Nollywood actor Ebisan Arayi has firmly rejected the notion that the Nigerian movie industry serves as a dumping ground for reality TV stars seeking a second wave of fame.
Speaking on the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the actor was asked for his thoughts on BBNaija and other reality show contestants who transition into Nollywood.
“I’m sure if you ask this question to some of the veterans, they’ll be very mad at you. Nollywood is not a dumping ground. It’s a ground for stars. For raw talents. Some of them make it, some of them don’t make it. If you make it in Nollywood, that means you have the talent,” Arayi stated.
He acknowledged that not every reality star succeeds on the big screen.
“We have some of them with numbers that still can’t act. We have quite a number of them who can actually act.”
Arayi singled out specific examples he believes have proven their worth.
“I mean, my friend, Seyi Awolowo, is a fantastic actor. In fact, he was an actor before he got into Big Brother. He’s a fantastic actor. Liquorose is also not a bad actress herself. She’s the one always doing that thing with Saga. The both of them are good actors. We have a few of them that have come out of reality TV shows who are good actors.”
He ended with a direct challenge to critics.
“If you think Nollywood is a dumping ground, come and try.”
The comments come at a time when the movement of reality television personalities into film continues to generate mixed reactions among industry veterans and audiences alike.
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Arayi’s measured yet firm defence of the industry reinforces the idea that the screen remains a competitive space where only those with genuine ability can thrive long-term.
Read “Talent Made Us Famous!” — Ebisan Arayi Defends Nollywood