Veteran Nigerian actor Bimbo Manuel has shed light on the financial challenges within Nollywood, asserting that the income from acting alone isn’t enough to afford high-end luxuries like a Range Rover. Speaking on TVC’s “Your View,” Manuel, 66, addressed misconceptions around Nollywood actors’ wealth and transparency in the industry.
Responding to questions about the discrepancy between Hollywood and Nollywood in disclosing actor fees, Manuel attributed this to cultural and structural differences. “The experience you had counts, it suggests to whoever wants to hire what fee you command. It is also not a fixed rate, it fluctuates,” he explained, pointing out that actor fees in Nollywood are inconsistent and based on experience.
He emphasized the gap between perceived and actual wealth among Nigerian actors. “The actors you see flaunting Range Rovers and mansions in Ikoyi are living fake lives,” Manuel stated bluntly. “There is no actor in Nigeria that would say he or she can buy a Range Rover from acting fees alone.”
The statement highlights the financial realities for many in the industry, adding to the ongoing discussion around Nollywood’s financial transparency and the challenges its actors face.
