Nollywood filmmaker John Njamah has voiced his concerns regarding the casting practices in the industry, advocating that actors should be selected based on their talent rather than their appearance or social media popularity.
In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Njamah shared insightful thoughts on both the current state and future direction of filmmaking in Nollywood. Known for his role as Rabiu in the TV soap opera Fuji House of Commotion, Njamah has also appeared in various other shows such as Tinsel, Living In Lagos, Solitaire, Casino, Emerald, Tide, and My Flatmates.
One of the notable points he made during the conversation revolved around his filmmaking journey. He expressed a deep passion for the industry and a desire for continuous growth. “What drives me goes beyond passion; it’s a constant need to evolve and create something new every month, every year. This industry allows for creativity without following trends.
My originality and commitment to doing things right fuel my work—it’s all about exploring new creative avenues,” he remarked. Njamah also commented on the evolution of African storytelling, recognizing both positive advancements and concerning shifts. “On one hand, we’re telling our stories with improved technical skills and bigger narratives.
On the other hand, we’re starting to lose our unique identity, often imitating others rather than showcasing what makes our stories distinct,” he noted.
Addressing casting dynamics, Njamah highlighted the differences between his early experiences and the current landscape, particularly emphasizing the trend of selecting actors based on looks and online followings rather than talent.
“Back in the day, shows like Fuji House were made with a passionate crew striving for authenticity. Nowadays, many cast individuals simply for their appearances and social media presence. While attracting talent based on passion may take time, it’s crucial for delivering meaningful stories. We need to cast the right actors, prioritizing talent over Instagram metrics,” he explained.
He also pointed out issues regarding professionalism within the industry, stressing the absence of a robust system to evaluate the work of producers. “Professionalism has diminished, and there’s a lack of respect and humility.
The industry needs checks and balances; anyone can call themselves a producer without proper oversight. Unfortunately, the guild system isn’t functioning effectively, which leaves us without criteria for producers,” he added. In concluding remarks, Njamah emphasized the uniqueness of Nollywood and called for the creation of platforms that promote original content, reducing reliance on foreign streaming services. “What makes us unique is often criticized, but that’s our identity.
I’m frustrated by the narrative that foreign collaborators avoid our industry for various reasons. We shouldn’t depend solely on streaming platforms for survival; instead, we should create our own avenues. If someone says they’re unwilling to partner with us, they’re mistaken; there are talented producers here ready to collaborate,” he concluded.
Story by Obaapa Janee
