Nigerian actress Jemima Osunde has voiced her discontent with a growing trend in Nollywood, where actors are increasingly expected to become active social media influencers in order to land roles.
In a recent video shared on her social media accounts, Osunde expressed her frustration with the industry’s evolving demands, highlighting that this new focus on online presence appears aimed at promoting films through actors’ digital followings.
She emphasized that acting should be about skill and performance, not one’s ability to create content for social media.
Osunde also referenced Hollywood star Keanu Reeves, who continues to succeed based solely on his acting talent, despite his minimal presence on social platforms.
She criticized the industry’s current direction, saying, “Now they’re forcing actors to be social media content creators. It’s like they expect you to dance online, and if you don’t, you’re left out of casting because you can’t help market the film.”
The actress questioned the necessity of these pressures, adding, “That shouldn’t be my responsibility! How often do you see Keanu Reeves outside of his roles on screen?”
Best known for her role as Leila in Shuga, Osunde also earned a Best Actress nomination at the 15th Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in The Delivery Boy (2018).
In addition, Osunde recently addressed rumors surrounding a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, denying the claims and reaffirming her commitment to embracing natural beauty, subtly rejecting the idea that she had altered her body surgically.
