Emeka Ike Slams Modern Nollywood: “It’s Becoming Nyashllywood, Not Nollywood”

Veteran Nigerian actor Emeka Ike has stirred a major conversation online after publicly criticizing the current state of the Nollywood film industry.

In a passionate and controversial statement that has since gone viral, Emeka lamented the erosion of values and the shift in focus from talent and storytelling to superficial aesthetics, materialism, and social media fame.

According to him, Nollywood is no longer the craft-driven platform it used to be.

Instead, it has turned into what he sarcastically called “Nyashllywood,” a space where body exposure, cosmetic surgeries, and transactional relationships dominate the screen more than acting talent or meaningful narratives.

Speaking with intense emotion, Emeka expressed his frustration at how younger women aspiring to join the industry are no longer interested in attending acting schools or learning the craft from experienced professionals.

Instead, he said, many are opting for cosmetic surgeries like Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), using movie roles as platforms to advertise their bodies, and allegedly using the industry as a gateway to connect with wealthy politicians and influential men.

He questioned the integrity of the content being produced today, asking whether Nollywood has become more of an adult film platform than a legitimate storytelling medium.

“Instead of going to Acting Academies, young girls now do BBL, advertise their nyash in movies and sell it to politicians,” he said.

“Nollywood has lost value.

Right now I don’t know if it’s p*rn or just movies.”

He also drew a sharp comparison between the current crop of actors and the veterans who laid the foundation of Nollywood.

“How many girls act like Genevieve today?” he asked, referring to Genevieve Nnaji, one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses.

“How many people wanna act like Omotola, Emeka Ike, and other veteran actors?
These are the curators, the real ones who can set up acting academies and train young talents to reach their full potential.”

His remarks have divided public opinion, with some agreeing wholeheartedly and others accusing him of being out of touch with modern trends.

Still, the conversation has opened the floodgates to a larger debate about the direction of Nollywood and whether it is still serving its cultural and educational purpose.

The veteran actor’s words did not fall on deaf ears.

Fans and colleagues alike took to social media platforms to react.

Some praised Emeka for his honesty and boldness in saying what many in the industry allegedly whisper in private but are too afraid to say out loud.

Supporters claim that his criticism is a necessary wake-up call to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s once globally respected film industry.

One user wrote, “Emeka Ike is not lying.

Go on Netflix, and most Nigerian films look like soft-p*rn.

The real actors have disappeared, and now it’s all about skin and sponsorships.”
Another added, “He’s bitter because the game has changed.

He doesn’t understand the hustle anymore.”

Despite the backlash from some quarters, the heart of Emeka Ike’s concern seems to come from a genuine place—a desire to see the industry return to the values that made it globally celebrated in the first place.

Nollywood once stood as a platform for real talent, cultural storytelling, and African excellence.

Veterans like Emeka Ike, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Genevieve Nnaji became household names not by flaunting their bodies but through powerful performances, emotional depth, and dedication to their craft.

In his opinion, today’s generation of filmmakers and actors are more interested in going viral than telling stories.

He blames the lack of mentorship and the obsession with instant fame for the industry’s decline.

He added that many young people entering the industry are more interested in gaining followers and attracting attention than in building skills or developing a lasting legacy.

“Can you even watch a Nollywood movie together with your family again?” he asked.

That question resonated deeply with many viewers who have noticed the increasing presence of sexualized content in recent films.

While Emeka’s delivery may have been raw and emotional, the issues he raised are real.

The lack of formal acting training, the prioritization of beauty over talent, and the influence of money and political power in casting decisions are conversations that many have been avoiding.

In earlier years, actors like Emeka Ike had to go through rigorous auditions, training, and stage performances before earning leading roles.

Today, some roles seem to go to the highest bidder—or the one with the most provocative Instagram feed.

This change in standards has left many veteran actors sidelined and disillusioned.

Some have stepped away from acting altogether, while others, like Emeka, are using their voices to challenge the new norms.

Whether or not the current generation of filmmakers and actors will listen remains to be seen.

For now, Emeka Ike’s words have reignited a cultural reckoning.

Nollywood must choose whether to continue on a path of hyper-commercialism and fleeting digital fame, or to rediscover its soul—a soul once built on African stories, real talent, and purposeful cinema.

As the debate continues to grow, one thing is clear: the industry is at a crossroads.

And voices like Emeka Ike’s, whether celebrated or criticized, are forcing it to confront uncomfortable truths.