Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has passionately defended the frequent use of traditional spiritual themes and special effects in Nigerian films, asserting that voodoo and supernatural elements are part of authentic African storytelling that should not be downplayed or westernised.
The actress made the strong remarks during a conversation with British-Nigerian radio presenter Remi Burgz. She was responding to criticisms that some Nollywood productions are not taken seriously internationally due to their reliance on supernatural plots and sometimes exaggerated visual effects.
“Well, it’s Africa, and we have to tell our story the way it is, no matter how much we want to westernize it or modernize it. There are voodoos in Africa, and they work.”
She further emphasised the reality of spiritual forces in Africa, adding:
“Whether you like it or not, or accept, there’s what we call ‘ayeta’. We cannot shy away from what we have in our country, in Africa.”
She emphasised that African filmmakers should continue drawing from local beliefs, traditions, spirituality, and folklore rather than forcing stories to fit Western standards. According to her, these elements reflect the realities, imagination, and cultural experiences of the continent.
Iyabo Ojo acknowledged that some special effects in Nollywood may appear over-the-top but maintained that they stem from the industry’s unique creative expression and determination to project authentic African narratives to the world.