Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo has spoken in support of Nollywood’s use of African spirituality and traditional concepts in movies, insisting that filmmakers are only representing the culture and beliefs many people grew up around.
While speaking with British-Nigerian media personality Remi Burgz, Ojo addressed the mockery Nollywood sometimes receives over its supernatural scenes and visual effects.
According to her, African cinema should not be forced to mirror Hollywood standards at the expense of its own identity, noting that spirituality, folklore, and traditional practices remain a strong part of life in many African communities.
“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 said.
The actress stressed that storytelling in Nollywood is deeply rooted in local experiences and imagination, which is why themes involving traditional beliefs continue to appear in many productions.
She further stated that even though some special effects may attract jokes online, they still highlight the creativity of Nigerian filmmakers and their commitment to telling authentic African stories to a global audience.
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