Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Ugezu Ugezu has challenged the narrative of a “Nollywood disaster” in the wake of several prominent deaths within the industry this year.
Following the passing of actors like Mr Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, Sisi Quadri, Adejumoke Aderounmu, and most recently Junior Pope, some fans have expressed concern about a potential curse plaguing Nollywood.
Ugezu Ugezu, however, took to his Instagram page to offer a different perspective. He argues that the public awareness surrounding celebrity deaths creates a distorted view:
“If only you knew how many bankers who kpai [passed away] every week…if only you knew how many police officers who kpai every month…if only we have a clear data on citizens that kpai monthly, we may settle down and understand the systematic destruction of the health sector.“
Ugezu highlights the lack of a centralized data system for deaths across professions. He suggests that the perceived surge in Nollywood deaths stems from the public nature of the industry, with celebrity passings receiving wider media coverage.
Ugezu concludes by urging the public to move beyond superstition and recognize the broader systemic issues at play. “It is not just a Nollywood disaster like many allude,” he states. “It is a general system disaster.“