Nollywood filmmaker and actor John Njamah, best known for his captivating portrayal of Rabiu in the beloved TV family drama “Fuji House of Commotion,” has recently expressed his frustration regarding the current casting practices in Nigeria’s film industry.
Njamah argued that talent, rather than beauty or social media presence, should be the primary criterion for casting decisions.
His remarks come in the wake of a significant shift in the industry, where the emphasis seems to have pivoted towards external appearances rather than genuine creative abilities.
In an insightful and exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Njamah shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Nollywood and reflected on the challenges and triumphs that characterize contemporary filmmaking.
As a seasoned actor, producer, and director, Njamah brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having also starred in numerous other television programs including “Tinsel,” “Living In Lagos,” “Solitaire,” “Casino,” “Emerald,” “Tide,” and “My Flatmates.”
During the interview, Njamah made a profound statement regarding his motivations within the industry, revealing a deep-rooted passion for storytelling that transcends mere ambition.
“What fuels me is beyond passion,” he stated. “There’s that knack and need to grow with every month, whatever year. There’s that desire to do something different. This industry of ours is a canvas on which you can express yourself, not merely follow the trend set by others. For me, it is all about originality and the inherent need to create something meaningful and right I am driven by the ever-creative venture that defines my journey.”
A focal point of the discussions revolved around the evolution of African narratives in the film sphere.
Njamah acknowledged that while there have been substantial advancements, both technically and in terms of storytelling, there is an alarming downside.
“There’s a positive aspect and a negative aspect to the changes we are witnessing. On the one hand, our technical prowess has improved significantly. We are now narrating our stories with greater finesse and scale. However, this progress comes with a cost we are gradually losing our originality. We find ourselves borrowing from cultures foreign to us, rather than celebrating and amplifying our unique heritage. Our identity is at risk as we stray from our authentic narratives.”
Njamah drew distinctions between the casting methods from his era and today’s industry practices.
Reflecting on the grassroots approach of “Fuji House,” which featured passionate, aspiring actors working with limited resources, he expressed concern over the contemporary trend of prioritizing aesthetics over talent.
“Back in the day, ‘Fuji House’ was shot with a single camera and fueled by the ambition of hungry artists,” he reminisced.
“Now, we see people being cast based on beauty standards and social media clout, rather than their capabilities as performers.
Several of us strive to uphold our originality; after all, compelling stories are best told by those with genuine passion.”
He further criticized the widespread lack of professionalism and accountability within the industry, stating that there is a need for more robust systems to monitor production quality.
“Professionalism is in decline,” he remarked. “The industry is riddled with issues such as a lack of respect for those in leadership positions and an absence of humility. We lack the necessary checks and balances. It’s become alarmingly easy for anyone to declare themselves a producer without any formal evaluation or standards in place. The guild system that should oversee our creative community is ineffective. As creators, we must be vigilant and responsible in our roles as producers, directors, and actors.”
Concluding his reflections, Njamah emphasized the richness and uniqueness of Nollywood, advocating for the development of indigenous platforms to promote local stories and lessen reliance on foreign streaming services.
“What makes us unique is often seen as a flaw to others,” he asserted. “I am frustrated by claims that international collaborators shun our industry because of preconceived notions. Instead of relying on external platforms for our survival, we must cultivate our own spaces to showcase our creativity. If foreign entities hesitate to partner with us for any reason, they are mistaken there are incredible producers here whose work speaks for itself. Collaboration can thrive if we engage with each other on equal terms.”
As Njamah continues to advocate for a more authentic and talent-driven Nollywood, his insights serve as a call to action for industry stakeholders to refocus their priorities and embrace the unique stories and perspectives that define Nigeria’s vibrant film landscape.
