Lots of Nollywood actors don't earn what I earned for movie role 30 years ago - Eucharia Anunobi

Veteran Nollywood actress Eucharia Anunobi recently shared insights into her early career during an appearance on *The Honest Bunch Podcast*. The discussion centered around her role in *Glamour Girls 2*, a blockbuster film released approximately 30 years ago. Anunobi revealed that she secured the role of Anita after a successful audition and agreeing to portray the character's unconventional nature. The actress emphasized the significant compensation she received for the role, suggesting it was a substantial sum even by today's standards in the Nigerian film industry.

According to Anunobi, the producer readily accepted her salary request without negotiation, leading her to believe she could have asked for even more. She stated, without disclosing the specific amount, that some contemporary Nollywood actors do not earn as much as she did for *Glamour Girls 2*. She also addressed the infamous bathtub scene with Zack Orji, clarifying that it was purely acting and that she received additional payment for the controversial sequence.

This revelation provides a glimpse into the evolving economics of Nollywood over the past three decades. While the industry has experienced significant growth and international recognition, debates persist regarding fair compensation for actors, particularly veterans. Comparing past earnings to present-day salaries raises questions about inflation, industry standards, and the distribution of revenue within Nollywood, a sector that significantly contributes to the GDP of Nigeria, a major trading partner of Ghana.

The impact of this information is multifaceted. For veteran actors like Eucharia Anunobi, it serves as a reminder of their contributions and potential undervaluation in the current landscape. For younger actors, it may fuel discussions about fair wages and improved contracts. The broader Nollywood community might use this as a catalyst to address income disparities and ensure equitable compensation practices, especially considering the industry's influence on Ghanaian entertainment and popular culture.

The story raises questions about the long-term financial security of actors in Nollywood. While *Glamour Girls 2* was a success, not all actors experience similar opportunities or compensation. It remains to be seen whether this anecdote will spark wider conversations about pension plans, royalty structures, and other mechanisms to protect the financial well-being of Nollywood performers, many of whom are household names across West Africa, including Ghana.