Popular filmmaker and former musician JJC Skillz has revealed the reason why he transitioned from the music industry to Nollywood.
JJC Skillz spoke in an interview on Channels TV.
According to him, he considered that he wasn’t getting any younger and decided to transition to Nollywood.
Speaking further, he said that despite his success in the UK music scene with groups like Big Brovaz and JJC & the 419 Squad, he had to start anew in Nigeria and face gatekeeping in the film industry.
“As far back as I can remember, I have been shooting music videos for years. Even my ‘We Are Africans’ video, I shot that myself.
“But after doing African Gang in 2011, I realised I was getting too old for the young scene, so I knew it was time to evolve. I packed my bags and moved into Nollywood. I was very passionate about telling stories.
“I wouldn’t say normal life when you’re starting again. I was a JJC (newbie). I didn’t grow up with most of the filmmakers in Nigeria, so it was like, ‘You want to enter our space?’ Some doors were closed. There are gatekeepers at all levels”, he said.
JJC stated that notable individuals, such as actor Deyemi Okanlawon and filmmaker Funke Akindele, supported his journey and believed in his talent.
However, he laments the challenges of cinema ticketing in Nigeria, where filmmakers struggle to receive a fair revenue share.
He stated that the situation is dire, with cinemas taking a significant percentage of ticket sales and taxes further reducing filmmakers’ earnings.
“It’s a situation of monkey dey work, baboon dey chop. We put in a lot of work. Sometimes, the cinemas take 70 per cent, other times 60 per cent, and after paying 22 per cent tax, we’re left with nothing. We have to make the film and also sell it because distribution companies aren’t out there selling. We are stuck in a horrible place,” he said.
The exit of streaming platforms from Nigeria has also left filmmakers uncertain about recouping their investments.
“The hope for a better day was with streaming companies, but they’ve left. So now we’re back to asking, ‘if we put our money into it, will we get it back?’ At the end of the day, it’s a business, and creativity is getting killed”, he added.
JJC Skillz emphasises the need for filmmakers to give audiences value for money and notes that the harsh business environment is stifling creativity.
“Nigerian filmmakers need to improve to give the people value. I’ve even had to market my film with a promise of refunds if viewers weren’t satisfied”, he said.
JJC Skillz has achieved success in Nollywood, directing notable projects like Industreet, Jenifa’s Diary, and Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
His latest film, Hakeem: Seeking Justice, features impressive action sequences and showcases his growth as a filmmaker.
