Nollywood Filmmakers Cast Actors According to Social Media Following – Uzor Arukwe Reveals

Renowned Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe reveals a time when social media following became a key criterion for actors securing roles in Nigerian cinema. According to him, filmmakers prioritized casting based on online popularity rather than talent.

The ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ actor acknowledges facing this challenge during his early days in the industry, emphasizing the prominence of social media metrics like Instagram and Twitter followers in casting decisions.

Reflecting on his experience, the 40-year-old actor shares his observations with Pulse in a recent interview, highlighting the shift towards valuing online presence over acting skills. Despite the prevalence of this trend, Arukwe emphasizes the importance of talent in the casting process, questioning whether an actor’s popularity truly reflects their acting ability.

He acknowledges that some actors possess both talent and a large following, but stresses the need to prioritize acting prowess over social media metrics when selecting performers for roles.