Actress Mummy Wa, in a candid interview, shares her experience facing sexual harassment while establishing her career in Nollywood.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian skit maker and actress Kemi Ikuseedun, widely known as Mummy Wa, has recently shared her difficult experiences with sexual harassment in the film industry.
In a heartfelt interview on the WithChude podcast, hosted by Chude Jideonwo, the actress opened up about the challenges she faced as a woman trying to build a career in Nollywood.
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Mummy Wa, who rose to prominence in 2023 through her roles in popular skits by Mr Macaroni, recounted facing unwanted sexual advances from filmmakers as she pursued acting opportunities.
Reflecting on the pervasive culture of exploitation, she said, “Behind the scenes, a lot of people are asking for things. They are requesting for a whole lot of things that I cannot do.”
She explained the pressure of being a young actress in an industry where sexual favours are often demanded, adding, “Where do I want to start from? Me that I’m already coming from a place where they tell me ‘this thing will not work’. How many people do I want to sleep with?”
Mummy Wa shared how she observed this pressure across the industry, even affecting women with different physical attributes.
“I saw a lot of men. But guess what? Even the slim ones that don’t have anything, they are still asking for things from them. No woman is free.
No woman is immune. But I can’t do it,” she said, emphasising her refusal to comply with such demands.
Her experiences highlight ongoing concerns over exploitation in Nollywood, especially for aspiring actresses. Many within the industry and beyond have long called for reforms to ensure safe, respectful, and professional environments for talent across all levels.
Mummy Wa’s testimony has sparked discussions on the need for stronger measures to address harassment in the entertainment industry, especially for women navigating these challenges in pursuit of their careers.
As her story resonates with audiences, it raises awareness about the importance of establishing professional ethics and support systems within Nollywood to protect aspiring actors and foster a culture of respect.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
