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Ghosted or Entitled? The Wumi Toriola vs. Chef T drama and the business of collaboration

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The recent social media fallout between Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola and food blogger Chef T, aka Diary of a Kitchen Lover, has sparked an interesting conversation about collaboration, and entitlement. and the blurred lines between film stars and digital influencers in Nigeria’s entertainment space.The Nollywood-Influencer crossover. Collaboration is a two-way streetFinal Thoughts

The recent social media fallout between Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola and food blogger Chef T, aka Diary of a Kitchen Lover, has sparked an interesting conversation about collaboration, and entitlement. and the blurred lines between film stars and digital influencers in Nigeria’s entertainment space.

Toriola’s public call-out stemmed from an unanswered Instagram DM she sent to Chef T in August 2024, requesting a collaboration. 

She later posted a screenshot of the message on March 13, 2025, expressing frustration over the lack of response. 

Her caption, laced with disappointment, suggested that Chef T had become too big to acknowledge others, igniting a debate about professional courtesy and the unwritten rules of collaboration.

While some social media users supported Toriola’s grievance, arguing that Chef T could have simply responded with a “yes” or “no,” others found her approach entitled. 

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Critics pointed out that collaborations are voluntary, not obligatory, and questioned whether Toriola was offering Chef T any real value in return. 

Some even speculated that the actress was attempting to leverage the food blogger’s platform to promote an upcoming project, rather than genuinely engaging in mutual creative exchange.

READ ALSO: Lagos court orders public apology over cultural misrepresentation in ‘Gangs of Lagos’

The Nollywood-Influencer crossover. 

This incident highlights the growing overlap between Nollywood stars and social media influencers. 

While actors once relied solely on film roles and media appearances for relevance, today’s digital era demands more visibility beyond the big screen. Many now collaborate with influencers to stay in the public eye and promote projects.

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However, these partnerships aren’t always seamless. Influencers operate differently, building their platforms on personal branding, audience trust, and carefully curated content. 

Unlike actors who work within structured productions, influencers control their creative direction and business interests. 

This autonomy allows them to accept or decline collaborations based on what fits their brand, making mutual benefit a key factor in any successful partnership.

Collaboration is a two-way street

One key lesson from this controversy is that collaboration should be mutually beneficial. A Nollywood actor appearing in a cooking video may seem like a win for the actor’s exposure, but does it provide equal value to the influencer? 

This question becomes even more relevant when considering the logistics; who covers production costs, how the content is monetised, and whether it genuinely enhances engagement for both parties. 

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Without a clear win-win situation, influencers, like Chef T, may feel justified in ignoring unsolicited requests.

On the flip side, professional courtesy still matters. Even if a collaboration isn’t of interest, a simple response, whether affirmative or a polite decline can go a long way in maintaining industry relationships. 

Ghosting, particularly in creative industries, can come off as dismissive and burn potential bridges. 

Given the unpredictable nature of entertainment and digital media, today’s ‘irrelevant’ request might become tomorrow’s golden opportunity.

Final Thoughts

At its core, this drama isn’t just about a missed DM; it reflects the evolving entertainment landscape where Nollywood stars and influencers increasingly intersect. 

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The lines between traditional celebrity culture and digital creators are blurring, requiring new rules of engagement.

For Nollywood actors, influencers aren’t just platforms for visibility; they are creators with carefully built brands. For influencers, a simple response, even to decline helps maintain goodwill. 

Ultimately, successful collaborations thrive on mutual respect, clear communication, and shared value. When both sides strike this balance, creative partnerships can flourish; without the social media drama.

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Entertainment

Timini Egbuson’s ‘Reel Love’ dominates Nollywood box office for five consecutive weeks with ₦303 million

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4 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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The recent social media fallout between Nollywood actress Wumi Toriola and food blogger Chef T, aka Diary of a Kitchen Lover, has sparked an interesting conversation about collaboration, and entitlement. and the blurred lines between film stars and digital influencers in Nigeria’s entertainment space.The Nollywood-Influencer crossover. Collaboration is a two-way streetFinal Thoughts

Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Timini Egbuson’s cinematic debut, Reel Love has continued to dominate the Nigerian box office grossing over ₦300 million.

Nollywood has been taken by storm, and Reel Love is leading the charge! The romantic drama has officially grossed a staggering ₦303 million, holding the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood film for five consecutive weeks. 

In an Instagram post by the film distributor, FilmOne, the film is going strong.

“₦303M and still going strong! Reel Love is the highest-grossing Nollywood title for 5 weeks in a row! Thank you for the love and support! Still showing in cinemas—don’t miss out! Distributed by @filmoneng,” the post said.

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Public figures who have reacted to NYSC member's viral hardship outcry

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7 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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Peter ObiAtiku AbubakarGbadebo Rhodes VivourOmoyele SoworeBen Murray Bruce

The controversy surrounding National Youth Service Corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, has sparked reactions from prominent Nigerian figures. Raye faced threats from NYSC officials after she criticised the government, igniting discussions on free speech and citizens’ rights in a democracy.

Her posts and how her supervisors subsequently handled the situation have sparked nationwide outrage, with many weighing in on the oppression of human rights. National leaders and prominent figures have also spoken up in the wake of the issue.

Peter Obi

The former presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the intimidation of Raye, shaming how she was met with intimidation rather than dialogue.

Taking to X, he wrote in part, “The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.”

Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration. This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments. I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies. Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy.

ALSO READ: Sowore storms NYSC office with embattled corper who criticised Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar

Atiku praised Raye’s courage, likening her to historic female activists such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Margaret Ekpo.

Nigerian Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and countless other women who have stood resolute in defense of the common good. Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future. -AA

Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour

The Labour Party chieftain described the situation as an attack on democracy and the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

Raye is all of us, and any attempt to oppress and silence her is a direct assault on citizens liberty. We run a constitutional democracy and not a monarchy where the people are subjects to a king. Hence, citizens have a moral and constitutional right to dissenting views and opinions. Our youths are in pain, suffering great deprivation because a corrupt and incompetent political class has stolen their future. But it doesn’t end with them inflicting pain and hardship, they still want to determine how you react to their oppression.

Omoyele Sowore

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed that legal steps were being taken to support Raye.

The journey with youth Corper, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, has commenced in Lagos. She is scheduled to appear before the LGI today and we will escort her to their offices. We are all en route with attorneys.

Ben Murray Bruce

In contrast, former senator Ben Murray-Bruce had a different perspective, calling for an end to online criticisms of the government.

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Those of you on social media, stop criticising Nigeria, stop criticising leaders. We need a break, okay? Stop criticizing us, give us a break. Stop criticising our leaders.

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Entertainment

Timi Dakolo reacts to Apostle Lazaurs' comments about gospel singers charging for appearances

Published

10 hours ago

on

March 17, 2025

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Peter ObiAtiku AbubakarGbadebo Rhodes VivourOmoyele SoworeBen Murray Bruce

Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has responded to comments made by Apostle Lazarus, who criticised gospel artists for charging fees to perform at church events.

The pastor suggested that ministry should not be commercialised highlighting a time a singer charged 5 million to come and sing for his congregation. His statement sparked debate and reactions within the gospel and gospel music community.

In a detailed post, Dakolo defended gospel musicians, highlighting the financial investment required to sustain their craft. He urged Christians to recognise that, beyond its spiritual significance, music is also a profession that demands compensation.

My dear Christains, a quote/comversation can sound intelligent and deep yet untrue. Just like everyone else. You deserve the very best things life has to offer. You should be paid what you deserve. Studio session, production and promotion cost a lot. You have a family to feed, you have rent to pay.

You have more songs to put out. We should stop all these attack on people’s work. As much as it is spiritual, music is an art. If you can’t pay people, Use your choir members and pay the amount you could have given the guest artist. I doubt the second part.

The singer also pointed out that churches spend substantial amounts on architecture, event promotions, and pastoral engagements, questioning why musicians are often expected to offer their services for free.

This gaslighting has to stop, Gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programs and all. No one should diminish another persons ministry, Ministry needs music and music needs ministry.

It takes at least 10years and chains of hours to be an elite musician. Develop your Musicians and singers in your church and pay them well. Leave all these belittling alone None of these people saying these will fly economy and travel alone to save money for the ministry that invites to preach. All this was said in love.

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