WHY NOLLYWOOD ACTORS ARE POOR – PATIENCE OZOKWOR REVEALS PAINFUL TRUTH

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, has opened up about the persistent financial struggles faced by actors in the Nigerian film industry, attributing the situation to the complete absence of a royalty payment system.

Speaking during an appearance on the podcast “Curiosity Made Me Ask”, hosted by Isbae U, the iconic screen star explained that many performers receive only a one-time payment for their roles, regardless of how many times the movie continues to generate revenue years after production.

“The problem why you see us beg is because they don’t give us royalties,” Ozokwor stated. “We just work and toil so hard, and then that peanut, that money you gave us on board to come and shoot for you, is the only thing we get”.

The legendary actress drew a sharp comparison with more developed film industries abroad, where actors continue to earn from their work long after production has ended.

“Go and look at the smallest actors in developed countries. Every work they do fetches them money every day of their lives,” she said.

Ozokwor further noted that in those countries, royalties continue even after an actor’s death, providing lasting financial security for their families.

“Even when they are gone, their families still live on that. We, we are still working hard,” she lamented.

The veteran actress explained that the lack of residual income under the current system explains why some veteran actors, even after decades of working in the industry, are forced to publicly ask for financial assistance on social media.

According to Ozokwor, Nollywood’s old financing model, where independent marketers funded productions and controlled distribution, further worsened the problem for performers who had no claim to ongoing earnings from their work.

However, the actress noted that the rise of digital platforms is beginning to change the landscape, giving actors greater control over their financial destinies.

“That’s why everyone is running to YouTube,” she said, pointing to the growing shift among Nigerian actors toward digital platforms where they can monetize their content independently and earn directly from their work .

Ozokwor’s sentiments echo those of fellow actress Ronke Oshodi Oke, who previously highlighted how digital autonomy is helping filmmakers bypass what she called the “royalty dilemma” by becoming their own producers, marketers, and executive producers .

Industry observers say Ozokwor’s frank assessment reflects a broader concern among performers and may intensify calls for a more equitable and transparent payment framework within Nollywood . The remarks have also shed light on why many Nigerian actors are increasingly bypassing traditional distribution channels in favor of direct-to-digital releases that offer more sustainable income streams.