Genevieve, Omotola, Jim Iyke, slammed for ‘abandoning Nollywood’

Nollywood director Lancelot Imasuen has called out some top Nollywood stars for allegedly turning their backs on the movie industry that made them household names.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard as he marks 30 years in Nollywood, Lancelot, popularly known as De’ Guvnor, lamented the prolonged absence of some big names in the movie industry who, according to him, have failed to give back to the industry that birthed their careers.

“I am calling out the Omotolas, the Genevieve’s, the Emeka Ikes and the Jim Iykes. I am also calling out all of them who benefitted from Nollywood to come and give back to the industry,” he said.

According to the actor, there’s a growing divide between the so-called old and new Nollywood, pointing out that three decades ago, everyone evolved together without any hierarchy or ego.

“As of 30 years ago, there were nothing like big stars. Everybody evolved. Those who chose to be behind the camera like myself as well as those who wanted to be in front of the camera,” he said.

“Nobody looked down on anybody. Everyone respected all that we were called to do with our talents. But over time, we have seen Nollywood that birthed great names being bastardized, abandoned and ignored even by those who were nobody then.”

He further warned that no individual could ever be bigger than the industry, “We cannot continue to allow the house that gave us a name to sink. Nollywood gave us fortune and fame. How come some of my colleagues are so comfortable abandoning the platform that groomed them?

“I want to be the lone voice crying for Nollywood in the wilderness. Where are the children who were birthed by the industry?” he asked.