Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe reflects on a time when social media following outweighed talent in the Nigerian movie industry, revealing that some producers prioritized actors’ online presence over their acting abilities.
The ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ star acknowledges that this trend posed a significant challenge for him during his early years as an aspiring actor.
Recalling his experiences, the 40-year-old actor admits, “I remember vividly when I started. It was a major obstacle for me.” He explains how the industry once placed heavy emphasis on Instagram and Twitter followers, often determining casting decisions based on these metrics rather than acting prowess.
In an interview with Pulse, Arukwe emphasizes the dilemma faced by actors like himself, where production houses focused on social media numbers rather than the fundamental question: “But can he act?”
While acknowledging the success of some actors blessed with both talent and a strong online following, Arukwe underscores the importance of prioritizing acting skills over social media metrics in casting decisions.