MassKennyD Speaks Out on Bullying in Nollywood, Challenges in the Industry

Beautiful Nollywood actress and young entrepreneur Adebowale Kehinde, popularly known as MassKennyD, has affirmed the existence of bullying in the Nigerian movie industry.

The graduate of Accounting from Esa-Oke College of Technology, Osun State, made this assertion during an interview with Potpourri, where she discussed the challenges she faced while starting out and how her passion for acting kept her going.

She highlighted how bullying, especially from senior colleagues, is a reality many actors experience. “I have never liked the feeling of being bullied. This is something almost every last child can relate with. For this reason, I have a strong aversion to bullying. So, I try not to overstep my boundaries so as not to create issues with senior colleagues because I like to fight for what’s right and just,” she said.

Recalling a particular incident, she shared, “There was a certain time I was spoken to rudely by someone I didn’t recognize while at a location. I didn’t respond in the same manner I was treated. I was quite calm about it, not until one of our coordinators heard about it and had to reprimand the fellow.”

Her Journey into Nollywood
MassKennyD traced her love for acting back to her early years in school. “Right from when I was in primary school, I always enjoyed performing with the Drama & Cultural Group, and this continued in secondary school. After my O’Level education, I met Aunty Laide Bakare, who I looked up to while growing up. I used to call her Aunty Idowu. I told her about my passion for acting, and she officially started taking me along with her to film locations,” she recounted.

However, she desired formal training and was later introduced to the late Dejo Tunfulu, who had an acting academy at the time.

Speaking on the difficulties she encountered, MassKennyD expressed her displeasure with the misconceptions people have about actors.

“People assume that because you appear on their screen, you must be extremely rich and comfortable. But one major challenge is not being as free as I would have loved to, bearing in mind that some people might recognize me,” she explained.

She also addressed the controversial issue of Sex-for-Roles in Nollywood, emphasizing that it should never be an option for any aspiring actress, as it is a dangerous path to take.

Her Rising Career
MassKennyD has appeared in several Nollywood productions, including Owo Ma Go, Inu Ji, Omoge Jemila, Ago Kan Oru, Omo Meji, Temilade Oniyepe, Secretary, Iwa, Akuko Oru, Itele, Oga Google, Kakaki, and Jomiloju, among others. Currently, she is working on Okinni, her own production.

With her dedication, resilience, and talent, MassKennyD continues to carve a niche for herself in the Nigerian film industry, inspiring young actors to pursue their dreams despite the challenges.

Gangs of Lagos Producers, Amazon Prime Apologize to Isale Eko Over Cultural Misrepresentation

Nearly two years after a lawsuit was filed against them, the producers of Gangs of Lagos and Amazon Prime have issued a public apology to the Isale Eko Descendants Union over the film’s controversial depiction of the Isale Eko community and the revered Eyo masquerade.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2023, accused the filmmakers of misrepresenting the cultural heritage of Isale Eko by portraying the Eyo masquerade as assassins and depicting the historic community as a hub for criminal activities. The Lagos State Government and traditional leaders had also condemned the film, sparking widespread outrage among cultural custodians.

On Wednesday, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, Adeniji Kazeem, confirmed that a legal settlement had been reached. The Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, presided over by Justice Idowu Alakija, delivered a consent judgment finalizing the agreement between the Isale Eko Descendants Union and the defendants, including Amazon Web Services and the film’s producers.

Terms of Settlement

As part of the settlement, Amazon Web Services Nigeria Limited is required to issue an official statement acknowledging that Gangs of Lagos misrepresented the Isale Eko community and the sacred Eyo masquerade.

Additionally, the film’s producers, including Greoh Limited, Jadesola Osiberu, Kemi Akindoju, and other executive producers, must tender a joint apology recognizing the concerns of the Isale Eko Descendants Union.

The apology serves as a significant victory for the cultural custodians who had demanded accountability over the misrepresentation of their heritage. The Isale Eko community views the Eyo masquerade as a symbol of honor and tradition, and its wrongful depiction as a criminal entity sparked an intense legal and cultural battle.

While it remains unclear whether Gangs of Lagos will face further restrictions or edits, this landmark settlement underscores the importance of respecting indigenous cultures in cinematic portrayals. The resolution also sets a precedent for how Nigerian filmmakers handle cultural narratives in the future.

Saida Boj Slams Burna Boy for Mocking Sophia Egbueje Over ‘Lambo’ Incident at Kenyan Show

The controversial ‘Lambo’ scandal involving Burna Boy and socialite Sophia Egbueje has taken another dramatic turn as popular influencer Saida Boj berates the Grammy-winning singer for using the incident as freestyle material during his recent show in Kenya.

The saga began when reports emerged that Burna Boy had allegedly promised Sophia a Lamborghini in exchange for an intimate encounter but later reneged on his promise, sparking outrage and widespread online discourse. The issue had barely simmered down before Burna Boy decided to bring it back into the spotlight, freestyling about the controversy on stage while entertaining his Kenyan audience.

Saida Boj did not hold back in her criticism, calling out Burna Boy for shaming Sophia instead of owning up to his alleged wrongdoing and making amends.

In a video that has since gone viral, she chastised him for his actions, saying:

“NO be to the sing song for the girl. You no buy Lambo, you buy that one. When you f-up, accept your f-up. Normal OG like you no suppose dey do that kind thing. Na small boy doings be that. You no fit get bear bear full face dey behave like 12-year pikin.”

Her comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the controversy.

One user, @official_ose007, dismissed the outrage, saying: “Olosho’s just dey cry for the past 3 days now….”

Another, @adaigwe__, poked fun at Saida’s appearance rather than addressing the issue, commenting: “I’m more concerned about the white thing on her head. Na cellotape? .”

Meanwhile, @huncho___gram took a different stance, stating: “Only a housewife or fiancé deserve such gift, not some general pekus.”

As reactions continue to flood social media, Burna Boy has yet to respond to Saida Boj’s remarks. However, the incident has further fueled the controversy surrounding his handling of the situation and his perceived attitude toward women.

With tensions running high, industry watchers are keen to see whether Burna Boy will address the backlash or let the storm pass. One thing is certain—the ‘Lambo’ saga is far from over.