By Anthony Ada Abraham
The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has long been a source of pride for the country, generating billions of naira and attracting global attention. It is the second-largest film industry in the world in terms of production, trailing only behind India’s Bollywood. Yet, despite its significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy and global reputation, the industry remains entangled in the complex web of cultural, religious, and ethnic factors that shape Nigerian society. One of the most significant, yet rarely discussed, challenges confronting Nollywood today is the impact of homophobia.
A Society Influenced by Culture, Religion, and Ethnicity
Nigeria is a country of over 250 ethnic groups, with a deeply ingrained sense of identity tied to its diverse cultures and religious practices. The dominant religions—Christianity and Islam—are central to Nigerian life, and both hold conservative views on homosexuality. These religious influences, along with the nation’s ethnic diversity, have created an environment where homophobia is widespread and often accepted as a societal norm.
The introduction of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in 2014, which criminalizes same-sex relationships and any form of support for LGBTQ+ rights, reinforced the societal stance on homosexuality. This law, passed with overwhelming public and political support, reflects the conservative views embedded within Nigerian society. However, it also underscores a larger issue: the harsh consequences for any person or institution perceived to promote LGBTQ+ visibility—including Nollywood.
Nollywood’s Struggle with Representation
The Nigerian film industry is a microcosm of the larger Nigerian society, and filmmakers face immense pressure to adhere to societal norms, which often excludes any positive or neutral representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Homophobia in Nigeria is not only cultural and religious but also institutional, making it almost impossible for filmmakers to address LGBTQ+ topics without risking backlash, censorship, or even legal consequences.
In a nation where public opinion is heavily shaped by religious and cultural values, any film that touches on LGBTQ+ themes risks being condemned or banned. Filmmakers who dare to address such issues are often viewed as promoting “Western values,” a label that has its own stigma in a country proud of its cultural identity. This societal pressure has led to self-censorship within Nollywood, as filmmakers avoid storylines that challenge homophobic norms.
Cultural Clash: The Western Influence vs. Nigerian Values
Globalization has inevitably influenced the Nigerian entertainment industry, with many filmmakers drawing inspiration from Hollywood. This includes tackling social issues like LGBTQ+ rights, which are widely accepted in the West. However, the cultural divide between Nigeria and the Western world is stark, particularly on issues of sexuality. While Hollywood films and international media portray a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities, Nollywood remains tethered to Nigeria’s conservative values.
This cultural clash becomes evident when Nigerian films are showcased on global platforms such as Netflix, where audiences may expect more inclusive storytelling. However, Nollywood’s adherence to traditional values means that many LGBTQ+ narratives are either completely absent or presented negatively, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes. As a result, the industry lags behind in terms of inclusivity, both within the African continent and globally.
Ethnic Dimensions of Homophobia
Nigeria’s ethnic diversity also plays a role in shaping attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals. In the northern regions of Nigeria, where the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group dominates and Sharia law is implemented, homosexuality is not only taboo but also punishable by death. In contrast, southern regions like Lagos, home to the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups, exhibit more progressive attitudes due to their exposure to Western culture, but even here, the LGBTQ+ community is far from fully accepted.
Ethnicity in Nigeria is deeply tied to traditional beliefs, and many of these beliefs view homosexuality as unnatural or even demonic. Nollywood, as a product of this society, reflects these attitudes in its storytelling. The rare occasions when LGBTQ+ characters appear in films, they are often depicted as outcasts, immoral, or in need of “correction.” These portrayals reinforce societal prejudices, rather than challenge them.
The Cost of Silence
The inability of Nollywood to engage with LGBTQ+ themes not only limits the creative scope of Nigerian filmmakers but also stifles important conversations that could lead to societal progress. Art has always been a reflection of society, and film, in particular, has the power to inspire change. By silencing LGBTQ+ voices and stories, Nollywood denies itself the opportunity to be a platform for dialogue on one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.
Internationally, there is growing recognition of the need for diverse and inclusive representation in film, as seen in movements like #OscarsSoWhite, which challenged Hollywood’s lack of diversity. Nollywood, however, remains far behind in this regard. The few filmmakers who dare to explore LGBTQ+ themes often do so at great personal and professional risk, facing ostracism from both industry peers and the public.
Moving Forward
The impact of homophobia on Nollywood is a reflection of the broader cultural, religious, and ethnic factors that shape Nigerian society. Until Nigeria as a whole confronts its attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals, it is unlikely that Nollywood will be able to fully embrace inclusive storytelling.
However, there are glimmers of hope. As younger generations become more exposed to global media and ideas, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ issues may gradually shift. Additionally, platforms like Netflix, which have a global audience, could encourage more inclusive content from Nollywood, pushing boundaries in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Ultimately, the future of LGBTQ+ representation in Nollywood will depend on the willingness of filmmakers to challenge the status quo, as well as the evolving attitudes of Nigerian society. The road ahead is long, but the conversation has started, and it is one that can no longer be ignored.
Anthony Ada Abraham is an entertainment journalist based in Abuja, Nigeria. Former Entertainment, Art and Culture editor with LEADERSHIP Newspaper. Now a freelance journalist, YouTuber and Associate Editor, Kakaaki Reporters Worldwide of KAKAAKI REPORTERS
tkmmedia2012@gmail.com,
aanthonyada@yahoo.co.uk .