Tribalism is one issue that has
affected so many people negatively in Nigeria. It has become a cankerworm in
almost all the facets of our life; and it has eaten deep into the fabric of our
society. One effect it leaves behind is corruption, nepotism and lack of
productivity.
In the Nigerian setting, it is
very common for some people to discriminate because of someone's ethnic
background. Some people have even likened tribalism to racial abuse. Though in
marriages, the issue is gradually being defeated as we have had inter-ethnic
marriages, the menace is still very
dominant in most professions in Nigeria.
In Nollywood, one does not need a
soothsayer to know that tribalism has taken over the industry. It is common to
see this in most interest groups and associations formed in the industry.
While those from the Yoruba tribe
are dominant in the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners of
Nigeria (ANTP), those from the Igbo extraction are prominent in Actors Guild of
Nigeria (AGN). Interestingly, both groups represent the interests of actors in
Nollywood.
In the same vein, those in ANTP
suffer inferiority complex whenever they are in the midst of AGN members. Only
few from ANTP camp have had the courage to mix with those in AGN. Also,
whenever any of the groups organizes a programme, it is very rare to see
representatives of other groups.
However, one person who wishes to
put an end to this issue of dichotomy in the movie industry in Nigeria is
beautiful actress, Halima Abubakar.
In a chat with First Weekly
Magazine, the Kogi State-born actress admitted that she has suffered a lot from
tribalism in Nollywood. When asked one thing she would like to change in
Nollywood, Halima was quick to say it is “tribalism.”
She said, “I have experienced
tribalism, I know people would say it is a lie, but that is the truth.” “Why have those from a particular group not
reached out to people who are not specifically from their areas?” she asked.
“I have worked with a lot of
Igbos, my marketer is Igbo, I have worked with a lot of them and I know those I
have not worked with, I have not seen the right roles for me yet, but I believe
they will come. But how about others, who are independently shooting movies,
does that mean those are the only set of actors in Nollywood?
“I am not saying they should give
me roles, but there are people who want to see fresh faces. We need to give
others opportunity to showcase their talents,” she emphasized.
The celebrated actress however
advised that tribalism should be stopped in Nollywood. “I am saying, stop
tribalism and bring everyone under the umbrella of AGN,” Halima said.
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