According to media personality Chude Jideonwo, Nigeria’s most successful filmmakers are primarily Yoruba.
In an Instagram post, Jideonwo cited prominent Yoruba filmmakers such as Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, and Mo Abudu as instances of their supremacy in Nollywood.
He contended that Yoruba-language films are the most prevalent on worldwide streaming platforms, while Hausa or Igbo-language films are almost nonexistent.
He further stated that Yoruba cinema culture has successfully melded into other groups, hence ensuring its continued supremacy in the Nigerian film business.
“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria now are all Yoruba,” he said.
“Think about it: Kemi Adetiba, Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Kayode Kasum, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Oga Bello’s sons—the ones that do every movie, including ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ and ‘Jagun Jagun’—and Bolanle Austin-Peters.
“Think about it: most of the mainstream, big cinema, and streaming movies are all by Yoruba people.
“What has happened is that the Yoruba filming culture has merged itself into the other groups that are leading again. Can you name one Hausa-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? Or can you name one Igbo-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? The closest was… Genevieve’s ‘Lionheart’ many many years ago. Only Yoruba movies are able to exist on Amazon on Netflix and become mainstream cultural hits.”
Jideonwo co-founded Red Africa and Joy, Inc. He hosts the multimedia show #WithChude and serves as the executive producer.
In August, the TV host released the first part of a docuseries on the organ trafficking controversy involving Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president.
He recently become a Creative-in-Residence at the London School of Economics (LSE).
