By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Veteran Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, has voiced her concerns over what she describes as the fading passion in today’s movie industry.
In a recent interview, Akintola reflected on the early days of Nollywood, noting that things were vastly different when she and her peers began their careers.
According to her, acting in those days was purely passion-driven.“Back then, we were driven purely by hunger and passion, not money or glamour,” she recalled.
“We would work long hours, even overnight, without caring about food or pay, just to bring stories to life.”
She went on to praise icons such as Joke Silva and Shola Sobowale, whom she described as legends who poured their hearts into the craft, placing storytelling above personal comfort.
However, Akintola lamented that the industry has shifted from artistry to appearances.
In her words: “The passion is gone… it’s now about looks, not content. Everybody is more concerned about makeup, outfits, and looks, even going as far as doing BBLs. Looks will fade but true artistry lasts.”
Her comments shed light on a broader conversation within Nollywood about the balance between entertainment value and authentic storytelling.
Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, is one of the largest in the world, producing thousands of movies annually and contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
Known for its relatable stories, vibrant culture, and unique style, Nollywood has grown from low-budget productions in the early 1990s to a billion-dollar industry with global recognition.
Despite its successes, the industry has faced criticism over issues of quality, storytelling depth, and now, as Akintola points out, an increasing obsession with glamour and social media-driven trends.
