From likes to lights, influencers are Nollywood's new acting pipeline

<p>Nigerian social media influencers are opening up a sure path to the Nollywood film industry.</p>, <span>These content creators have used social media as a tool to launch their Nollywood careers The Premium Times</span>, <h2>In a world where society heavily depends on social media, it’s impossible for viewers to escape being captivated by influencers.</h2>, <p>Content creators on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok build substantial followings, and create loyal fanbases that often extend beyond their online presence.</p>, <p>This massive reach grants them visibility, making them attractive prospects for filmmakers looking to tap into a ready-made audience.</p>, <p>Samuel Animashaun, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, is a notable influencer who has made a remarkable transition to the Nollywood industry. His witty and humorous videos quickly gained traction on social media and soon created acting opportunities for him.</p>, <p>One of his earliest roles was as Bayonle in Aiyetoro Town, a spinoff web series of Funke Akindele's Jenifa's Diary. He’s gone on to star in major productions, including Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner, Namaste Wahala, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Chief Daddy 2, Dwindle, and Inside Life.</p>, <p>He’s notably won the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Best Actor in a Comedy for the past two years — for Dwindle and Inside Life.</p>, <p>The comedian is also a two-time winner in the Future Awards Africa Nigeria Prize for Comedy and the City People Music Award for Comedy Act of the Year.</p>, <p>Leveraging his online popularity, Broda Shaggi ventured into the world of acting, showcasing his talent and versatility on the silver screen — proving that a strong social media presence can serve as a launchpad for a thriving career in the film industry. But he’s not alone.</p>, <p>Other prominent content creators who have toed this path include Nosa Afolabi, famously known as Lasisi Elenu, who initially started off as a song writer and singer.</p>, <p>He gained traction on social media, popularly kno