Readers say mainstream media shuns Yoruba celebrities

The 37-year-old actress questioned why mainstream media in Nigeria snubs Yoruba celebrities. She went on to state that most publications and media houses consider Yoruba stars to be “razz” (local).

“Has @thisdaystyle ever featured a yoruba actor on their cover?.........are yoruba movies not part of nollywood? .....is Nollywood not supposed to mean home grown Nigerian movies? .....hmmmmm I am very sure they didn't coz, they won't want to STAIN their cover with a 'RAZZ' 'LOCAL' yoruba actor!....Yes I am razz, Yes I am local and Yes I am a Yoruba actor!.....No I refuse to speak ur almighty English with fake British or American accent!....Because I'll always remain true to myself!...I am ME ....Proud Benin Woman, Proud Ijesha's wife and above all proud Nigerian. ...And just in case e still dey be una like dream 'LOCAL TI TAKE OVER.” wrote the award winning actress who hails from Edo state.

After reporting the story, Pulse put up a poll asking our readers if mainstream media in Nigeria shuns Yoruba celebrities.

Most of our readers (58.3%) who took part in the poll feel that mainstream media does not pay high regard to Yoruba celebrities. Only 41.7% felt otherwise.

Fans of the movie star Mercy Aigbe have reacted to her This Day snub. On the Instagram page of This Day Mercy Aigbe fans let their displeasure about the exclusion be known.

One angry fan wrote, "Even as Nollywood's best dressed (not AMVCA) @mercyaigbegentry should really be on that list. That lady ALWAYS steps out well put together."

Another fan with the username @temidayobadmus expressed his displeasure at the marginalisation of indigenous movie actors.

According to him/her, "For so long, d indigenous movie actors have been marginalised. Imagine a well dressed mercy Aigbe was ignored by @thisdaystyle not bcos she is a bad actor or anyone could fault her dressing but, bcos she speaks Yoruba and acts in Yoruba movies. I insist there is problem with this generation. We condemn what God gave us all in d name of embracing that of d white man. Dis is nothing but madness! It's not d 1st time Yoruba actors have been marginalised from the so called Nollywood."

Mercy Aigbe who is a household name predominantly acts in Yoruba movies. AMVCA winner Adesua Etomi reacted to the fuss the magazine cover created.

On March 20, 2016 she tweeted “Why All This 'Para'...It's Just A Magazine Cover...And They ARE Entitled To Their Opinions. Everyone On That Cover Looks Great. Haba!!!”

She later clarified her tweet saying she was not throwing shade at anyone in Nollywood.

Watch Pulse TV's interview with Mercy Aigbe below;