“Very unprofessional” – Omotola Jalade backs Kunle Afolayan, slams dancing culture to sell movies

Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has sparked fresh discussions in the Nigerian film industry after openly criticising the growing trend of dancing on social media to promote movies.

The actress shared her thoughts during a recent interview on TVC Entertainment, where she made it clear that dancing should not be a requirement for marketing films.

Omotola Says Dancing to Sell Movies Is “Not Professional”

Speaking during the interview, Omotola stated that she cannot bring herself to dance just to market a movie, stressing that such an approach does not align with her idea of professionalism.

“I’m sorry, but I won’t be dancing to market or promote my movie. It’s not professional. I’ve done the movie, now I just have to go around and promote it,” she said.

According to her, promotion should be done through structured and professional channels, not forced social media trends.

Comments Stir Reactions Amid Funke Akindele, Kunle Afolayan Controversy

Omotola’s remarks come amid the ongoing controversy involving filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and box office queen Funke Akindele.

Days earlier, Afolayan had also stated that he would not dance to promote a movie, adding that he has no interest in making a ₦1 billion film if the producer ends up with only ₦10 million in returns.

Box Office Stars React to Afolayan’s Statement

Kunle Afolayan’s comments sparked backlash online, especially from top box office performers Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham.

Funke Akindele’s movies have reportedly grossed over ₦2.4 billion, while Toyin Abraham’s films have crossed the ₦1 billion mark, making them key figures in the conversation about modern film promotion.

Omotola Backs Professional Marketing Over Trends

Backing Afolayan’s position, Omotola explained that she only dances when she feels like it, not when it becomes a marketing obligation.

She noted that a filmmaker’s primary responsibility is to deliver a quality movie, adding that promotion should not compromise professionalism or personal values.

Actress Speaks Ahead of New Movie Release

Omotola made the statement while speaking ahead of her upcoming cinema project, Mother’s Love, which is scheduled to hit cinemas on March 6, 2026.

The actress, who currently splits her time between Nigeria and the United States, said she remains focused on quality storytelling rather than trends.