Why Some Industry Executives Avoid Supporting Igbo Talents — Zubby Michael
Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has claimed that some industry gatekeepers and executives are reluctant to support emerging Igbo talents because they fear their protégés could eventually become their competitors.
Michael made the claim in an interview with Broadway TV that began trending on Sunday, where he discussed the challenges facing aspiring talents within the Nigerian film industry.
According to the actor, Igbo talents are often quick to learn and can master skills within a relatively short period. He suggested that this ability sometimes makes industry executives hesitant to mentor them, out of concern that they could eventually establish themselves independently and compete with their mentors.
“Igbo people are fast learners and they are capable of making it big with just a little. You might decide to mentor an Igbo person and what took you 10 years to learn, he will learn it in one year and six months,” Michael said.
He added, “And if you don’t treat him well, he will leave you and start doing the same business you taught him and become your competition. So, people are scared of that.”
Michael further claimed that the reluctance to support Igbo talents was not exclusive to executives from other ethnic groups, alleging that some Igbo industry leaders also harbour similar concerns.
“Industry executives, including some Igbos, don’t like supporting Igbos because they feel like they will get betrayed by their mentee outshining them,” he said.
The actor’s comments come days after veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru raised concerns about what he described as the declining representation of Igbo stories, culture and heritage in contemporary Nigerian cinema.
