Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, has stirred fresh conversations in the movie industry after openly criticising the growing trend of dancing on social media to promote films.
Omotola made her views known during a recent appearance on TVC Entertainment, where she stated clearly that she cannot dance to market a movie, describing such an approach as unprofessional.
Her comments come just days after renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan shared a similar opinion, saying he would not dance to promote a movie.
Afolayan also noted that he has no interest in making a film that earns ₦1 billion at the box office if he ends up with just ₦10 million as the producer.
Afolayan’s remarks sparked backlash online, especially from box office record holders Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham, whose films have grossed over ₦2.4 billion and ₦1 billion, respectively.
Backing Afolayan’s stance, Omotola said she does not believe dancing should be a requirement for movie promotion.
According to her, she only dances when she feels like it, not when it becomes a marketing obligation. The actress stressed that her duty as a filmmaker is to deliver a well-made movie and promote it through professional and structured channels, rather than relying on social media dance trends.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t be dancing to market or promote my movie. It’s not professional. I’ve done the movie, now I just have to go around and promote it,” Omotola said.
Omotola, who currently divides her time between Nigeria and the United States, made the statement while speaking ahead of her upcoming cinema project, Mother’s Love, which is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026.
Her remarks have since fueled debate online, with fans and industry watchers divided over modern movie marketing strategies in Nollywood.
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