Mo Abudu States She Cannot Dance to Promote Films Unlike Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham
Media mogul Mo Abudu has publicly declared that she cannot adopt the dance promotion strategy used by fellow actresses Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham to market their movies. Her comments were made during the Lagos Business of Film Summit, where she emphasized her preference for alternative promotional methods that better suit her personality and brand identity.
Abudu's Position on Dance Promotion in Nollywood
Speaking at the industry event, the CEO of EbonyLife Media acknowledged the tremendous success achieved by Akindele and Abraham through their energetic dance videos, which have consistently gone viral and contributed to box office records. However, Abudu firmly stated that dancing is not her area of expertise and has directed her team to explore other marketing approaches that do not require her direct participation in such routines.
Mo Abudu explained: "While I admire the creativity and energy displayed by my colleagues, I must focus on strategies that align with who I am. Every filmmaker must identify what works best for them in this diverse industry."
Context of Industry Debate
Abudu's remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about promotional methods in Nigeria's film industry. Her comments follow similar statements made by actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan at the same summit, where he expressed reluctance to dance or create skits for film promotion. Afolayan's position faced significant backlash from industry peers and fans who viewed his comments as dismissive of successful marketing techniques.
The debate intensified when Funke Akindele responded to Afolayan, asserting that there is ample room for different promotional models to thrive simultaneously. She emphasized that creators should concentrate on their unique strengths without jealousy, maintaining that the industry is expansive enough for everyone to succeed through their chosen methods.
Social Media Reactions to Abudu's Statement
Nigerian social media users have shared diverse perspectives on Abudu's position regarding dance promotion in Nollywood:
- @seanelhadji commented: "This still feels like taking a subtle dig at those who dance! Talk about how you want to sell your films without discussing how others sell theirs."
- @Deji_Dokun wrote: "Why are they worried about those who dance to promote their films? They should simply stick to what works for them."
- @mrs_omoh stated: "Why is the discussion focused on dancing? Why can't they brainstorm and develop other marketing strategies instead?"
- @iamgoldwealth reacted: "There's a clear distinction between applauding people's strengths and criticizing them. We all saw how the previous comments were received."
Broader Industry Perspectives
This conversation extends beyond Abudu's recent comments. Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde previously criticized the growing trend of dancing on social media to promote films, describing such approaches as unprofessional during a television appearance. She stated that she only dances when she feels like it, not as a marketing obligation.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the evolving nature of film promotion in Nigeria's entertainment sector, where traditional methods coexist with innovative digital strategies. As Nollywood continues to expand its global reach, filmmakers are increasingly experimenting with diverse approaches to connect with audiences and achieve commercial success.
The fundamental question remains: Should industry professionals focus exclusively on their preferred methods, or is there value in acknowledging and learning from different successful approaches? This debate reflects the dynamic nature of Nigeria's creative industries as they navigate the intersection of tradition, innovation, and personal branding in the digital age.
