Ronke Oshodi Praises YouTube for Solving Nollywood Royalty Struggles

Nollywood actress Ibironke Ojo-Anthony, popularly known as Ronke Oshodi-Oke, has spoken openly about the long-standing royalty challenges faced in the Nigerian movie industry and how YouTube has now provided a lasting solution.

In a recent interview on the Nollywood on Radio podcast, the actress revealed that for many years, Nollywood filmmakers struggled with receiving fair royalties after movie production. According to her, the system made it difficult for actors and producers to fully benefit from their hard work. She explained that many filmmakers had to depend on third-party marketers who often failed to pay royalties as promised, leaving actors and producers frustrated and financially strained.

Ronke Oshodi stressed that the rise of YouTube has changed this narrative. She described the platform as a game-changer that allows filmmakers to take control of the entire production and distribution process. With YouTube, she explained, actors can become their own marketers, producers, and executive producers, without relying on external distributors.

The actress noted that YouTube provides creators with the chance to retain all their earnings without owing anyone. She further explained that this independence has encouraged many Nollywood actors to set up their own YouTube channels, ensuring they keep ownership of their work and income.

In her words, “Before, it was very difficult to get royalties when you produce a movie. We have been managing and trying. Thank God now that you have your own YouTube. Now you are your own marketer, you are your own producer, you are your own executive producer, you do everything on your own. You are not owing anybody, nobody is owing you anything. That is why everyone is having their own YouTube. You do not owe anybody explanation.”

Her comments shed light on the growing shift in Nollywood, where more actors are now turning to digital platforms to showcase their creativity while maintaining financial independence.

In a related development, fellow actress Mary Njoku recently raised concerns about the way Nigerians use social media. In a post on Instagram, she criticized how pain and tragedy are often turned into entertainment online. Njoku argued that while social platforms in other parts of the world are used for activism, justice, and community building, in Nigeria, the focus has shifted to clout-chasing and virality.

She expressed disappointment that human suffering is often repackaged into skits or trending videos, stripping situations of their seriousness. According to her, this lack of empathy has made social media a noisy and insensitive space, and sometimes she avoids it completely to protect her peace of mind.

Both Ronke Oshodi and Mary Njoku’s perspectives highlight the evolving role of digital platforms in Nigerian entertainment. While YouTube is helping Nollywood creators take charge of their work and income, concerns remain about how social media is being misused in the wider society.