Popular Nollywood actress, Jemima Osunde, has raised concerns over a growing trend in Nigeria’s film industry—making a strong social media presence a prerequisite for landing movie roles.
In a passionate video shared on her social media platforms, Osunde criticised what she described as an unfair shift in casting expectations, where actors are now pressured to double as content creators to promote films online.
“Now they are forcing actors to be social media content creators,” she lamented. “It is now like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ Why?”
Osunde argued that acting should be about talent, craft, and storytelling, not how many TikTok dances or Instagram reels an actor can produce. “That should not be my job! Like, how many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he is not on your screen as an actor?” she asked, using the Hollywood star as an example of someone thriving without an online persona.
She stressed that the demand for actors to maintain a digital presence blurs the line between entertainment and marketing, putting undue pressure on those who simply want to focus on their craft.
Jemima Osunde, known for her breakout role as Leila in MTV’s Shuga and her acclaimed performance in The Delivery Boy (2018), for which she received a nomination at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, has long been vocal about maintaining authenticity both in her roles and personal life.
Recently, she debunked rumours of undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, reaffirming her commitment to natural beauty and encouraging body positivity.
