Why Nollywood Uses Voodoo Storylines — Iyabo Ojo

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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo has stirred fresh conversation in the entertainment industry after defending the frequent use of spiritual and supernatural themes in Nigerian films, insisting that such storylines are deeply rooted in African culture and lived experiences.

Speaking during a recent interview with British-Nigerian media personality Remi Burgz, the actress addressed long-standing criticism that Nollywood movies often rely too heavily on “juju”, witchcraft, and exaggerated mystical elements. 

According to her, these themes are not inventions meant for shock value, but reflections of cultural realities that exist within many African societies.

Iyabo Ojo explained that African storytelling cannot be fully separated from traditional beliefs, folklore, and spiritual interpretations of life events. 

She argued that filmmakers have a responsibility to portray their environment authentically, even if such portrayals may appear unusual or controversial to international audiences.

She stressed that attempts to completely westernize Nigerian films could strip them of their identity. In her view, Nollywood’s uniqueness lies in its ability to blend modern storytelling with deep cultural and spiritual heritage.

The actress made a bold statement during the discussion, noting that spiritual practices often depicted in films are not merely fictional concepts. 

She insisted that many Africans are familiar with these beliefs in real life contexts, adding that they continue to influence how stories are told across the continent.

According to her, “Africa has its own realities, and those realities must be represented in our films, no matter how modern the industry becomes.”

Ojo further noted that while some viewers may find certain Nollywood special effects humorous or exaggerated, the industry is constantly evolving. 

She explained that the use of visual effects, storytelling techniques, and production quality has improved significantly over the years, even as traditional themes remain a core part of the industry.

She also emphasized that Nollywood’s growth should not come at the expense of cultural authenticity. Instead, she believes the industry should continue to embrace its roots while improving technical quality and global competitiveness.

The actress’ comments have since sparked debate online, with some agreeing that Nollywood should preserve its cultural identity, while others argue that excessive reliance on supernatural themes may limit global appeal.

However, supporters of her view maintain that African cinema must tell African stories in African ways, even if those stories include spiritual or mystical elements that may not align with Western storytelling norms.

Nollywood remains one of the largest film industries in the world, and discussions around its creative direction continue to shape how filmmakers balance tradition with modern global standards.

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