Golden sofa in Nollywood: an unethical practice
This conversation takes place somewhere in an office on Cole Street in Lagos at 7:30pm between a “I want to be a famous actress” and a “producer/filmmaker/main stakeholder” regarding an audition for the who was introduced first. The latter was part of the casting team, (typical of the Industry), and largely rules the roost…
“I’m talented, my audition went well and I’m sure I’ll take the role. I even got a round of applause for it, I’m going to be a star,” said the aspiring actress.
“Well that’s great, but do you really think that’s what it takes to get the part?” asked the producer.
“What more could I need? I did well and you can attest to that because you were there.”
“Yes, you did well, but you forgot an important detail.”
“And what could that be?”
“I can really influence who gets what role.”
“Well, you were part of the casting team, so you should know who gets what part.”
“I can see that you are naive about the realities of this game.”
“Sorry, I don’t understand, what game?”
“Life is a game, just like politics, sports, business, name it, they are all games. You can only succeed if you make the right move.”
Silence
“Okay, let me clarify, how many people came to the audition?”
“…I guess we were roughly over a thousand.”
“And how many people were given that very role that you played.”
“I dont know”
“I’ll tell you, 300”
“300!”
“And how many do you think got it right?”
Unanswered
“150 failed correctly, 80 were average, 40 had potential, 20 were good, 7 scored near points, and 3 were outstanding. You made the outstanding team.”
“Yes!”
“Wait, but outstanding doesn’t get you the part. I said 3 were on the list, but I can only pick one spot.”
“Oh.”
“If ay”
“But… you should know who was the best. I mean I really need this, I have worked year after year, waiting for this opportunity, please you have to help me.”
“Help you? Well, I guess it can be done.”
“Thank you very much!”
“Wait again…it can be done if you play your cards right, remember it’s a game.”
“How?”
“I’m going to hit the nail on the head, get you to bed, and you get the part.”
“What! Take me to bed and then I’ll get the part?”
“Just like that baby! Look, you’re all grown up and we can work things out, are we on the same page honey?”
“But it’s unethical, are you trying to take advantage of me because I want to act?”
“Spare me the lecture, if you’re ready to play ball, call me, if not, kiss the paper and your wish for fame and fortune goodbye! The choice is yours, after all, no one will know. The other two I have accepted my offer, but you are actually my first choice. You have two days to decide.”
“Two days!”
“Yes, two days… and I trust you will do the right thing.”
What exactly is correct? Sleep with him? Get the part and watch your life break into a million pieces when the truth comes out one day. Golden Layers operates in various film industries and it is sad to note that some desperate “wanna be famous actresses” even initiate sexual movements. This unethical practice exists in Nollywood even though it has been denied in some quarters. Nothing good comes easy and patience in such difficult times will get you through it. A lady who has dignity, self-respect, self-respect, and is highly principled will not stoop so low as to commit such acts. The ladies who engage in the golden sofa act are loosely known as ‘glorified prostitutes’, selling their bodies in exchange not for cash, but for roles (which they may not even get at the end of the day).
Now, if she has to sleep with 10 men to get roles, then that means she’s going to do it. This is bad! And certainly nothing to be proud of. Patience pays off in the long run and makes up for you handsomely for the dark times you spent waiting. A worthy example is AMAA Best Actress 2009, Funke Akindele (lawyer-turned-actress) who went from one audition point to another, sometimes walking, suffered stress and rejection. Her patience certainly paid off with her hit movie “Jenifa.” She has become a star and has done endorsements for the Lagos State Government, Adam and Eve and Glo. She loves helping up-and-coming actresses live their dreams.
The gold sofa is a serious problem in Nollywood and needs to be checked by the authorities immediately. Appropriate relevant mechanisms should be established to combat this. Actresses and celebrity wannabes should be encouraged to report cases of sexual harassment, assault, sexual abuse, solicitation of sexual relations, and strict punishments for offending parties after thorough investigation. The males have not been left out of this evil practice since the handsome ones have also been victims of the golden bed.
As a result of this unethical practice, the industry loses credible good ambassadors and absorbs into the system the morally bankrupt (both those who can and cannot act). As long as this issue is not addressed by the relevant authorities, it will remain a stumbling block in Nollywood’s wheel of progress.
