Nollywood Used To Be Passion-Driven, Now It’s Cosmetic-Obsessed

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has expressed concern over the current state of Nollywood, lamenting that the industry has lost the drive and hunger that once defined it.

In a recent interview, posted on YouTube, Akintola reflected on the early days of the industry when actors worked tirelessly out of sheer passion, with little regard for money, food, or long working hours.

According to her, those sacrifices were made out of a deep desire to make a difference.

She said: “The Nollywood now, the passion is gone. When we started, when we joined the industry, it was passion driven. Hunger. How much were people being paid? It wasn’t a lot of money. But the passion to just make a difference, to do something that you felt was your reason for being in… every person that we met was on that same level of passion.”

Akintola recalled how actors would work overnight without complaining about food, rest, or extended hours.

“Even the old auntie Jokey, auntie Shola, all of them were so passionate about the work. You had people who would not sleep. You would not sleep. In fact, who’s talking about food? Who’s talking about working 12 hours or 14 hours? You work till you finish. You work till the next day and you’re still back there to continue. It wasn’t about glamour. Our work is gritty sometimes,” she explained.

The actress contrasted the industry’s early spirit with today’s emphasis on appearance, stressing that Nollywood now seems more concerned with beauty standards, outfits, and cosmetic enhancements.

“It’s not just glamour, it’s gritty, it’s reality. You need to feel it. We reflect life back at the society. I think when you do stage, you still get that passion. You still see passion driven people who just want to do their best in front of the audience. My makeup is not right for this. No, no, I can’t wear this. Are you? Is that what the film is about? I need to wear this. I need to wear that,” she said.

Akintola further pointed to the rise in cosmetic procedures as evidence of the shift. “Well, yeah, we’re more concerned about outfits. We’re more concerned about how we look. Which is why, generally, there’s a spike in BBL. Everybody’s BBLing. Because it’s now about looks and it’s not about content. It’s not about what you have. Looks will fade no matter,” she added.

Watch her speak below…