Gideon Okeke Tackles Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy For Not Promoting Nollywood

Nollywood actor Gideon Okeke has called out some of Nigeria’s biggest Afrobeats stars, accusing them of not doing enough to support and promote the country’s film industry despite their global influence.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, the 43-year-old actor said the relationship between Nollywood and the music industry feels unbalanced.

According to him, actors and filmmakers regularly celebrate the international success of Nigerian musicians, but the same level of support is rarely shown in return.

Okeke said top artistes such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema have the reach and influence to speak up for Nigerian films and help open international doors for actors and filmmakers.

He questioned whether these stars watch Nigerian movies and whether they have noticed actors or creatives they could publicly praise or recommend, especially since global platforms like Netflix began streaming local films.

“You know how we carry our Afrobeats music on our heads? We say big three, big five, big this; we have almost idolised ourselves,” he said.

“I ask myself a question that imagine your big three, big five, big one — Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, all of them, don’t you watch Nigerian films? Since Netflix came to this country, haven’t you watched any Nigerian films?

“Have you not seen any actor you can actively promote? Can you not use your mouth to speak well of exceptional talents?”

Okeke also criticised musicians who get involved in Nollywood by taking executive producer roles, saying their voices and endorsements would be more valuable if used to highlight outstanding talent across the industry.

“You are beginning to act as executive producers. You are sneaking into the cracks. What will happen if you use your mouth and endorse a producer, actor, actress, or cameraman?

“Publish your own 2025 baddest Nollywood films, baddest Nollywood actors and actresses, baddest Nollywood producers—publish your own the way Obama publishes you every year. The way you make the cuts to Obama also drives traffic for other people; you don’t want to take all the glory.

“But when you travel overseas, and you encounter a foreigner, why not say, ‘My Gee, our actors over there are bad. They can compete with Hollywood.

“We are all cousins. We are all together. Our actresses know you,’ Gideon Okeke asked.

Watch the video below:

KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, recently called out Nollywood filmmakers on social media for poor editing in a movie.