Entertainment
Nigerian Actors Can’t Afford Range Rovers On Acting Income Alone – Bimbo Manuel
Veteran Nigerian actor, Bimbo Manuel has spoken out about the financial challenges facing Nollywood actors, offering a candid look into the realities of the industry.
Appearing on TVC’s Your View, the 66-year-old actor addressed the widespread perception that Nigerian actors lead lavish lifestyles, emphasizing that the truth is far from what is often portrayed in the media.
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Manuel responded to a host’s remark comparing the transparency of actor fees in Hollywood and Nollywood, explaining that while Hollywood has set standards, the Nigerian film industry operates under different dynamics.
He pointed out that an actor’s fee is not fixed but varies depending on their experience and demand.
“The experience you had counts, it suggests to whoever wants to hire what fee you command. It is also not a fixed rate, it fluctuates,” Manuel said.
The actor also took aim at the notion that Nollywood stars can afford luxury cars and expensive homes purely from their acting earnings.
“The actors you see flaunting Range Rovers and mansions in Ikoyi are living fake lives,” he stated bluntly. “There is no actor in Nigeria that would say he or she can buy a Range Rover from acting fees alone.”
Manuel’s remarks challenge the often-glamorous image of Nollywood, shedding light on the financial struggles many actors face despite their fame.
His comments serve as a stark reminder of the industry’s complexities, where success in acting doesn’t always equate to financial wealth.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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