***Where Omotola Got It Wrong And Why 95 Percent of Nigerian Theatrical Movies Are Not Profitable

****Plus 7 Powerful Strategies To Make Your Movies Pay!

By Dr. Ope Banwo – Founder, Nollyflix360 and AiFlix360

When Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, one of Nollywood’s most revered legends, recently shared her frustrations on the crushing charges and taxes swallowing up movie revenue in Nigerian cinemas, it sparked a firestorm—and rightly so. She lamented how exhibitors, distributors, government taxes, and agents take so much from box office sales that next to nothing remains for the actual filmmaker who birthed the vision, raised the funds, and took the risk.

Omosexy, you are absolutely right. Your frustration is shared by thousands of passionate producers in Nigeria who have to beg, borrow, and bleed to get their films to the big screen—only to end up with crumbs.

But here’s the kicker…

Nigerian producers may actually be better off than their American counterparts!

The truth is that Hollywood filmmakers may be having it worse than Nollywood in the area of Net Profits From Box Office Ticket Sales. It’s hard to believe, but the stats prove this, In the U.S.—the holy land of Hollywood—filmmakers often earn LESS than five percent or ten per cent of their box office gross, after:

• 50–55 percent is taken by cinema chains (Regal, AMC, Cinemark),

• 15–35 percent goes to the distributor.

• Massive marketing costs (P&A) which are recouped FIRST by marketers,

• Agents, lawyers, taxes, and guilds also take their cuts.

What’s left for the producer? Often, nothing. Even in billion-dollar franchises, most creative originators don’t profit directly from ticket sales.

So my dear Legendary Omo Sexy (I still think the battle for Female GOAT of Nollywood is between you and Genevieve). Box Office bleeding through crazy charges and taxes is not just a Nollywood problem—it’s a global system skewed against creators. The theaters, the Distributors; the Govt; the Marketers; the Advertisers; the Lawyers are all like bloodsuckers who must take their sip of your box office before you get your turn at the trough at which time virtually nothing is left.

That’s a fact whether you are making movies in Nollywood, Bollywood, Hollywood or Cannywood. The Box office in every ‘wood’ is similarly infested.

But here’s the truth that few want to admit: Cinema release is not a profit engine—it’s a promotional platform (the profit comes elsewhere beyond box office tickets).

You don’t go to cinemas to make money. You go to build brand equity, attract streaming deals, court international buyers, and signal quality. The real money? It’s in what comes BEFORE and AFTER the premiere cinema run.

Unfortunately this is the area of the movie business most Nollywood filmmakers still struggle with

Why 95 Percent Of Nollywood Theatrical Movies Are Not Profitable

1. Poor financial planning: Before or after the cinema run, most producers focus only on production, ignoring monetization.

2. Over dependence on box office- They falsely believe cinema income is the main revenue. I remember my shock at getting my final cheque after the successful box office run of my Ghetto Dreamz movie about the musician Dagrin in 2012. I went into a depression.

3. Ignorance of revenue stack – No strategy for digital, merchandizing, diaspora, brand sponsorship or licensing income.

4. Weak marketing – Few invest in serious PR or target audience building. Most make a cinema movie for say N100 Million but spend N5million only in marketing and wonder what happened.

5. Lack of business education – Many guilds focus on politics, not profitability or movie business education for their followers

7 Proven Strategies to Increase Film Profitability in Nollywood

I am not an expert on movie monetization (I confess that I myself is still trying to figure it out and mostly still in research stage because execution is harder than theory) but here are some ways I have come to learn that entrepreneurial filmmakers can monetize their movies.

1. Pre-sell Streaming Rights – Before you even release the movie, shop it to Netflix, Showmax, Prime Video, ROK, IrokoTV and more. Some films make their entire profit upfront.

2. Package TV Licensing Deals – Sell rights to Africa Magic, ROK on DSTV, and even NTA or AIT. These platforms pay per title or per broadcast cycle. A good film can earn multiple repeat fees.

3. Build a YouTube Monetization Engine –
Own your own channel, build an audience, and earn via AdSense + brand partnerships. Many filmmakers earn more monthly on YouTube than from box office.

4. Secure Brand Sponsorships & Product Placements – Plan your story to include brands, products, and shout-outs that fit organically. Charge N500K to N5M per placement depending on reach and genre.

5. Monetize the Diaspora – Create limited screening tours in London, Houston, Johannesburg, etc. Many diaspora communities are hungry for quality Nigerian stories—and they will pay.

6. Leverage Film Festivals & International Grants – Submit to AFRIFF, TIFF, Berlinale, Sundance, ZIFF, and win grants, awards, and distribution contracts. Festivals increase global visibility and perceived value.

7. Repurpose Content into Other Formats – Turn your film into merch (T-shirts, mugs), novels, web series, or behind-the-scenes content. Monetize across multiple verticals and platforms.

What we need now is to start experimenting with some of these options and more and figure out what works and what’s jsit theory for us

It’s time Nollywood Guilds and Associations—DGN, AMP, ANTP, AGN, MOPPAN—wake up and do their real job:

Train your members to profit from their creativity—not just win awards and titles!

Instead of endless AGMs and power tussles, let’s see more

• Monetization masterclasses

• Partnership brokerage with streaming platforms

• Legal workshops on licensing and IP protection

• Structured mentorship on multi-channel film revenue.

If our industry bodies continue to chase prestige without profit, the industry will keep losing its best talents to burnout, bankruptcy, or migration.

Final Word: The Cinema Is a Stage—Not the Bank

Omotola is right to call attention to the seemingly unfair deductions, but let’s also flip the script. No smart entrepreneur relies on a single revenue stream—and movie producers shouldn’t either. Box office is not the magic bullet for profitability.

Let our filmmakers learn to think beyond the big screen, plan multiple exits, and monetize their brilliance through every avenue possible.

Nollywood is not really a loser’s game—unless you play it with your eyes closed and refuse to broaden your knowledge about the business side of movie making

Ope Banwo
Mayor Of Fadeyi
CEO, Stingomania Entertainement

May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

The most epic celebration of the year is coming as Dr. Kunle Marckenson returns to Nigeria after a successful Tours in London! De Crown Music International And Yommyright Entertainment International, in conjunction with Arems Entertainment, are thrilled to present his homecoming party and a vibrant welcome dance party.

Dr. Kunle Marckenson spent over two months in London, from January 23rd to March 29th, 2025, and he is now back in Nigeria, ready to share his experiences and announce his forthcoming album.

Join us on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, at 2pm prompt, at The City Pulse Lounge, beside Blue Roof Television in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, for an unforgettable experience. The all-white dress code party will feature an incredible lineup of artistes, including K-Shanana, Okiki Bright, Queen Tosin Eniba, Harmony Opee Gaji, Alhaji Sikiru Lemon, Amb. Abiodun Ejire Patira and Shola Melody, all sharing the stage with the guest of honor, Dr. Kunle Marckenson. The party will go all night, with great music and dancing.

This welcome dance party is a celebration of Dr. Kunle Marckenson’s successful UK tours and a chance for him to connect with his fans and share his experiences. With their combined talents, this party promises to be an electric celebration of music and good times. You’ll be surrounded by friends, family, and fellow music lovers, all united in their love for great music and good times. So mark your calendars for May 11th and get ready to party like never before. Don’t miss out on the ultimate welcome dance party of the year. See you there!

This event is proudly supported by FUMAN & top media partners like ARIYA 24/7 TV, City Pulse TV, Ghaj-Bash, OJUTOLE TV, Aroye TV, Owutu TV, Event Diaries & Lifestyle, Alore TV, Sahara Weekly & Others.

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

LAGOS, Nigeria — The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, may have celebrated Nigeria’s biggest music stars, but the night also marked a special turning point for a fast-rising name in the industry: Harcher.

Although he was not among this year’s official nominees, Harcher, signed under Bullion Records, stole a significant slice of the spotlight with his charismatic red carpet appearance — thrilling fans both at the venue and those watching from home.

The Headies, hosted by Nollywood’s darling Nancy Isime, delivered a night packed with electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and major wins for stars like Chike, Rema, and the late Mohbad. However, when Harcher stepped onto the red carpet and caught the attention of popular media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, it ignited a wave of excitement that would ripple beyond the event hall.

Dressed sharply and exuding confidence, Harcher spoke passionately about his dreams during a heartfelt interview with Enioluwa.

“I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with legends like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy,” Harcher said, flashing a humble yet hopeful smile as cameras clicked and fans cheered.

He also took a moment to praise the Headies organizers for their role in promoting Nigerian music globally.
“The Headies have done so much for Nigerian entertainment,” Harcher said. “It’s amazing to see how our music is now celebrated all over the world because of platforms like this.”

In that moment, fans at home couldn’t contain their excitement — many took quick screenshots of Harcher’s TV appearance, proudly sharing the images across social media with captions like, “Our star is next!” Those present at the venue also seized the opportunity, swarming around Harcher for photographs after his interview, capturing memories with an artist they believe is destined for greatness.

Bullion Records’ Brightest Prospect

Harcher’s journey with Bullion Records has been marked by steady growth, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the grit of Hip-hop to craft relatable, energetic anthems that resonate with Nigeria’s youth. With every release, he has gained momentum — and Sunday night proved that the industry is beginning to take notice too.

Bullion Records, known for nurturing new talents, has high hopes for Harcher, a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded the label’s hotline — the popular “Bullion Records Hot Number” — with congratulatory messages after the red carpet interview aired.

“This is just the beginning for Harcher,” a Bullion Records fan club member said during a live Twitter Space. “Today he’s being interviewed among legends, tomorrow he’ll be winning awards right on that same stage!”

The Power of the Headies Next Rated Dream

The Headies’ Next Rated category has historically been a launching pad for future megastars like Wizkid (2011), Davido (2012), Rema (2019), and Tems (2021). While the 2025 Next Rated Award went to Odumodublvck, fans are already tipping Harcher as a front-runner for future editions.

Winning Next Rated not only brings industry recognition but also car prizes, endorsements, and international exposure — a reward that many believe is within Harcher’s reach sooner than later.

A Night of Celebration for Music

The Headies 2025 celebrated outstanding talent across Africa. Chike’s ‘Egwu’ featuring the late Mohbad was a major winner, scooping the Viewers’ Choice Award and Best Music Video. Rema’s ‘Heis’ bagged Album of the Year, while Tems won Best Recording of the Year with “Burning.” Special recognition awards went to influential figures like Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.

Even with all these major wins, Harcher’s simple presence, filled with passion and gratitude, managed to capture hearts — a testimony to his growing influence.

Looking Ahead

As the lights dimmed at the Energy Centre where the Headies was held, and fans filed out into the Lagos night, one thing was clear: Harcher’s time is coming. His fans — the ones who screenshotted him from their living rooms and those who took selfies with him live at the event — will be the ones to proudly say, “We saw it first.”

The 2025 Headies may have officially crowned its winners, but for Harcher and his ever-growing fanbase, it was the night a new star officially stepped into the spotlight.