First and foremost, the content of this post reflects my personal viewpoint.
The simple answer to the issue of whether female actors in Nollywood earn more money than male actors is a resounding YES. In terms of finances, a much higher percentage of Nollywood actresses are earning better than their male counterparts in similar positions or careers.
Here are five possible reasons Nollywood actresses have more money than male actors:
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a. Actresses earn more and get more jobs
Believe it or not, actresses actually get more roles than their male counterparts. A producer friend of mine, in his words, said actresses are better at “selling movies” than male actors so sometimes it could be a wise decision to pay an actress more to have her on a project.
b. It’s easier for actresses to become famous
It takes far less amount of time for an actress to “blow” in the industry than for males. Male actors often need to stay consistent for far longer and survive a stricter competition before they can achieve full fame in the movie industry. Another reason for this is that actresses often attract more controversy than their male colleagues and these days more controversy often equals more fame.
Destiny Etiko is today comparable in fame to Zubby Michael who probably has been acting since she was still in secondary school.
c. Actresses have other sources of earning
Most Nollywood actresses have multiple income streams than their male colleagues. Most actresses usually start and sustain a side business while still being serious with acting. Also, actresses get more endorsement deals than male actors.
There is also some truth in the subtle remarks about actresses who enter into high-profile romantic affairs that provide huge financial rewards. According to the information I gathered from industry sources, there is actually a big collection of wealthy and influential men who could pay “any amount” to sleep with a popular actress, especially one that is currently “making waves”. A popular and attractive and willing actress can make the “pay of 10 films or more” in one night under the right circumstances, I was told.
I also learned that some good-looking male performers are occasionally given access to this “opportunity” that pays well but is not as well paid as the actresses.
d. Actresses are more likely to save money.
No actress will do it if you hear about Zubby Michael displaying a N8 million naira receipt he spent in one night. In reality, most of these actresses who flaunt expensive-looking bags and clothes on social media will astonish you with how they price their belongings and the bargains they strike to get them at a reduced price. Actresses don’t spend in any case and will do everything in their ability to keep costs low, which I think is a good thing.