Omoni Oboli has spent nearly three decades shaping Nollywood’s industry. She began her career in the early ’90s with the film Bitter Encounter and quickly became an influential figure in Nigeria’s film industry.
According to Olaitan Ganiu, Oboli, now 46, has faced numerous challenges, including piracy, limited distribution channels, and insufficient funding. Despite these hurdles, she has remained focused on creating meaningful content that resonates with her audience.
Oboli believes in working hard, rather than seeking fame or awards. She explains, “The truth is, all I really want is to keep having my head down and putting in good work always. I don’t do this for accolades. I’m already famous in my father’s eyes. He knows my name.”
Her latest project, Love in Every Word, was produced for YouTube and has garnered significant attention. In just a few weeks, the film reached over 22 million views, illustrating the growing trend of filmmakers turning to digital platforms to bypass traditional distribution channels.
While YouTube offers an accessible platform for Nigerian films, Oboli remains committed to maintaining high production standards. She acknowledges the challenges that come with working on digital platforms but prioritizes quality over cost-cutting measures.
For many filmmakers, YouTube presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional platforms like Netflix and DStv. Nigerian audiences can now watch films for free, which has made it a popular choice for Oboli and other filmmakers, even though the financial returns can be unpredictable.
Oboli is determined to provide content that speaks to her audience’s values, even if immediate financial gains aren’t forthcoming. She says, “We opted to play the long game,” underscoring her commitment to delivering valuable work.
Piracy remains a significant challenge in Nollywood. Oboli has voiced her frustration about how quickly films are pirated online after release. While YouTube’s takedown services help, smaller unauthorized sites are much harder to control.
Despite these setbacks, Oboli continues to fight against piracy. She recognizes the impact it has on potential earnings but remains resolute in her mission to produce valuable content for her audience.
Her success has not gone unnoticed. Fegho Umunubo, the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy, praised Oboli’s achievements, calling Love in Every Word “the fastest-growing Nollywood movie of all time.” This recognition highlights her growing influence in the industry.
Oboli’s 2024 film The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 grossed ₦28.2 million ($35,000) in its opening weekend. Her versatility as an actress is evident as she has successfully portrayed both a mother and a grandmother in recent projects.
In addition to her work in film, Oboli is also a philanthropist. Through her foundation, she supports underprivileged women and children in Nigeria, advocating for education, gender equality, and greater opportunities for women in the film industry.
Omoni Oboli continues to challenge norms and redefine what success looks like in Nollywood. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, even in the face of adversity, ensures that her influence will continue to grow.
Article updated 6 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
