‘Some Executives Avoid Igbo Talents for Fear of Creating Rivals’ — Zubby Michael
Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has sparked a conversation about talent development in the Nigerian film industry after claiming that some entertainment executives deliberately avoid nurturing Igbo talents because they fear creating future competitors.
The actor made the remarks while discussing the challenges faced by emerging talents and the importance of mentorship in Nollywood. His comments have since generated reactions across social media.
According to Zubby Michael, some industry executives are reluctant to invest their knowledge and experience in young talents because they are concerned that those they mentor could eventually surpass them.
He specifically claimed that this attitude affects some Igbo talents, who, in his view, are sometimes avoided because of concerns about how quickly they can learn and establish themselves in the industry.
The actor’s comments have reopened a broader discussion about competition, mentorship and talent development in Nollywood.
Mentorship has traditionally played an important role in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Established actors, producers and executives can provide newcomers with valuable knowledge about acting, production, networking, business and navigating the industry.
However, if established professionals see emerging talents primarily as competitors rather than people who can contribute to the growth of the industry, opportunities for knowledge transfer can become limited.
Zubby’s argument raises an important question: Should successful industry figures deliberately create the next generation of stars, even if those talents could eventually compete with them?
The comments have also generated discussion about whether ethnic identity should play any role in talent development.
Zubby’s claim is his personal observation and should not be interpreted as evidence that executives across Nollywood generally discriminate against Igbo talents.
The reaction to the comments has nevertheless highlighted the importance of creating an entertainment ecosystem where talent can be discovered and developed regardless of background.
Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to expand across cinema, streaming, television and digital platforms. That growth requires a steady pipeline of new actors, filmmakers, writers, producers and other creative professionals.
Experienced professionals sharing their knowledge can therefore benefit the industry as a whole.
Rather than viewing emerging talents as threats, mentorship can create opportunities for collaboration and ensure that valuable industry knowledge is passed from one generation to another.
Zubby Michael’s comments have added another layer to the ongoing conversation about how Nigerian entertainment professionals identify, support and develop new talent.
Whether or not others agree with his assessment, his remarks have drawn attention to an issue that extends beyond ethnicity: the tension between mentorship and competition in a rapidly growing creative industry.
For Nollywood to continue expanding, the challenge may be finding a balance where established stars can protect their careers while still creating opportunities for the next generation.
