Famous filmmaker and former musician JJC Skillz has revealed the motivations and challenges behind his shift from the music industry to Nollywood. In an interview with Channels TV, he explained that moving away from music was driven by both age and a passion for storytelling.

“As far back as I can remember, I have been shooting music videos for years. Even my ‘We Are Africans’ video, I shot that myself. But after doing African Gang in 2011, I realised I was getting too old for the young scene, so I knew it was time to evolve. I packed my bags and moved into Nollywood. I was very passionate about telling stories,” he said.

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Despite his success in the UK music scene with groups like Big Brovaz and JJC & the 419 Squad, JJC Skillz admitted that starting over in Nigeria came with significant hurdles, including gatekeeping within the film industry.

“I wouldn’t say normal life when you’re starting again. I was a JJC (newbie). I didn’t grow up with most of the filmmakers in Nigeria, so it was like, ‘You want to enter our space?’ Some doors were closed. There are gatekeepers at all levels,” he noted.

He also credited support from notable figures such as actor Deyemi Okanlawon and filmmaker Funke Akindele for helping him navigate the industry.

JJC Skillz further highlighted the financial challenges Nigerian filmmakers face, particularly around cinema ticketing and revenue sharing.

“It’s a situation of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop. We put in a lot of work. Sometimes, the cinemas take 70 per cent, other times 60 per cent, and after paying 22 per cent tax, we’re left with nothing. We have to make the film and also sell it because distribution companies aren’t out there selling. We are stuck in a horrible place,” he explained.

He also expressed concern over the exit of streaming platforms from Nigeria, leaving filmmakers uncertain about recouping their investments.

“The hope for a better day was with streaming companies, but they’ve left. So now we’re back to asking, ‘if we put our money into it, will we get it back?’ At the end of the day, it’s a business, and creativity is getting killed,” JJC said.

Highlighting the need to give audiences value for money, he added, “Nigerian filmmakers need to improve to give the people value. I’ve even had to market my film with a promise of refunds if viewers weren’t satisfied.”

JJC Skillz has made a significant mark in Nollywood with projects such as Industreet, Jenifa’s Diary, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga. His latest film, Hakeem: Seeking Justice, features striking action sequences and demonstrates his growth as a filmmaker.

Police Arrest Eight Suspects, Recover Firearms in Kaduna Amid Rescue Operation

The Nigeria Police have reaffirmed their commitment to staying ahead of criminals through intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration, and robust community engagement.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Force, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated in a press release that personnel arrested eight high-profile suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, and fabricated weapons in Kaduna State.