Do Nollywood and the Music Industry Need Each Other?

Nigeria is known for two major entertainment industries, Nollywood and the music industry. Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, producing hundreds of movies every year, while Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has gained international recognition, topping charts and selling out stadiums worldwide.

Both industries tell stories, entertain audiences, and shape Nigeria’s cultural identity. However, despite their similarities, they do not always work together as much as they should. Nollywood frequently uses Nigerian music in films, helping to amplify the emotions in key scenes. Yet, according to Timini, a Nollywood actor, Nigerian musicians do not always extend the same level of support to Nollywood films.

So, does Nollywood need the music industry, and does the music industry need Nollywood? The answer is yes. Both industries have the potential to benefit greatly from a stronger partnership. If Nollywood and the music industry worked together more closely, they could create a system where films help promote music, and music makes movies more impactful.

Music brings life to Nollywood films

A good movie isn’t just about great acting or an interesting storyline—it also needs the right music. The right soundtrack makes emotional scenes even more powerful. Imagine a romantic scene without soft, beautiful music in the background, or an action scene without intense beats. 

Music plays a huge role in making films more engaging.

Many Nollywood movies already use Nigerian songs, from Afrobeats to traditional sounds. These songs don’t just fill the silence; they bring meaning to the story and make scenes unforgettable.

Nollywood can help music reach more people

Nigerian music is already popular worldwide, but Nollywood can take it even further. When a song is used in a big movie, it introduces that song to new audiences. People watching the film might hear a song they like and go searching for it. This is how movies can help promote Nigerian artists and their music.

Hollywood does this all the time. Think of how popular songs from movies like Black Panther or Fast and Furious became. Nollywood can do the same for Nigerian music, but only if there is more collaboration.

Why musicians should support Nollywood

Many Nigerian artists rely on Nollywood to push their music, but they don’t always return the favor. Nollywood actors and producers often promote Nigerian music, yet musicians rarely do the same for films.

This is what actor Timini Egbuson was talking about when he tweeted that musicians should support Nollywood the same way Nollywood supports them. He had a point. While Nollywood has helped Nigerian music grow, the music industry hasn’t shown the same level of support in return.

A win-win partnership

Nollywood and the music industry should work together more. If musicians promote Nigerian films, more people will watch them. If Nollywood properly pays artists for their music, more musicians will be interested in working with filmmakers.

Here’s how they can support each other:

1. More music licensing – Filmmakers should pay musicians fairly when using their songs in movies. This will encourage more artists to get involved.
2. Collaboration in marketing – Musicians can help promote Nollywood films by sharing movie trailers and soundtracks. This will increase interest in both the movie and the music.
3. Investment opportunities – Successful artists can invest in Nollywood, helping to fund better movies and improve production quality.

The future is collaboration

Instead of working separately, Nollywood and the music industry should come together. The two industries are part of Nigeria’s entertainment success, and when they work as a team, they can achieve even greater things.

Music makes films better. Films give music a bigger audience. It’s time for Nollywood and the music industry to build a stronger partnership—one where both sides truly support each other.