Story Highlights
Nollywood icons Kunle Afolayan and Funke Akindele have sparked a major industry debate this week. Afolayan described modern film marketing as “draining” at a Lagos summit on January 30, 2026, and specifically named Akindele. The actress quickly responded on Instagram, warning peers not to let “jealousy burn” them.
Kunle Afolayan has sparked a fresh debate about the state of film marketing in Nigeria. The director spoke candidly at the Lagos Business of Film Summit on January 30, 2026. He admitted that the current demand for social media skits and constant content creation exhausts him.
Afolayan stated that he cannot keep up with the high energy required to sell movies today. He specifically mentioned his colleague, Funke Akindele, during his speech. ”I don’t know how Funke and the likes of them are doing it,” Afolayan told the audience.
He noted that stars like her change costumes daily to create skits for promotion. ”I cannot,” he confessed, adding that the process is simply too draining for him now.
A clash of styles
Afolayan insisted that he is not new to the game, despite his current fatigue. He claimed he started the “cinema gig” and dance promotions long before they became trends. ”I dance in London, even London. So it’s not just local,” he argued.
However, his comments about Akindele seemed to strike a nerve. Hours after the video surfaced, Akindele posted a series of pointed messages on her Instagram page.
She advised people to focus on their own journeys rather than looking at others. ”If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path,” she wrote.
The actress warned that envy destroys progress. ”No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly,” she added.
Creating new paths
Akindele did not stop there. She encouraged her peers to hire help if they cannot handle the pressure of marketing. ”Go ahead and create alternative promotion… or hire a company to handle it,” she advised.
This exchange highlights the different methods top filmmakers use to stay relevant. Akindele often ignores critics, as she follows Faithia Balogun again and calms public row to maintain peace.
Her fans know she faces her own battles, especially after Bimbo Thomas reveals hiding Funke Akindele from gunmen in the past. Afolayan maintains that he has good stories and wants to sell them without dancing.
Meanwhile, Akindele made her stance clear. ”I’m not the one hindering your progress,” she declared, urging everyone to find what works for them.
