Nollywood actor and former Big Brother Africa winner Tayo Faniran has criticised the Nigerian film industry, alleging that personal connections, nepotism and favouritism play a major role in determining who gets opportunities and recognition.
Faniran made the claims during a recent interview with TVC, where he reflected on his experiences in Nollywood and explained why he has increasingly chosen to create and finance his own projects rather than depend on industry gatekeepers.
The actor alleged that several award shows in the Nigerian film industry are influenced by personal relationships rather than merit, suggesting that recognition does not always go to the most deserving individuals.
According to Faniran, some of the industry’s biggest names may have achieved their positions through connections and favourable relationships rather than being the most talented people in their respective fields.
“The film producers that you guys see and you know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers. Same with directors. Same with actors,” he said.
Faniran also claimed that his reputation from his younger years, particularly his time on Big Brother Africa, has affected how some people in the Nigerian entertainment industry perceive him.
He said preconceived opinions about him have allegedly contributed to missed opportunities, arguing that such judgments can prevent talented individuals from receiving opportunities they have earned.
Beyond awards and casting opportunities, Faniran accused some people within the industry of deliberately sabotaging the careers of others.
“There are also, you know, people who are in the industry that, not that they know much or they have a lot to contribute, but theirs is just to sabotage people,” he said.
The actor described some of the practices he believes exist within the industry as “magomago,” while also accusing sections of Nollywood of operating through nepotism, favouritism and clique-based relationships.
Faniran argued that these practices can make it difficult for new talent and fresh ideas to break into the industry.
He compared Nollywood with the Nigerian music industry, suggesting that Afrobeats has created more opportunities for emerging talents to gain recognition based on their potential.
Rather than waiting for the situation to change, Faniran said he decided to take control of his own career by creating and financing projects independently.
He referenced his 2020 movie Man Like Jimmy and his more recent four-part series Bodija, which he said he personally funded with more than N100 million.
Faniran also mentioned The Fire and the Moth, saying he believed the project deserved greater recognition, particularly for the work done by its director, cinematographer and sound team.
“All that we need is just a fair hearing or a fair submission,” he said.
The actor stressed that his criticism was not directed at a particular individual but at what he considers broader systemic problems within Nollywood.
Faniran’s comments have sparked discussion about merit, industry politics and the challenges faced by actors, filmmakers and other creatives trying to establish themselves in Nigeria’s competitive entertainment industry.
He maintained that the industry would benefit from a system where talent and the quality of creative work play a greater role in determining opportunities and recognition.
