Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has reacted to the strange methods Nigerian producers currently employ to promote their films—especially dancing and skit-making. This came after a lament by fellow veteran actress Jaiye Kuti, who lamented the energy that goes into promoting movies.
In an impassioned video on her Instagram page, the actress and producer came to the defense of colleagues like Funke Akindele, who have been blasted for embracing social media trends as ways of endorsing their films.
Bringing back memories of the good old days of Nollywood, Iyabo gave fans a vibrant flashback of how producers used to gather at the gates of the National Theatre in Lagos, drumming, singing cultural songs, and dancing to get people to watch their movies.
“This is something that has been happening as far back as when I joined the Yoruba film industry. The only thing different is just the method in which we do it,” she said.
Referring to the usual advertisement scenario, she explained, “If Coca-Cola just keeps having ads one after the other for their products, then why can’t I or anybody else use whatever means to post an ad and make people knowledgeable.”
“We were literally begging people to come in and watch,” she said.
“You can’t bring out a movie and just put it in cinema and expect people to watch it,” Iyabo stressed.
The actress encouraged other film directors to get creative with their versatility and ignore appearing unserious. To her, it doesn’t matter how the hype is created, as long as people view the movies.
“Don’t be shy. Don’t be ashamed. You must constantly advertise,” she declared.
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