Prominent media figure, Chude Jideonwo has ignited conversations by asserting that the leading filmmakers in Nigeria are primarily from the Yoruba ethnic group.

He expressed this viewpoint while discussing the significant presence of Yoruba filmmakers within the nation's film sector.

In a recent post on Instagram, he highlighted the considerable influence of these filmmakers, mentioning well-known industry figures such as Toyin Abraham, Kemi Adetiba, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu, Kunle Afolayan, and Femi Adebayo.

Jideonwo emphasized that these creators have achieved a global reach, especially through their work on major streaming services like Netflix and Amazon.

He pointed out that while Yoruba films have gained cultural acclaim on international platforms, films in Hausa and Igbo languages have faced challenges in achieving the same level of recognition.

“The biggest filmmakers in Nigeria now are all Yorubas. Think about it: Kemi Adetiba, Jade Osiberu, Mo Abudu, Kunle Afolayan, Kayode Kasum, Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, Mercy Aigbe and Oga Bello’s son that do every movie, including ‘Beast of Two Worlds’ and ‘Jagun Jagun’—and Bolanle Austin-Peters.

“Think about it: most of the mainstream, big cinema, and streaming movies are all by Yoruba people. What has happened is that the Yoruba filming culture has merged itself into the other groups that are leading again”.

He also pointed out that although films such as Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart are exceptions, Yoruba-language films remain the predominant force on global streaming platforms, serving as the main representation of Nigerian cinema internationally.

“Can you name one Hausa or Igbo-language movie on Netflix or Amazon? The closest was Genevieve’s ‘Lionheart’ many years ago. Only Yoruba movies are able to exist on Amazon, Netflix and become mainstream cultural hits.”