Nollywood is a rising star, so to speak, from the heart of Nigeria – a movie industry of Nigeria, by Nigerians, and for the Nigerian people. Nollywood has gradually become a phenomenon with a life of its own, not only because it made movies for Nigerians, but because it makes movies that are distributed and enjoyed beyond the shores of Nigeria, and more importantly, it has risen in the middle of nowhere to somewhere.
There was a very distinct resistance to the name because of its foreign connotation, especially the similarity it has with another popular world-known movies production power-house “Hollywood”. Despite this initial resistance, many have come to terms with the name, especially considering the fact that all actors, consumers, and movie plots are Nigeria-centric.
It is stimulating and amusing to note that, at first, more often than not, the movies from Nollywood were of such abysmal quality that nobody expected an abrupt climb to such a sudden fame of this proportion; In recent years, however, this concern no longer hold true; Now, Nollywood movies and Nigerian Music are ranked as first class – both in maturity of movie plots, quality of production, and the extend of global distribution network and distribution capabilities.
Despite dismal conditions, unstable and deteriorating economic condition, Nollywood has managed to stay relevant on the world stage. With Nollywood fiercely competing with the two other world known movie production power-houses, it has definitely come of age. The cost of producing Nigerian movies is substantially lower because most actors are sourced locally, because Nigerian directors are ingenious – plus you can vouch for Nigerians ability to deliver outstanding movies with little resources.
Until the recent technological breakthrough of the last decade in terms of cheap means of movie production, the history of movie-making in Nigeria was the story of an unprofitable Endeavour filled with tears and financial ruins because most of those who attempted to produce movies always end up with a red-inked balance sheet. As a result of this imbalance, most Nigerians consume mostly foreign movies. Legendary movies such as Fist of Fury (1972), means of the Dragon (1972), key in the Dragon (1973). Even right before that, famous movies such as “Bruce Lee” in (Lo Wei’s, the enormous superior (1971) were common.
Notwithstanding the crushing financial limitation of producing movies before the last decade, some theatrical groups, through exceptional theatrical skills and astonishing performances managed to rise above stage performance and move into movie productions – mostly based on the old celluloid capability of the 70’s. Still new in our memories are those who actually championed the pre-Nollywood era. Great performers such as Ola Balogun, Eddie Ugbomah, and late Herbert Ogunde
The Music artists delivering cutting-edge Nigeria Music have benefited substantially from the opportunities created by the presence of Nollywood in Nigeria – these artists have done exceptionally well considering their skills to blend music of local origin with other genre of music ranging from Bob Marley to Jazz and so on. They have benefitted immensely from Nigerian business men who opened successful online distribution channels to allow Nigerians showcase their talent to the rest of the world. Nigeria-centric sites such as NaijaMotion.com, like their counter-part YouTube.com represents a substantial opportunity for Nigerian Musician to show-case their talent to the rest of the world.
Back to Nollywood: although the movies were originally created for Nigerians living in Nigerian, it has, over the last decade, become a staple for Nigerians in Diaspora – a common tool for staying connected to the home front; with the prevalence of the internet, easier and faster means of distribution, Nollywood movies are now consumed not only in Nigeria but in hundreds of other countries; interestingly enough, not just by Nigerians, but by citizens of all other countries. Nollywood, indeed, has come a very long way. Looking into the future, I see Nollywood becoming a power to be reckoned with on the same scale that Hollywood, uncontested for several decades, has dominated, dictated and morphed social-cultural activities and identities around the Globe.
NaijaMotion.com is the online destination for Nigerian Artist to upload and showcase their talent to Nigerians and the whole world. Click here to check out Nigeria Music Artist. There are many interesting videos on this site. You an watch Nigeria comedy and other interesting videos