Nkem Owoh Clarifies Remarks on the Origins of the Nigerian Home-Video Industry

Nigerian film fans have been abuzz since veteran actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, appeared to challenge the widely-held belief that Nollywood is the pioneer of Nigeria’s home-video industry. In an interview, Osuofia seemed to suggest that it was, in fact, the Yoruba filmmakers who laid the foundation for the industry. However, Osuofia has since clarified his comments, asserting that he never intended to imply that Yoruba filmmakers started Nollywood, but merely that they were instrumental in the birth of home-video production in Nigeria. In a statement, Osuofia explained, I made it clear in my interview that it was Yoruba filmmakers who started home-video production in Nigeria, but I never said they started Nollywood. Nollywood is a separate entity, born from the efforts of Igbo filmmakers. I simply wanted to pay tribute to the contributions of Yoruba filmmakers in the early days of home-video production in Nigeria. His clarification comes after a flurry of social media posts and news articles speculating about his original comments. According to Punch Newspapers, Osuofia initially stated, The Yoruba started home video, not Nollywood. Nollywood is just a derivative of home video, but it’s the Yoruba that started it. However, in a video released to clear up the confusion, Osuofia insisted, I didn’t say that. I never said the Yoruba started Nollywood. I simply said they started home video production in Nigeria, but Nollywood is a separate entity. Osuofia’s clarification is significant, as it highlights the complex and nuanced history of Nigeria’s home-video industry. For many Nigerians, Nollywood is synonymous with the Nigerian film industry, and it is often overlooked that Yoruba filmmakers played a crucial role in its early development. Osuofia’s original comments sparked a much-needed conversation about the history of Nigeria’s home-video industry, and his subsequent clarification helps to ensure that the narrative remains accurate.