Nigerian stand-up comedian Bovi Ugboma has shared his observations on the role of women in the entertainment industry.
During an appearance on TVC’s ‘Your View’, he noted that women have made significant strides in the industry and are, in fact, dominant players.
Bovi highlighted the achievements of several women in the entertainment industry, including Amaka Igwe, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu, Bolanle Austin-Peters, Jade Osibero, Chioma Ode, Omoni Oboli, Uche Jombo, and Genevieve Nnaji.
He emphasized that women are not only successful actors but also producers, directors, and festival organizers.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by women in the industry, Bovi encouraged young women to speak out and seek help when needed. He emphasized that women have the power to create change and should not be afraid to use their voices.
In his words:
“Women need to understand that in areas where they are fighting for equality, sometimes, they may have conquered but because they are used to fighting [for equality], they don’t know that they’ve won,” Ugboma said.
“You talk about the entertainment industry and how can it help women. But I observed 10 or 15 years ago that women actually control the entertainment industry. So what are we talking about?
“I’m talking as far back as from the time of Amaka Igwe. The biggest box office hit is a woman, Funke Akindele. The second biggest box office hit is also a woman, Mo Abudu. They [women] are the biggest producers. Bolanle Austin-Peters is one of the biggest producers. Jade Osibero is one of the biggest directors since Kemi Adetiba. The biggest film festival is by Chioma Ode. So what are you saying?
“We also have the likes of Omoni Oboli, Uche Jombo, Genevieve Nnaji. So you need to understand that, women are running the entertainment industry. So when I see young girls complaining about male producers demanding sex for roles, I’m like, ‘yes, it’s true. But who have you cried to? Who have you spoken to? You [women] own the industry’.”