanayo O. Kanayo, who has also criticized the direction of the industry. He had earlier stated that Nollywood should not be a hub for “BBL, sex work, Instagram stars, and homosexuality,” while also accusing social media influencers of contributing to the erosion of respect in the profession.
In another interview, Kanayo further condemned the desperation of some young women trying to break into Nollywood without any acting talent. According to him, Nollywood is for showcasing skills, not for learning the craft from scratch. He bluntly advised such women to consider other trades, saying, “They should sell crayfish if acting isn’t in them.”
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