Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adjorlolo has sparked a debate in the African film industry with his belief and conviction that Nollywood did not make Ghanaian actors popular.
According to him, Ghana’s movie industry was already thriving and producing stars who are thriving and can compete with other African counterparts before Nigerian producers took notice and collaborated with them.
Speaking on this week’s episode of ‘The Real Talk Podcast’ hosted by Elizabeth Essuman, a Ghanians Podcaster, he emphasized that Ghanaian actors gained their breakthroughs in their home country before being introduced to Nollywood.
He cited examples of Ghanaian movie makers and Actors who were doing well in Gallywood before moving to Nollywood, serving has an evidence that Ghana industry was already on a strong footing.
Adjorlolo’s comments stirred discussion about the relationship between Ghana’s film industry, known as Ghallywood, and Nollywood, with some industry stakeholders debating the impact and effect of cross-border collaborations on local talent and content.
Some notable Ghanaian actors who have made a name for themselves in Nollywood include Majid Michel, Van Vicker, Jackie Appiah, John Dumelo, Juliet Ibrahim, Nadia Buari, Yvonne Nelson among others.
Though the Ghana Movie Industry may be having its own problems; it does not mean that Nigerians made us, Ghana Films made Ghanaian actors.
Ghana movie industry and the movies produced made us popular before the Nigerian producers noticed, and called us, he said.
The seasoned broadcaster, who recently showcased his musical talents dating back to age 8, acknowledged the business acumen and determination of Nigerians.
However, he emphasized that Ghana deserves recognition for producing talented movie stars who can stand alongside other African counterparts.
He specifically stated that there are so many Ghanaian stars who achieved success in Ghana before gaining opportunities in Nigeria,
Ghana movie is not down, actors are acting daily, producers are producing daily, work is ongoing daily; rather it is the promotion and marketing that is lacking – and we’ve got to fix that area,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges of Ghana’s film industry, he emphasized the importance of finding solutions rather than criticizing the industry.
Adjorlolo encouraged those who recognize the problems to collaborate and develop strategies that could elevate the industry, promoting a more constructive approach to addressing its issues.
