"You Have to Sleep with Directors & Over 10 Crew Members to be a Nollywood Star"; Upcoming Actress Tells Her Story

I am presently at the second home of Nollywood, The big hearted state, Delta;  Asaba to be precise and all I have been doing since I came in, is satisfying my curiosity.

As a lover of Nollywood movies who doubles as a blogger and critical analyst, meeting some of these stars and hearing directly from the horses mouth was one of the goals of my visit aside the personal reason that brought me to the state capital.

Twisting and turning were my routine anytime am out and about. I was told they were always shooting on the street but unfortunately couldn't see any in a month. Information is power, so they say; I had to ask questions and was told these stars do come out at Night. 

Thankfully, ultra marts and supermarkets do open at night so had to shift my weekly groceries errands from day to night. Just like magic, I saw three supporting actors in a mini mart on my first night out but for some reasons I needed an actress. I kept searching and at last found one.

My new found 'up and coming' actress friend (yes, I made her one) was an ebony beauty, so clean, classy  and also well endowed; she can give Ms Johnson a run for her money. My inquisitive self wanted to know all I needed to know at the first meeting but she was kind of laid back so I played along. 

On our 3rd meeting, I had to apply one law of the 48 Laws of Power :) I flattered her, commended her and told her how a beauty like hers should have landed her in the top ten spot of the most popular actresses in Nigeria. She giggled, smiled and looked at me. Instantly, I knew hope was alive (aproko nor easy lol). 

Pretty Peace (surname withheld) narrated her journey so far. How she came into the industry genuinely; she had the talent and wanted to pursue a career in acting. Over time she had to bow to pressure from directors and production crews. 

In her words; 'Babe' if you like get talent from here to London, all these men want nau your body and dem nor dey hide am: dem dey let you know sharp sharp. Really, I asked? She continued "Sister, when push became shove, I was desperate and ended up sleeping with four production crew member and the director. After filming, I waited patiently for the post production et al and  happily went to get the CD; guess what, my scenes were no where to be found, they were edited out of the movie, totally cut off. 

Ah! I exclaimed. She sulked, paused for a bit and added; Haven't you wondered why most of these new stars like Chacha Ike and Nuella Chikere are married to directors? Well, there you have it; their desperation did pay at the end. Hmm, what a revelation! My curious self wasn't still satisfied; I wanted to know more but unfortunately she wasn't willing to say more.

I tried to cajole her and the likes; asked why she is still acting after the painful experiences but she just shook her head and said ' you will never understand'. Partially satisfied with her revelation, I had to let her go and I haven't stop asking myself this question; why are these men frustrating the young women of this generation? 

Sexual harassment cuts across from the banking sector to oil and gas to the movie industry. My head aches from trying to understand the Genesis of this madness that has turned most sane women to monsters but then again it is what it is, the evil has been deeply rooted in all sectors in Nigeria even the political terrain. This brings me to the question; what is the way forward ? Comments and suggested are welcomed!