In Nigeria’s glittering film industry, Nollywood stars are often seen stepping out of luxury rides, their lives framed by glamour and red carpets. But according to veteran actor Yemi Solade, that picture is far from reality.
He insists that no Nollywood actress can buy a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon solely from acting income.
Solade, who has spent over four decades in the industry, made the claim in a recent interview with Punch, where he painted a sobering picture of the financial struggles actors face behind the spotlight.
Acting Fame, Empty Pockets
Despite his own long career, Solade confessed that it has not always been easy to “put food on the table.” He compared Nollywood actors’ pay to that of musicians and comedians who earn millions from a single performance, while actors spend weeks on set for far less.
His comments strike at the heart of Nollywood’s biggest illusion: the assumption that fame equals wealth.
He said that only those who have other streams of income or business ventures could possibly afford such expensive vehicles.
Solade insisted that movie roles in Nollywood do not generate the kind of money needed for such luxury, expressing doubt that anyone relying solely on acting could boast of buying a G-Wagon.
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He said: “No actress can come out and say she bought her G-Wagon strictly from the money she made through acting. The earnings from Nollywood are not enough to cover such a luxury purchase. Acting alone cannot provide that kind of money unless the person has other sources of income or investments outside of movies.”
The G-Wagon Question
Luxury cars like the G-Wagon have become a symbol of status in Nigeria’s entertainment scene. But Solade was blunt—no actress, regardless of how popular, could purchase such a car strictly from acting pay.
So where does the money come from? The veteran hinted at the importance of side hustles, endorsements, and other ventures outside acting, without which Nollywood’s glossy image would crumble.
The Takeaway
Solade’s comments may sound controversial, but they echo what many insiders already know—Nollywood thrives on passion and visibility, not necessarily financial reward.
For many actors, the glittering lifestyle fans admire is more about branding, side gigs, and personal reinvention than about money made on set.
At 65 years of age, Yemi Solade has little left to prove in Nollywood. Yet his candidness is forcing a conversation about whether Nigeria’s booming film industry is truly rewarding the talents who built it—or whether its stars are simply acting wealthier than they really are.
