‘There Is a Lot of Rigging in Nollywood’ — Tayo Faniran

Nollywood actor Tayo Faniran has questioned how success is achieved in Nigeria’s film industry, saying he believes talent alone does not always determine how far an actor or filmmaker can progress.

Faniran made the comments during an interview on TVC’s eSplash, where he reflected on his experience in Nollywood and the factors he believes influence careers within the industry.

The actor argued that some producers who have achieved significant recognition are not necessarily the most talented people in the profession.

“In Nollywood, the film producers you guys see and know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers,” Faniran said.

He further suggested that his own career would have reached a different level if opportunities in the industry were determined strictly by talent and merit.

“If Nollywood were strictly about talent, I should be far beyond where I am,” he said.

Faniran also alleged that there is “a lot of rigging” in the industry, although he did not provide specific examples or identify individuals in the remarks cited.

His comments add to the wider conversation about opportunity, recognition and career progression within Nollywood, one of Africa’s largest film industries.

For Faniran, his experience has led him to argue that talent is only one part of what determines success in the industry.