Toyin Abraham Addresses Kunle Afolayan's Controversial Cinema Profit Comments
The Nollywood industry has been abuzz with discussions following filmmaker Kunle Afolayan's remarks about cinema profits, which sparked widespread interpretation and backlash. In a recent development, actress and producer Toyin Abraham's camp has broken its silence, providing clarity on the situation and revealing behind-the-scenes interactions.
The Origin of the Controversy
The conversation ignited during the premiere of Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre, where Afolayan shared insights into the financial realities of filmmaking in Nigeria. He stated, "There's no competition. I don't want two billion naira in cinema, or even one billion naira, if I won't make ten million naira from it." This comment quickly gained traction online, with many critics perceiving it as dismissive of the efforts of other filmmakers, particularly Toyin Abraham, who is one of Nollywood's highest-grossing producers.
Private Resolution and Clarification
Contrary to public expectations of a fiery response, Toyin Abraham opted for a more discreet approach. According to a statement released by her manager, Samuel Olatunji, and reported by The Cable, Kunle Afolayan personally initiated a phone call to Abraham to explain the context of his remarks. During this conversation, Abraham expressed her concerns about how the comments could be interpreted, especially by filmmakers who are still struggling to achieve profitability in the industry.
Olatunji emphasized that the issue was addressed maturely, with both parties moving forward without any public drama. He clarified that Afolayan's mention of making less than N10 million from a billion-naira film was never intended to be taken literally, describing it as "clearly sarcastic." The statement further noted, "No producer earns ten million naira from a one billion naira or two billion naira box office performance."
Dismissing False Narratives
Abraham's camp also took the opportunity to dismiss circulating claims that her silence was due to previous skepticism about box office figures. Olatunji stated, "This narrative is completely untrue," highlighting that Abraham has access to certified and verifiable box office data through established industry stakeholders. This clarification aims to quell rumors and reinforce the credibility of her achievements in Nollywood.
Broader Industry Context
This development occurs amidst an ongoing public disagreement between Kunle Afolayan and fellow actress Funke Akindele, who has also criticized modern film promotion methods. Notably, only Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele have reached the N1 billion box office milestone in Nollywood, underscoring their significant contributions to the industry's growth and financial benchmarks.
Abraham's recent success with her movie Oversabi Aunty, which hit ₦1 billion at the box office, was publicly praised by the Federal Government, recognizing her hard work and impact on Nigerian cinema. This backdrop adds depth to the current discussions, highlighting the competitive yet collaborative nature of Nollywood's evolving landscape.
In summary, Toyin Abraham's response to Kunle Afolayan's comments reveals a preference for private dialogue over public confrontation, emphasizing maturity and clarity in addressing industry misunderstandings. The situation reflects the complexities of financial realities in Nollywood while showcasing the professionalism of its key players.
