‘Sex-For-Roles’ Pushed Me into Yoruba Nollywood – Regina Chukwu

Nollywood actress Regina Chukwu has alleged that the English-language section of Nigeria’s film industry was affected by a “sex-for-roles” culture, claiming the experience influenced her decision to pursue a career in Yoruba-language films.

The actress made the claim while speaking about her early struggles in Nollywood and how repeated audition experiences shaped her career choices.

Speaking during an interview on Oyinmomo TV on Friday, Chukwu said she found the Yoruba movie sector more welcoming compared to the English-language industry, where she claimed aspiring actors faced pressure to exchange sexual favours for opportunities.

“For the English industry, it was strictly sex for role,” she said.

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The actress recalled attending auditions at a Hotel in Surulere, Lagos, where many established actors were also present, but said she struggled to gain acceptance in the English-language film sector.

“There’s a place we normally go for auditions at Surulere. That was where those actors used to be, including Genevieve and co. We were all sitting and I tried auditioning several times but they are not as accommodating as Yorubas,” she said.

Chukwu alleged that some newcomers were subjected to inappropriate demands before getting acting opportunities.

“Despite the fact that I’m Igbo by tribe. You will have to start sleeping with them before getting to the top, starting from their generator guys. Lots of fake scripts to leisure you into sexual intimacy,” she claimed.

She said her familiarity with Yoruba culture, having grown up in the Southwest, made it easier for her to connect with the Yoruba film industry despite her Igbo background.

“They are not accommodating. It is easier for me to relate with the Yorubas, maybe it’s because I was born and grew among the Yorubas all my life,” she said.

The actress, however, noted that working mainly in Yoruba films affected her recognition in some parts of the country, including her home state, Enugu.

“I’m well known in Lagos and other South West States, but they don’t know me in my state as an actor,” she said.

“Enugu is a place that if I enter today, nobody will say hi I know you,” Chukwu added.