Veteran Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti, popularly known as Jayeola Monje, has opened up about why she no longer celebrates her colleagues’ birthdays, citing what she described as a lack of genuine love and support within the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actress expressed disappointment over what she believes is the growing culture of superficial relationships in Nollywood, where public displays of affection often fail to translate into meaningful support during difficult times.
According to Kuti, many actors appear united on social media but are unwilling to stand by one another when it truly matters.
She recalled her experience after publicly lamenting the removal of one of her movies from several cinemas, saying she received little or no support from colleagues, despite the fact that some of them had faced similar challenges in the past.
The actress said the experience changed her perception of relationships within the industry and influenced her decision to stop sending birthday messages to fellow actors.
“So, I stopped wishing people happy birthday because I don’t want anyone to wish me one. Please don’t,” she said.
Kuti also used the interview to shed light on the financial burden of filmmaking, noting that many people underestimate the enormous investment required to produce and distribute movies.
She explained that producers often spend huge sums on film production but struggle to recoup their investments due to distribution challenges and what she described as inadequate support from within the industry.
The actress urged stakeholders in Nollywood to foster stronger bonds and offer genuine support to one another beyond social media gestures, stressing that the industry’s growth depends on collaboration and solidarity.
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