Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has expressed her concerns over the increasing pressure on actors to maintain a strong social media presence, arguing that it is unfair for filmmakers to prioritize online influence over talent.
Speaking in a recent online discussion, Osunde lamented how actors are now expected to double as social media content creators to secure roles in the industry.
“It’s like they’re forcing every actor to be a social media content creator,” she said.
“If you’re not an actor with a social media presence, we’re not casting you because we need you to sell our film. That shouldn’t be my job.”
She also questioned the necessity of this trend, pointing out that international actors are not subjected to the same expectations.
“How many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he’s not on your screen as an actor?” she asked, emphasizing that an actor’s primary responsibility should be to deliver compelling performances, not to promote movies online.
Osunde’s remarks reflect a growing debate in Nollywood, where some industry insiders argue that social media influence now plays a bigger role in casting decisions than acting skills.
