Chinedu Ikedieze Critiques ‘Old Nollywood vs New Nollywood’ Dynamics on TeaTalk Podcast
Renowned Nigerian actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, known as Aki, recently addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding “Old Nollywood vs New Nollywood,” attributing the coinage of this phrase to overzealous Gen Z actors seeking dominance and superiority.
During his appearance on the TeaTalk podcast hosted by actress Toke Makinwa, Ikedieze expressed his thoughts on the notion of generational divides within the Nigerian film industry, particularly regarding the perceptions of Gen Z actors.
He remarked, “There’s this thing now, Old Nollywood and New Nollywood. It’s absurd. I think the Gen Zs in Nollywood are trying to make it look like, ‘Oh! We’re the latest. We’re the Hollywood standards. We’re the best. We know it all.”
In response to Ikedieze’s observation, fellow podcast guest, comedian Bovi, offered a counter-perspective. He emphasized that the tendency to look down on newcomers is not just limited to Gen Z actors. Bovi indicated that this behaviour is common in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where established figures often dismiss or disregard the contributions of newer entrants.
Bovi elaborated, “Those before tend to look down on newcomers. They [older actors] have been doing that. The reason many of us are relating with people like you [Ikedieze] is because when we came into the industry, you didn’t snub us.”
He emphasized the existing complexity in the industry, where certain individuals, irrespective of their generational affiliation, exhibit a superiority complex towards newcomers, creating an atmosphere of disdain and condescension.
The conversation between Ikedieze and Bovi reflected the ongoing friction and generational dynamics prevalent in Nollywood, exposing the challenges and attitudes among actors in different phases of their careers.
