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Zubby Michael

Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has attributed what he described as limited support for Igbo talents in Nigeria’s entertainment industry to fears among some industry gatekeepers that emerging talents could quickly become their competitors.

The actor made the claim during an interview with Broadway TV, where he discussed the challenges faced by upcoming entertainers seeking mentorship and opportunities within Nollywood.

Michael argued that some executives and established industry figures are reluctant to invest in Igbo talents because they believe such individuals can learn quickly, establish themselves and potentially surpass those who trained or supported them.

According to the actor, the concern is particularly linked to the speed at which some young Igbo entrepreneurs and entertainers acquire skills.

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“Igbo people are fast learners and they are capable of making it big with just a little,” Michael said.

He explained that an established professional could spend years developing expertise in a particular area, only for a mentee to acquire similar knowledge within a relatively short period.

“You might decide to mentor an Igbo person and what took you 10 years to learn, he will learn it in one year and six months,” he said.

Michael further claimed that some mentors fear that if they fail to treat their protégés well, the younger talent could leave and establish an independent career using the skills acquired during the mentorship.

“And if you don’t treat him well, he will leave you and start doing the same business you taught him and become your competition. So, people are scared of that,” he added.

His comments have drawn attention to the wider debate about mentorship, competition and access to opportunities within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Nollywood has expanded significantly over the years, creating opportunities for actors, filmmakers, producers, marketers and other professionals. However, newcomers often depend on established figures for introductions, training, production opportunities and access to industry networks.

Michael’s argument suggests that concerns about competition can sometimes influence those relationships.

The actor’s comments also touch on a broader issue in Nigeria’s creative sector, where established professionals are expected to develop the next generation of talent while also protecting their commercial interests.

For emerging entertainers, mentorship can provide valuable exposure and practical knowledge, but the relationship can become complicated when a protégé develops rapidly and enters the same market as the mentor.

Michael did not provide specific examples of executives or gatekeepers who, according to him, had refused to support Igbo talents for this reason.

His comments therefore represent his personal assessment of the dynamics within the industry.

The actor has remained a prominent figure in Nollywood, known for his roles in numerous Nigerian films and his outspoken views on the entertainment industry.

His latest remarks have reopened discussions about whether ethnicity, competition, professional networks or other factors influence the opportunities available to emerging talents in Nollywood.

The Traffic NG
Zubby Michael
Opeyemi Isioye
The Traffic NG

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