TRUE OR NOT? Chude Jideonwo Highlights Dominance of Yoruba Filmmakers in Nigeria

Media personality Chude Jideonwo has asserted that the most prominent filmmakers in Nigeria primarily hail from the Yoruba region.

In a recent Instagram post, he discussed the influence of Yoruba filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry, highlighting notable figures such as Toyin Abraham, Kemi Adetiba, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu, Kunle Afolayan, and Femi Adebayo.

Chude Jideonwo pointed out that Yoruba films have a significant presence on global streaming platforms, while Hausa and Igbo-language films are largely absent. He stated,

“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria right now are all Yorubas. Consider names like Kemi Adetiba, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Kunle Afolayan, Kayode Kasum, Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, and Mercy Aigbe, as well as Bolanle Austin-Peters. Most mainstream cinema and streaming movies are produced by Yoruba filmmakers.”

He further emphasized the dominance of Yoruba cinema, saying,

“The Yoruba filming culture has integrated into the other groups that are also making waves. Can you name a Hausa or Igbo-language movie available on Netflix or Amazon? The closest was Genevieve’s ‘Lionheart’ from years ago. Only Yoruba films seem to thrive on platforms like Amazon and Netflix, becoming mainstream cultural hits.”