Nollywood star Jide Awobona has urged filmmakers to focus on authentic indigenous stories if they want global success, while offering raw advice to singles navigating modern dating.
On the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the actor and producer shared his views on the rising demand for Yoruba epic films on Netflix. He stressed that the real path to exportable movies lies in culture, not imitation.
“I feel any movie maker who wants to make movies that are exportable should make indigenous films — real stories. We can’t speak English better than the English people. If you want to sell a movie to them, sell them your culture. That’s why we love the Indian and Korean films. We’re wowed by their cultures. That’s the exportable thing about film.”
He added that imitation will only be met with ridicule:
“If you want to sell a movie to the Americans and you’re dressing and speaking like them, they’ll laugh at you.”
Awobona made it clear that limiting conversations to tribe does not help the industry. When asked if he has acted in Igbo films, he replied:
“I’ve played English characters in some Igbo films. I don’t like limiting discussions to tribe.”
The conversation later shifted to relationship advice for single people in today’s world. Awobona reacted to a post by Oyemike about a lady who advised ending a talking stage if a man cannot buy food when she is hungry.
“Everything has turned upside down. I saw Oyemike’s post about a lady saying she was in a talking stage and was advising people. Be careful of the people you follow and the kind of advice you take. She said if a lady is in a talking stage with a guy who can’t buy food for her when she’s hungry, she should let it go. I’m wondering how we got here. Money to eat as a dealbreaker?”
His counsel was direct and gender-neutral:
“All I’ll say is, no matter your gender, don’t base your relationship on material things. Earn a living. Don’t put your burden on someone you want to date.”
Awobona’s comments come at a time when Yoruba epics continue to dominate conversations on Netflix and local platforms. His call for cultural authenticity and personal responsibility in relationships are commendable.
With his upcoming film Ikunle set for release on the 31st of July, 2026, and his consistent production of content, the Jenifa’s Diary alumnus continues to position himself as both a creative force and a voice of practical wisdom in Nollywood.