Veteran Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about the difference between working in Hollywood and Nollywood, particularly when it comes to residuals and royalties.
Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, the actress reflected on her decades-long career in Nollywood and revealed that she has never received an envelope containing residual payments or royalties from her work in the Nigerian film industry.
Omotola, who said she has spent about 30 years in Nollywood, contrasted the experience with her time working in Hollywood.
According to her, despite spending only about five years working in Hollywood, she regularly receives envelopes containing residuals and royalties from her projects.
She jokingly added, “Maybe they don’t know where I live,” a remark that drew attention to the sharp difference in how actors are compensated in both industries.
Her comments have once again highlighted the long-running conversation around proper structures, royalties and residual payments for Nigerian actors, as well as the need for Nollywood to develop stronger systems that allow performers to continue earning from successful projects.