In the early 2000s, Nigeria’s film scene was already booming. Markets buzzed with hawkers selling brightly colored VHS tapes, home video clubs were popping up in every neighborhood, and makeshift production sets sprawled across streets, homes, and even hotel lobbies. What the world didn’t know yet was that a cultural revolution was quietly taking shape, one that would soon earn a name that would define it for generations to come.
That name was Nollywood.
The Birth of a Global Label
The term “Nollywood” was coined in 2002 by Norimitsu Onishi, a journalist writing for The New York Times. Onishi was reporting on Nigeria’s fast-growing, straight-to-video movie industry, and in his attempt to encapsulate the magnitude of what he witnessed, he created a portmanteau inspired by Hollywood (America’s film capital) and Bollywood (India’s Hindi-language cinema giant). Thus, “Nollywood”, a fusion of Nigeria and Hollywood was born.
It was never an official title, nor was it coined by Nigerian filmmakers themselves. In fact, there was no single hub or geographic center for the movement like Hollywood or Bollywood. Yet, somehow, the name stuck.
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A Controversial Embrace
Not everyone welcomed the label with open arms. Some Nigerian creatives and scholars criticised it for being foreign-imposed, arguing that it failed to reflect the true essence and cultural diversity of the Nigerian film industry. After all, this was a country with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, how could one borrowed name truly encompass all that?
And yet, over time, Nollywood took on a life of its own.
It became more than just a nickname, it became a banner. A rallying cry for filmmakers, actors, producers, and fans who wanted to tell African stories, from an African lens, with African pride. Despite its outsider origin, the name began to represent the tenacity, grit, and resourcefulness of Nigeria’s creative industry.
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More Than a Name, A Global Force
Fast forward to today, and Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, churning out thousands of films every year. Its influence spans continents, streaming platforms, and red carpets. Nigerian films now premiere on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and international film festivals. The industry employs thousands and generates billions in revenue, despite often working with minimal resources.
Nollywood is no longer just a label, it’s a symbol of ownership and global storytelling power.
The Legacy Continues
The name “Nollywood” may not have come from us, but the stories do. Stories that reflect our joys, heartbreaks, politics, traditions, and dreams. From the grassroots tapes of the ’90s to today’s high-budget blockbusters, Nollywood has carved out a space no one can ignore.
We didn’t name the movement, but we built it. And we’re just getting started.
Image source: Radio Voice the movie
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