Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Reflects on Nollywood’s Legacy, Shares Insight on Career Challenges

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about her experiences in the Nigerian film industry, highlighting both the historic impact of Nollywood and the personal challenges she has faced in her decades-long career.

Speaking candidly on social media, Omotola contrasted her experiences working in Hollywood and Nollywood, noting the stark differences in recognition and financial rewards.

She revealed that during her four years working in Hollywood, she received residuals—a form of ongoing payment for repeated use of her work—while in Nollywood, despite starring in over 310 projects across 30 years, she has received “nothing but silence.”

Omotola emphasized Nollywood’s pioneering role in putting Nigerian entertainment on the global map long before the recent surge of Afrobeats music.

She recalled the early days of the industry, describing how Nollywood broke cultural and geographical barriers despite limited resources, lower production quality, and the absence of modern social media platforms.

“Nollywood laid the foundation for the global recognition of Nigerian entertainment. Even before Afrobeats took the world by storm, Nollywood was already creating waves,” she said.

Her comments shed light on the industry’s evolution, reminding fans and stakeholders of Nollywood’s significant contributions to Africa’s cultural export.

In addition to reflecting on Nollywood’s history, Omotola spoke about her personal journey as an actress. Having started her career at the tender age of 15, she discussed the toll a demanding career can take and the importance of taking time off to relax, recharge, and reflect.

“When you’ve been working since 15 like I have, you understand the need to relax, relive, relearn, and recharge,” Omotola shared.

She explained that periodic breaks were essential for mental health and creative rejuvenation, especially in an industry as fast-paced as film.

Omotola’s remarks also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by Nollywood actors, particularly regarding financial recognition. Despite the industry’s growth and global reach, many actors struggle with fair compensation, especially residuals and royalties, which are common in Hollywood.

Her candid admission about receiving “nothing but silence” after contributing to hundreds of projects calls attention to systemic issues within Nollywood’s business model, including intellectual property rights and distribution.

As one of Nollywood’s most respected and enduring stars, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s reflections offer valuable insights into the industry’s past, present, and future. Her call for better recognition of artists and self-care resonates with many in Nollywood and beyond.

Her story is a reminder that while Nollywood has achieved remarkable success, there is still room for growth—especially in ensuring that the industry’s talent is adequately rewarded and supported.