Ramsey Nouah has rejected the description of Nollywood as being divided into an “old” and “new” generation, saying the industry remains one despite changes in its actors, filmmakers and distribution platforms.
The veteran actor and filmmaker made the remarks during an appearance on Isbae U’s satirical YouTube programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
The conversation took a dramatic turn when the host introduced Nouah as a “popular VHS era lover boy” and jokingly described him as an "ex-celebrity."
“Our guest today was a popular VHS era lover boy. I personally believe he made it big in Nollywood only because his skin colour is aesthetically pleasing. I can’t believe I went from interviewing an ex-president to an ex-celebrity,” Isbae U said.
Nouah subsequently stood up and walked away from the interview set, responding: “I have stayed my time here. It was nice meeting a very useless Godforsaken child. Sorry for your father.”
However, the central discussion of the interview focused on the evolution of Nollywood and whether the industry should be separated into old and new eras.
Asked whether he preferred “old Nollywood” or “new Nollywood”, Nouah challenged the distinction, arguing that other major film industries were not divided along similar lines.
“It’s almost as if there’s an old and new Hollywood,” he said.
“Honestly, there’s no new and old Nollywood. It’s the same Nollywood. We’re all the same players. It’s the same filmmakers, the same actors, the same directors and producers. We’re all Nigerians.”
Nouah, who rose to prominence during Nigeria’s home-video era, said younger practitioners should also understand the history of the industry they now operate in.
He reflected on the romantic roles that made him one of Nollywood’s most recognisable “lover boy” figures, as well as his transition into filmmaking and directing.
The actor also spoke about his work on the 2016 historical film, 76, which was set against the events surrounding the assassination of former Head of State, Murtala Mohammed.
Nouah revealed that his father was Lebanese while his mother is from Ondo State, adding that he was born and raised in Lagos.
Curiosity Made Me Ask is known for its provocative humour, scripted insults and exaggerated reactions, making Nouah’s walkout a moment that could also have been incorporated into the programme’s comedic format.
Nouah’s comments, however, offered a broader reflection on Nollywood’s evolution, with the actor insisting that changes in technology, production and generations have not created a separate industry.
Discussion0