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Nollywood actor Zuby Michael has shared his thoughts on the challenges some Igbo creatives allegedly face when seeking mentorship, opportunities and support from influential figures in Nigeria’s film industry.
The actor addressed the issue during an interview with Broadway TV, where he discussed what he believes could be one of the reasons some industry executives are reluctant to support upcoming talents from the Igbo community.
According to Michael, the hesitation is sometimes driven by fear that a person who receives mentorship could eventually become more successful than the individual who trained them.
He argued that Igbo people are often quick to learn new skills and can use limited resources to establish themselves, which he believes makes some executives cautious about investing in their development.
‘They Are Scared Of Creating Competition’
Michael explained that some executives may worry that mentoring a talented individual could eventually create a rival within the same industry.
He said an aspiring creative could learn in a relatively short period what took an established professional many years to master.
“Igbo people are fast learners and they are capable of making it big with just a little. You might decide to mentor an Igbo person and what took you 10 years to learn, he will learn it in one year and six months,” he said.
The actor suggested that the situation could become problematic when the mentee eventually leaves to establish an independent career.
“And if you don’t treat him well, he will leave you and start doing the same business you taught him and become your competition. So, people are scared of that,” he added.
Michael’s comments point to the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, where established professionals may have concerns about developing individuals who could eventually compete for similar opportunities, audiences and business relationships.
Says Concern Exists Among Igbos
The actor also stressed that he did not believe the alleged reluctance was exclusively associated with executives from other ethnic groups.
According to him, some Igbo executives may also hesitate to support other Igbo talents because of similar concerns about competition and betrayal.
“Industry executives, including some Igbos, don’t like supporting Igbos because they feel like they will get betrayed by their mentee outshining them,” Michael explained.
His comments have drawn attention to the broader conversation about mentorship and opportunities within Nollywood.
Mentorship In The Entertainment Industry
Mentorship remains an important part of the entertainment industry, particularly for upcoming actors, filmmakers, producers and other creatives trying to establish themselves.
Many young talents depend on established industry figures for guidance, professional connections and opportunities to gain practical experience.
However, Michael’s perspective suggests that concerns about competition can sometimes affect the willingness of established professionals to share their knowledge or resources with upcoming creatives.
The actor’s comments also raise questions about the importance of creating an environment where successful professionals can mentor younger talents without viewing their growth as a threat.
For emerging creatives, gaining access to experienced professionals can help them understand the business side of entertainment, develop their skills and navigate an industry that can be highly competitive.
Zuby Michael’s Perspective
Michael has remained one of the recognisable figures in Nollywood, particularly through his appearances in Nigerian films and his public commentary on issues affecting the entertainment industry.
His latest remarks reflect his personal perspective on what he believes could be contributing to the difficulties experienced by some Igbo talents when seeking support from industry gatekeepers.
While his comments focus specifically on the experiences of Igbo creatives, the issue of mentorship, competition and professional relationships is relevant across Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
The actor’s position is ultimately his personal assessment and does not establish that all Nollywood executives share the attitudes he described.
Nevertheless, his comments have added another dimension to ongoing discussions about ethnic representation, collaboration, mentorship and access to opportunities within Nollywood.
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