“Funke Akindele paid me just ₦90k after one month on set” – these words from actor Ijoba Lande have sparked a wave of conversations within the Nigerian entertainment industry. The revelation made by Lande, known for his comic online videos and presence in the Yoruba film scene, has captured the attention of many aspiring actors and industry observers alike.
Lande’s story began with an opportunity to work on a film project under the production of Funke Akindele, a prominent figure in Nollywood known for her acting prowess and filmmaking skills. Despite the initial excitement of collaborating with such an influential personality, Lande was left disheartened when he received a mere ₦90,000 as payment for his month-long dedication to the project.
“There was a time Funke Akindele called me for a movie production at Amen Estate, and we spent one month there. I was shocked when she gave me ₦ 90,000 after spending one month,”
Lande shared. This candid disclosure has shed light on the often unspoken challenges faced by emerging talents in the Nigerian film industry.
In his narrative, Lande emphasized the importance of valuing oneself and setting clear expectations regarding compensation before committing to any project. His experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for fellow actors to prioritize their worth and establish transparent agreements when engaging in professional collaborations.
“I have learnt my lessons. I will always state my charges before going to any location. When she called me, I was too excited to discuss payment, only to end up with N90k after one month,”
he reflected. This introspective approach highlights the significance of open communication and negotiation in ensuring equitable remuneration for creative contributions.
The response to Lande’s revelation has been diverse, reflecting broader discussions around fair pay practices and professionalism in Nollywood. While some have attributed the outcome to potential oversight in negotiating terms upfront, others have raised concerns about systemic issues related to underpayment within the industry.
One social media user pointed out the fundamental business aspect of determining one’s value and advocating for fair compensation:
“It’s about knowing your worth and negotiating your pay before accepting a job.”
This perspective underscores the vital role that proactive communication plays in fostering mutually beneficial working relationships between artists and producers.
Amidst varying opinions surrounding this incident, it is essential to acknowledge that Lande’s experience serves as a microcosm of larger challenges prevalent in Nollywood concerning payment transparency and wage equity across different tiers of talent. While established stars command substantial fees commensurate with their status, emerging actors often find themselves navigating ambiguous financial arrangements or relying on intangible promises for future opportunities.
Lande’s decision to speak out not only highlights individual experiences but also encourages collective reflection on how industry practices can be improved to foster greater accountability and professionalism among all stakeholders involved in film productions. As discussions continue within Nollywood circles regarding fair compensation standards…
…it becomes increasingly evident that promoting transparency, empowering artists to advocate for their worth, and establishing clear guidelines around payment are crucial steps towards creating a sustainable ecosystem where creativity thrives harmoniously with economic fairness.
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