By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has sparked online debate with his blunt take on the financial realities of the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking in a recent interview, Solade argued that no Nigerian actress has ever been able to afford a G-Wagon luxury SUV purely from acting income.
According to him, the earnings from Nollywood projects simply cannot fund such extravagant purchases.
Solade stated: “No actress can say she bought her G-Wagon from the money made from acting because how much do they earn?”
The seasoned actor insisted that any actress who owns such a high-end vehicle must have other sources of income outside acting.
“Acting alone cannot give any actress money enough to buy a G-Wagon, unless they have something else doing,” he added.
While Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, producing over 2,500 movies annually, actors often face financial challenges.
Unlike Hollywood, where actors can earn millions per project, many Nollywood performers receive relatively modest fees — especially for straight-to-DVD or low-budget productions that dominate the industry.
Revenue streams in Nollywood are still growing, but piracy, low cinema turnout for some films, and limited streaming deals mean actors often have to supplement their income with endorsements, business ventures, or side hustles.
Top stars sometimes leverage their fame for brand ambassador deals, appearances, and social media influence — which often provide more stable income than acting itself.
