Some weeks ago, I wrote about my conversation with an upcoming actress who alleged that her scenes were cut off after sleeping with over four production crew members (See here). Fortunately, I am back in the city of Asaba; the second home of Nollywood. and as usual, its all about satisfying my curiosity.
This time around, my curious self took me to the world of male celebrities. I have been seeing quite a few of them especially at supermarkets and banks but instead of appearing in the full glory of fame having that charisma that is expected of a celebrity, sadly all I see were men in tartars who could be mistaken for motor park touts. They look so unkempt and the stench from some of them could make one go mad and this is me not being sarcastic.
Initially, I thought it was a one off thing but sadly its the reality here. These men are living in abject poverty. Too poor for their status as celebrities . These are men who bring us fun and laughter but unfortunately they are not being rewarded by their craft.
I know that Nigerians have graded celebrities into A list to Z list but regardless of the list you decide to grade them into, the fact still remains that they are celebrities and should be celebrated. The most annoying part is the fact that some of these actors are veterans who have paid their dues in their field.
Years ago when actress Omotola's husband, Captain Matthew Ekiende revealed in an infamous interview that he is never jealous when his wife take on romantic roles with male celebrities that he actually feel sorry for her because most of them do have body odours; many criticize him saying it was untrue including my humble self. Little did I know the captain was saying the plain truth. Although I still insist that such interview was totally unnecessary but then again, truth is, it is what it is; majority are dirty, unkempt and have body odour. Who knows some might even have mouth odour because I couldn't bring myself to communicate with any of them.
This bring me to the question; why do their female counterpart live in affluence and enjoy luxury lives befitting for royalties which they flaunt ceaselessly on social medias while their male counterparts live in abject poverty. Even the so called Z list actresses like Halima Abubakar, Rukky Sanda and Daniella Okeke have properties scattered all over the nook and crannies of this country, running into hundred of millions of naira while the Z list actors can't even boast of a clean well ironed shirt. I can't help but wonder if the females are paid a trillion times better than the male stars or are the female better investment gurus?
I say investment gurus considering the amount of wealth these actresses flaunts on Instagram and most of them are unmarried, so there is no way the wealth can be linked to their husbands. You might want to say family; the facts are there, most of these female stars are the breadwinner of their families. Imagine a 'waka pass' actress like Ruth Kadiri flaunting houses and cars worth millions and I ask, why can't her male equivalent boast of a percent of her wealth?
All these questions begging for answers, the fact still remains that our male celebrities (movies)are suffering. Over 90% of them are wallowing in abject poverty and this is the reality which is quite a shameful one. Thankfully, Kunle Afolayan did discuss their plights with Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg but again I ask; will he be willing to help? If not; how can the standard of living of these actors be improved?
Little wonder, they run to the public when facing minor challenges. This shouldn't be so; it's totally unacceptable and even more pitiable that Nigerian producers and directors have continued to exploits these actors. I honestly wish to know if its possible for a law be put into place to help and protect these actors?
In a interview with a veteran, he said he was paid as low as 10,000 naira for his appearance in a movie and sadly he had to share room while at location. What can mere 10,000 naira do in this era of economic recession?
You might want to opine, why not look for a career elsewhere? Truth is most of these men are quite passionate about their crafts especially the veterans and it's so unfortunate that they are being exploited.
May help come their way soonest!
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