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Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti, also known as Jayeola Monje, has expressed disappointment over what she described as the lack of genuine solidarity among film practitioners in the Nigerian movie industry.
Speaking during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the veteran actress said her experience following the removal of her film from cinemas exposed the absence of real support from colleagues, despite the shared struggles within the industry.
She explained that while many actors publicly appear supportive of one another, the reality behind the scenes is quite different, with most people dealing with similar challenges but choosing silence instead of speaking openly about them.
Concerns Over Industry Relationships
According to Jaiye Kuti, relationships within Nollywood have continued to weaken because of competition, financial pressure and a lack of unity among practitioners.
She noted that many actors are going through similar professional difficulties but rarely show solidarity when one of their own is affected.
The actress questioned the sincerity of admiration shown to celebrities, saying that public praise often does not translate into real-life support when it is needed most.
She recounted her personal experience after her movie reportedly faced distribution challenges in cinemas, stating that she was surprised by the silence from colleagues.
Disappointment Over Lack Of Support
Jaiye Kuti revealed that despite her appeal for understanding and backing during the situation, she received little or no support from fellow actors.
She said she found it disappointing that colleagues who frequently celebrate her during social occasions such as birthdays did not show the same level of concern when she was facing professional setbacks.
In her words, she felt abandoned during a moment when industry solidarity would have made a meaningful difference.
Changing Her Approach To Colleagues
As a result of her experience, the actress said she has decided to change how she relates with colleagues, especially when it comes to personal gestures such as birthday wishes.
She explained that she no longer sends birthday messages to industry peers because she does not expect such gestures in return, describing it as a personal decision shaped by her disappointment.
Her remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some industry veterans who believe that social media interactions do not always reflect real-world relationships.
Financial Struggles In Film Production
Beyond issues of support and relationships, Jaiye Kuti also drew attention to the financial difficulties involved in filmmaking.
She explained that many people underestimate the high costs of producing movies, from pre-production to marketing and cinema distribution.
According to her, producers often invest significant resources into their projects with the hope of recovering expenses through box office returns, but this is not always guaranteed.
She stressed that these challenges make the lack of support from colleagues even more painful, especially when industry members understand how difficult the process can be.
Call For Greater Unity In Nollywood
While expressing frustration, Jaiye Kuti’s comments also highlight broader concerns about unity within Nollywood, where competition and commercial pressures often overshadow collaboration and mutual support.
Her experience has sparked conversations about the need for stronger professional bonds and more meaningful support systems within the industry.
Many observers believe that as Nollywood continues to grow globally, fostering solidarity among actors, producers and filmmakers will be essential for sustaining its success.
Despite her criticism, Jaiye Kuti remains one of Nollywood’s respected figures, known for her contributions to Yoruba-language films and her long-standing presence in the industry.
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