Veteran actor Ejike Asiegbu laments young Nollywood actors' obsession with fame over craft
Ejike Asiegbu: Young Nollywood actors chase fame, not craft

Veteran Nollywood actor Ejike Asiegbu has voiced his concerns about what he sees as a troubling trend among the younger generation of actors in the Nigerian film industry. The 66-year-old actor, speaking on a radio podcast, observed that many up-and-coming performers are increasingly driven by a desire for fame rather than a dedication to honing their acting skills or contributing to compelling storytelling.

Obsession with stardom

Asiegbu noted that some young actors exhibit what he described as an 'I have arrived' mentality, expecting even seasoned veterans to acknowledge them first. He lamented that this attitude reflects a misplaced priority on celebrity status over artistic growth.

Lack of preparation

The veteran filmmaker also alleged that many young actors fail to adequately prepare for their roles. He claimed that some only read their scripts upon arriving on set, which he believes undermines the quality of performances and the overall production.

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Despite his criticisms, Asiegbu acknowledged that acting is a craft that improves with experience. He remarked that actors often become better as they age, suggesting that the younger generation may eventually mature in their approach to the profession.

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