Bimbo Akintola Says Nollywood Now Focuses on Looks Over Passion and Storytelling

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has voiced concern that Nollywood has drifted away from its passion-driven roots, placing greater emphasis on physical appearance than on artistic dedication.

In a conversation with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, she lamented that today’s actors are more focused on glamour, makeup, and body enhancements than on storytelling and craft.

“Nollywood is now about BBL and not passion anymore,” Akintola said, contrasting the current era with the early days of the industry, when actors worked tirelessly, often without pay or comfort, to bring stories to life.

She criticised the shift from realism and meaningful content to an obsession with looks, warning that this focus is fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.

“Now, people are saying, ‘My makeup isn’t right for this, and I can’t wear this.’ Is that what the film is about? We are more concerned about our outfits and how we look. This is why, generally, there is a spark in BBL. It is now about looks and not content or what one has. Looks will fade no matter what you do,” she added.