Chude Jideonwo claims that Nigeria’s biggest filmmakers are predominantly Yoruba, citing names like Funke Akindele, Kunle Afolayan, and Mo Abudu. He argues that Yoruba-language films dominate streaming platforms like Netflix, while Hausa and Igbo films struggle for visibility. Jideonwo also credits Yoruba culture for shaping Nollywood's mainstream success.
Chude Jideonwo, a prominent media personality, recently expressed that Nigeria's biggest filmmakers are predominantly of Yoruba descent. In an Instagram post, Jideonwo highlighted filmmakers such as Toyin Abraham, Funke Akindele, Kunle Afolayan, Kemi Adetiba, and Mo Abudu as leading figures in Nollywood. He argued that Yoruba-language films dominate streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, while Hausa and Igbo-language films remain underrepresented.
Jideonwo noted that the Yoruba film culture has successfully integrated with other ethnic groups, reinforcing its influence in the Nigerian film industry. He stated that many of the mainstream cinema and streaming successes come from Yoruba filmmakers, a dominance not seen from other linguistic groups in Nigeria.
He also pointed out that Genevieve Nnaji’s “Lionheart” was one of the few Igbo-language films to reach global platforms, but Yoruba films continue to dominate, particularly on Amazon and Netflix.
Jideonwo, co-founder of Red Africa and Joy, Inc., and host of the multimedia show #WithChude, has made a name for himself as an influential voice in media. His latest project includes a docuseries on the organ trafficking scandal involving Ike Ekweremadu, a former deputy senate president. Additionally, Jideonwo was recently appointed Creative-in-Residence at the London School of Economics.
