‘If Coca-Cola Still Advertises, Why Shouldn’t I?’ — Iyabo Ojo defends movie promotions with skits and dance

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has recently weighed in on the ongoing debate about movie producers dancing and creating skits to promote their films. Her message? Times have changed, and you either evolve or get left behind.
In a video posted to her Instagram page, Iyabo passionately addressed the backlash some filmmakers, like Funke Akindele, have received for using unconventional methods to create buzz around their movies. And sis did not come to play.

“This is something that has been happening as far back as when I joined the Yoruba film industry,” she said. “The only thing different is just the method in which we do it.” According to Iyabo, marketing isn’t new, it’s just gone digital.She walked us down memory lane, back to the OG days of Nollywood when producers had to promote their films by hand, literally. “We’ll stay from the gates [of the National Theatre], we’ll be beating drums, dancing, singing cultural songs, trying to lure them to come and watch our own movies.” Imagine a full-on parade just to get eyeballs on your movie. Now that’s hustle.Her golden nugget of wisdom? “If Coca-Cola is still running adverts back to back on their products, I wonder why I or anyone else can’t use any method to run an advert and create awareness.”