Veteran Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has highlighted what she describes as a major difference between the Nigerian and American film industries in terms of royalties.
After three decades in Nollywood, the actress revealed she has not received a single payment in residuals and royalties.
In a stark contrast, Omotola said she has spent only about five years working in Hollywood, yet she regularly receives envelopes containing payments from her previous projects.
“I’ve only worked in Hollywood for five years, yet I constantly receive envelopes containing my residuals and royalties. I’ve worked in Nollywood for 30 years and have never received a single envelope. Maybe they don’t know where I live,” she said.
The actress made the comments in a podcast while discussing her experiences in both film industries.
She has also previously advocated for royalty clauses in Nollywood contracts, arguing that actors should continue to benefit from the commercial success of their work.
Beyond royalties, Omotola recalled a period when she and other leading actors were allegedly banned by movie marketers after pushing for higher standards in the industry.
She said the group included Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke, Stella Damasus, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Nkem Owoh.
According to Omotola, the actors were considered a bad influence because they were demanding better standards and structures for the industry. She said a reconciliation meeting was later organised, but she declined to attend.
Her latest comments have once again brought attention to how actors are compensated when their films continue to generate value long after their initial release.
