Nollywood thrives on artistes’ popularity —Mustapha

NOLLYWOOD thrives on artistes’ popularity, and that is why well-known actors and actresses secure several movie roles, while those who are less-known find it difficult to get roles.

As a result of the fact that fans prefer popular artistes featuring in the movies they watch, upcoming artistes are finding it difficult to showcase their God-given talents.

This is, therefore, something of a concern for Mary Mofoluwaso Mustapha. As an upcoming artiste, she believes she has the talent and passion to see her to the top in Nollywood, but the preference for established artistes by fans, producers and marketers is like a kind of stumbling block for her and those who are in this category.

Mustapha, a student of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Lead City University, Ibadan, urge stakeholders in the movie industry to give upcoming artistes chance to prove themselves by featuring them in movies.

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“I fell in love with acting while in secondary school, and since then, I made up my mind that I would join the mainstream movie industry.

“In fact, in order to hone my skills in the profession, I joined the Itage Arts Academy, under Mr Wale Olaleye in 2013. I later joined Sharafadeen Olabode’s theatre school in Lagos, where I was exposed to the rudiments of theatre.

“Despite being an upcoming actress, I have featured in a number of movies like OmoNla, Aye Shina Rambo, among others. I think I have featured in about 10 movies altogether.”

Mustapha, however, laments that lack of opportunities for upcoming artistes is what is driving many of them to shoot their own movies.

“I hope I can also get the necessary support so that I can also shoot my movies; I have stories I will like to produce, but such projects are usually capital-intensive and that is why I am open to offers in that area.

“There are many stories to be told; stories that focus on national unity and cultural values.

“In fact, artistes are like preachers; we preach to the people through the interpretation of roles and that is why I love what I do,” Mustapha said.

On where she hopes to find herself in the nearest future, Mustapha said, “I hope to be well-established in the industry. I hope I would have produced a couple of my movies.”