Nigerian Actors Now Pressured To Become Social Media Influencers

Popular Nollywood actress, Jemima Osunde, has raised concerns over a growing trend in the Nigerian film industry, where actors are now required to become content creators before landing roles in movies.

In a candid conversation with fellow actor Jammal Ibrahim, Osunde explained how filmmakers are beginning to prioritize social media popularity over pure acting talent.

“It feels like actors are now being compelled to become social media entertainers just to secure roles,” Osunde shared. “If you’re not dancing or going viral online, you might not get cast. But that should never be part of the actor’s responsibility.”

She stressed that the pressure to maintain a highly visible online persona is taking away from the core essence of being an actor.

Social Media Fame Over Skill?

Jammal Ibrahim echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the role of proper management in such situations.

“I told my team I can’t dance,” Ibrahim said. “A good manager should work with your natural personality, not try to turn you into a TikTok star if that’s not who you are.”

He added that actors shouldn’t feel obligated to participate in promotional gimmicks that don’t align with their authentic self, especially when it detracts from their on-screen performance.

The Shift in Casting Culture

This shift in casting culture raises important questions: Is social media influence now more valuable than acting expertise? And what does this mean for talented performers who prefer to stay off the grid?

According to industry reports from The Guardian (source), this phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. It reflects a global trend where the line between content creator and actor is increasingly blurred.

Why This Matters for Upcoming Nigerian Actors

The Nigerian movie industry has seen exponential growth, and with it, the expectations for actors to build digital presence have surged. For aspiring actors, this adds an extra layer of pressure—not only must they hone their craft, but they also need to develop a social media brand that appeals to both audiences and producers.

If you’re interested in more conversations around trends in Nigerian entertainment, check out our article on how celebrity image affects Nollywood casting decisions — available now on LMSINT Media.

Final Thoughts

As social media becomes an unavoidable part of modern fame, it’s essential for the Nigerian film industry to find balance. While digital visibility can boost a film’s reach, it should not come at the expense of raw talent.

Actors deserve to be chosen for their craft, not just their content.