“If Nollywood Was Strictly About Talent, I Should Be Far Beyond Where I Am Now” — Tayo Faniran

Nollywood actor Tayo Faniran has alleged that politics, favouritism and what he described as rigging are affecting the Nigerian film industry, arguing that talent alone does not determine how far people progress in Nollywood.

Speaking on TVC Entertainment News, Faniran compared the politics within Nollywood to the wider political challenges in Nigeria, claiming that the situation in the film industry is even worse.

“When you talk about the politics of our country, like government and all of that, and what we are complaining about today as citizens, in Nollywood we’re facing ten times that,” he said.

The actor argued that his career would have reached a different level if opportunities in Nollywood were determined strictly by talent.

“Someone like me, if Nollywood were to be strictly about talent, I should be far beyond where I am now,” Faniran stated.

Faniran also alleged that there is widespread rigging within the industry, claiming that some of the people regarded as leading producers, directors and actors are not necessarily the most talented.

“Another thing is that there’s a lot of rigging going on. In the industry right now, the film producers that you guys see and you know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers. Same with directors, same with actors. Awards are rigged too,” he said.

His comments have reignited conversations around the role of talent, connections, politics and industry recognition in determining success within Nollywood.