Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has expressed frustration over the increasing pressure on actors to maintain a strong social media presence, stating that it is now being tied to their chances of getting cast in films.

During her recent sit-down on the Running Lines Podcast, she lamented how the industry has shifted towards requiring actors to create online content to promote their work.

“Now they’re forcing actors to be social media content creators. It’s now like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ Why?” she asked.

It’s like they’re forcing everyone so if you’re not an actor with a social media presence, you’re not going to be cast because you need to sell the film. That shouldn’t be my job! Like, how many times do you see Keanu Reeves when he’s not on your screen as an actor?

Her statement has sparked a heated debate online, with reactions split between those who agree with her and those who argue that social media is now a necessary tool for career growth.

See reactions below:

They are forcing themselves..nobody asked them and even if people ask them to,they can say NO.

Business owners started this. The competition was so loud, they started making a mess of things because sponsored ad can’t do it again as they have contributed to the inflation of it all.😂

Not only actors, even business owner. Why must I dance before I reach my target audience?

Unfortunately, thats the demand of the world today. Thats the market positioning. Will another actor market the film you are in? Aside marketing the film its showing your act too and marketing yourself. Best you can do is add it to your charges.

Do you really understandhow these things works sha, if you got a movie for yourself then you have to go as far as you can in pushing it on this space, Algorithm favors who pushes, so your movie can sell.

Times have changed, you have to evolve with the times if not you’ll most likely be left behind

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has offered fresh insight into his once-public disagreement with fellow actor Emeka Ike, clarifying that the rift has long been resolved.

Speaking in an interview with QEDNG, Arinze touched on the origins of their fallout, which dates back to a leadership tussle in the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) around 2009. 

At the time, both actors were deeply involved in the guild’s affairs, which led to tension over its direction and governance.

While the disagreement may have drawn attention at the time, Arinze says it’s all water under the bridge now. 

“Emeka Ike is a fine actor. We still talk; we laugh about those things. It doesn’t change the fact that he is a fine actor,” he said.

“The conflict ended naturally. We were not quarrelling. It was just about the position. That’s why I left the position. He also had other things to do.”

Reflecting on how time has mellowed the situation, Arinze added:

“Then time and chance happened. And we are growing old. He is my friend, and we are cool. I’ve asked him to go for lunch or dinner whenever he is around.”

He further explained his mindset about harboring resentment, making it clear that he doesn’t see any value in clinging to past disagreements.

“What are we having enemies for? The work I am doing is enough of a burden. Hate is a burden. Travel light. How long do you have to live in the world? You want to carry it on your shoulders? What do I need that animosity for?”

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On typecasting and career diversity

Arinze also spoke candidly about his experiences with being pigeonholed into specific roles throughout his acting journey. 

While typecasting has been a challenge, he expressed a desire to explore a wider range of characters going forward.

He praised some of his longtime colleagues, Olu Jacobs, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ramsey Nouah, for successfully navigating that challenge, pointing out how they’ve managed to keep their careers fresh by evolving with time.

When the topic shifted to rivalry within Nollywood, Arinze was quick to dispel the notion that the film industry is a battlefield. Instead, he advocated for mutual respect and celebration of one another’s achievements.

“There is no need for competition. The sky is big enough for the birds to fly. When I see my colleagues doing well, I am genuinely happy for them.”

“You can’t play all the roles, can you? Can you be everywhere at the same time? When my colleagues win awards, I am happy for them.”

“Why do you want to compete? Competition brings bad blood. It’s always teamwork, like footballers on a field,” he said.

With decades in the industry under his belt, Segun Arinze’s reflections serve as a reminder that longevity in entertainment often comes down to adaptability, humility, and letting go of unnecessary baggage. 

His comments offer a mature, grounded take on professional relationships, personal growth, and the ever-evolving nature of acting careers in Nollywood.

READ ALSO: “Funke Akindele paid me just ₦90k after one month on set” – Actor Ijoba Lande speaks out

On April 1, 2025, Olamide and Phyno cemented their era-defining friendship with the joint album ‘2 Kings,’ which celebrates their status as hip hop royalties flying the flags of the Nigerian East and West coasts.

On this week’s Afrobeats Throwback, we revisit the landmark album.

The album inspired by years of brotherhood and dominance showcased the chemistry and talent of both stars who combined hard-hitting hip-hop cuts with the Afropop-infused records that propelled them to superstardom.

Through hard hitting hip hop cuts, Olamide and Phyno displayed their rap credential by emphasing that indigenous rappers can flow just as good as the English-speaking rappers favoured by purists.

The opening track ‘Cypher’ had both stars taking turns thumping their chests as they announced the takeover of two Kings who have combined resources to wage war, dominate, and conquer.

Their synergy shines on the boom pap baseline of ‘Koba Koba’ where Olamide’s vocal manipulation and delivery mirrors that of American hip hop artist Lil Wayne.

The two Kings pray for divine guidance while restating their supremacy and ambition on production that reflects the American hip hop scene of that era.

‘Nobody’s Fault’ was more of a Kanye West-type production as Olamide and Phyno celebrate their success and dominance while telling off detractors, purists, and their peers with the swaggering confidence of rappers who have listeners eating from their palms.

Predictably, ‘Ladi,’ the biggest hit from the album, is an Afropop-infused record whose vulgarity leaves little to the imaginable.

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The drums, perfectly placed shakers, catchy flows, and a chorus from the red-hot Lil Kesh combined to deliver a smash hit.

The album’s second hit ‘Confam ni’ comes courtesy of a collaboration with Wizkid, which showcases Olamide and Phyno‘s status as superstars operating at a level where they can call on their pop counterparts.

The 2 Kings showed their range through an exploration of the Galala/Konto sound on ‘Une’ where Phyno showcases the range that puts him in a class of his own.

They switch to Reggae on ‘Real Nigga’ where they hold up their street credibility as men of means who know how to give ladies a good time.

‘2 Kings’ documents Olamide and Phyno’s status as superstars, elevating the commerciality of Nigerian hip hop.

The album also brought together talented producers Pheelz and Young Jonn from Olamide’s YBNL and Major Bankz, who’s the man behind some of Phyno’s biggest hits.

Olamide’s signee Lil Kesh flaunts his hitmaking credentials ‘Ladi’ while the delectably talented singer Stormrex showcased her captivating fusion of Igbo music and Afropop on ‘Carry Me Go’.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Phyno & Olamide Collaborations of All Time

Ultimately, ‘2 Kings,’ is more than a declaration of status and dominance. For Olamide and Phyno, it’s for the kids in the inner cities to whom little is given.

Their success is for them to believe that even ghetto kids can someday become kings.