Veteran media figure Emma Ugolee has sparked online debate after calling out what he described as Nollywood’s obsession with social media numbers over real talent. In a post that’s now trending, he questioned why producers continue to overlook trained actors just because they don’t have massive online followings.
According to Ugolee, there’s an unspoken rule in the industry where casting decisions are based on how popular an actor is on social media, not how skilled they are in front of the camera. He called the practice “sickening,” adding that it’s unfair to those who spent years mastering their craft.
To drive his point home, he referenced two actors from the hit show To Kill a Monkey—both praised for their strong performances but largely unknown online. Emma Ugolee believes their lack of followers stems from choosing privacy over clout, saying, “They’re not trading their privacy, nudity, or personal drama for clout.”
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In contrast, he mentioned an influencer known for racy content—videos that go viral but have little to do with acting. Ugolee didn’t insult the creator, but used the example to show the extreme pressure placed on actors to become entertainers off-screen too.
He then urged casting directors to stop pushing actors to turn their private lives into social media content just to land roles. For many professionals, acting is the goal—not internet fame.
Ugolee ended with a shout-out to directors who still cast based on skill and passion. His message has struck a chord with many, opening up an honest conversation about what the industry should truly value.
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