Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, has revealed that actors’ financial struggled due to the Nigerian film industry’s payment structure.
Criticizing the body for lack of payment of royalties for their work, Ozokwor disclosed that, despite continuous revenue generation, performers usually receive a one-time payment for films during an appearance.
Speaking on Isbae U’s podcast, “Curiosity Made Me Ask,” the veteran actress claimed that certain actors are compelled by this system to publicly request assistance.
Ozokwor compared Nigeria’s system to that of wealthy nations, where performers continue to make money from their work, helping their family even after they pass away.
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“The problem is that you see us begging because they don’t give us royalties. We just work and toil so hard, and then that peanut, that money you gave us on board to come and shoot for you, is the only thing we get.
“Go and look at the smallest actors in developed countries. Every work they do fetches them money every day of their lives.
“Even when they are gone, their families still live on that. We, we are still working hard”, she said.
She noted that this has pushed Nigerian actors to explore alternative platforms like YouTube for direct earnings.
“Before, it used to be very difficult to earn royalties from movies. We have just been managing and trying,” she said.
“Thank God, now you can have your own YouTube channel. You are your own marketer, producer, and executive producer; you do everything on your own”, she added.
