Nollywood star and producer Wumi Toriola has unleashed a scathing rant against upcoming actors she accuses of charging exorbitant fees while lacking basic acting skills. The veteran, known for championing grassroots talent in her films, says the industry is now flooded with half-baked performers who prioritize quick fame and cash over honing their craft.
Speaking directly as both an actor and producer, Toriola did not hold back in her posts that have gone viral.
“Involve me?? Can you act? The few ones that’re skilled won’t wait till they start selling market before they call ridiculous prices. As a producer and an actor, I am angry. Please call the price, but you see that ‘craft’ Be sure you know it. Half-baked actors with no intention of growing or working on their craft fill the place. Call Action first, you’ll feel like stoning them.”
The actress, who has actively supported new faces throughout her career, stressed that she leads the pack when it comes to giving upcoming talents a chance.
“Nobody uses upcoming up to me. Check my movies, Blend of Stars, and new Talents. Call price but go market first and be sure they already know you. It’s more than blowing up on social media. I am for the grass foot, let my people know you first before stressing EPs.”
She added a pointed warning to those running acting schools:
“If you must sell forms for the School of Arts, too, pls have time to train them. They give us problems on set. I am on take 40 as we speak.”
Toriola, who began her journey in 2009 with the Odunfa Caucus theatre group and produced her first film Ajewunmi in 2015, has built a reputation for blending established stars with fresh talent. Her frustration stems from repeated on-set headaches caused by unprepared actors who demand top pay after gaining minor social media buzz.
The outburst highlights growing tensions in Nollywood’s Yoruba film sector, where rising production costs clash with a flood of aspiring performers chasing overnight success. While some industry watchers praise Toriola for speaking out in defense of quality, others note that high fees might reflect increased demand and living expenses for young actors.