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Gideon Okeke Highlights Disparity in Support Between Nigerian Music and Film Industries
Renowned Nigerian actor Gideon Okeke recently released a heartfelt video addressing the noticeable imbalance in mutual support among Nigerian creatives, particularly between the music and film sectors.
The Unequal Celebration of Nigerian Artists
In his message, Gideon questioned why Nigerian musicians receive widespread acclaim, admiration, and international promotion, while Nollywood actors, actresses, and filmmakers seldom enjoy similar endorsement from their music industry peers. This disparity persists despite Nollywood’s growing global footprint, with platforms like Netflix bringing Nigerian cinema to millions worldwide.
Calls for Cross-Industry Solidarity
Gideon emphasized that while Nigerian musicians often embrace titles such as the “big three” or “big five,” there is a lack of reciprocal promotion for Nollywood talents. He suggested that if Nigerian music stars actively championed their film counterparts, it could significantly boost the visibility and appreciation of Nigerian cinema both locally and internationally.
Global Examples of Artistic Endorsement
Drawing inspiration from international figures like former U.S. President Barack Obama, who openly shares and promotes music he enjoys, Gideon pondered the potential impact if Nigerian musicians adopted a similar approach to support Nollywood productions and artists.
The Growing Influence of Nollywood
With Nollywood ranking as the second-largest film industry globally by volume, producing over 2,500 movies annually, its cultural and economic significance continues to rise. Despite this, the film sector still struggles to receive the same level of peer support and public hype that Nigerian music enjoys, which often dominates social media and international award platforms.
Encouraging a Unified Creative Community
Gideon’s call to action encourages Nigerian creatives to foster a more collaborative environment where music and film professionals uplift each other. Such unity could enhance the global reach of Nigerian arts, creating a stronger, more cohesive cultural identity.
