“Nollywood today is slightly distorted”- Segun Arinze

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has concerns about Nigeria's film industry. He sees key differences between today's Nollywood and its earlier years.

In an interview with Noella Kharyne Yalley on JoyNews’ E Corner, Arinze shared his thoughts. He believes Nollywood is progressing but feels its legacy is distorted.

“Even though it is slightly distorted today, we are still on track,” he said. He acknowledged that nothing is ever perfect in the industry.

Arinze emphasized that Nollywood is moving away from authentic African storytelling. This shift, he believes, erodes the originality of the films being produced.

“We are losing originality,” he stated. The evolving narratives often stray from traditional values. “The perception of Nollywood is changing,” he added.

He noted that stories now lack the authenticity they once had. “Just because we have traveled abroad doesn’t mean we should discard our cultural heritage.”

Arinze used traditional African marriage rites as an example. He contrasted them with Western-style white weddings, which many Africans have adopted.

He argued that this cultural shift also affects Nollywood. Foreign influences are overshadowing indigenous storytelling more than ever.

“The kind of stories being told now are making Nollywood lose its originality,” he reiterated. “We don’t have to abandon our traditional ways just because we have been exposed to foreign cultures.”