Why are actors in the multi-billion dollar Nollywood struggling in their old age?

Published: March 13, 2024, 2 a.m.

Nollywood is Africa\u2019s biggest film industry.

Many will associate it with lots of drama, addictive story-telling, the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. But a story that\u2019s increasingly being told now is of financial hardship.

John Okafor, who was also known as Mr Ibu, died a few weeks ago, last year he posted a video on Instagram asking his fans for help with his medical bills. And he isn\u2019t alone, many other household names in Nigeria have posted videos on social media asking for financial support as they struggle with the challenges of being older actors.

So why\u2019s this happening in a multi-billion dollar movie industry?

In today\u2019s Africa Daily, Alan Kasujja speaks to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas.