Nollywood icon Ejike Asiegbu isn’t holding back on his thoughts about the new generation of talent.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Nollywood on Radio podcast, the 66-year-old industry veteran expressed deep concern that today’s young stars are chasing social media clout and instant fame rather than perfecting their acting skills or focusing on impactful storytelling.
The former Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president (2005–2009) dropped a shocking revelation about the work ethic on modern sets: many young actors don’t even bother reading their scripts before the cameras start rolling.
“Most of them don’t read scripts until they get on set. What makes it sad is that the younger ones have become emboldened by this cocky ‘I have arrived’ mentality,” he said.
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“Only a few are still reflective of the older ones, and not just humble. Many of them, when they see you, expect you to come and greet them because they feel they’ve already made it.” he added.
Despite his critique of the newcomers, Asiegbu highlighted the profession’s timeless beauty, noting that acting is a craft in which performers genuinely improve and ripen with age.
A Legacy of Excellence
Asiegbu’s critique comes from a place of deep experience. Born on November 8, 1959, in Umuahia, Abia State, his journey to stardom is the stuff of legend:
The Big Debut: He broke into Nollywood in 1996, instantly shooting to fame with his unforgettable performance in the classic movie Silent Night.
A Political Past: Before dominating the silver screen, Asiegbu walked the corridors of power, serving as the Personal Assistant to the historic Biafran leader, Odumegwu Ojukwu, during the 1994 National Constitutional Conference in Abuja.
With decades of industry shifts under his belt, the veteran’s reality check serves as a powerful wake-up call for anyone looking to build a lasting legacy in African cinema.
