Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo has reacted to the unconventional methods Nigerian filmmakers now adopt to promote their movies-especially dancing and skit-making.
This came following an outcry from fellow veteran actress Jaiye Kuti, who lamented the efforts put into movie marketing.
In a passionate video shared on her Instagram page, the actress and producer defended colleagues like Funke Akindele, who have come under fire for embracing social media trends to market their films.
"This is something that has been happening as far back as when I joined the Yoruba film industry. The only thing different is just the method in which we do it," she said.
Recalling the early days of Nollywood, Iyabo gave fans a vivid throwback to when producers would gather at the gates of the National Theatre in Lagos, beating drums, singing cultural songs, and dancing to draw crowds to their movies.
"We were literally begging people to come in and watch," she said.
"You can't bring out a movie and just put it in cinema and expect people to watch it," Iyabo stressed.
Quoting a popular advertising example, she said, "If Coca-Cola is still running adverts back to back on their products, I wonder why I or anyone else can't use any method to run an advert and create awareness."
The actress encouraged fellow filmmakers to embrace their artistic versatility and stop worrying about appearing unserious. According to her, what matters is that people watch the movies-regardless of how the buzz is created.
"Don't be shy. Don't be ashamed. You must constantly advertise," she declared.
Watch the video below ...
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