Rising Nollywood actress and notable personality Ashabi Simple has kicked off 2024 with a powerful statement about professional boundaries and fair compensation, marking a significant shift in how entertainment industry professionals approach collaborative work. The actress, also known as Omobolarinde Akinyanju, has garnered attention for her straightforward approach to addressing industry practices that often undervalue artists’ contributions.
Through a candid Instagram post, Ashabi articulated her firm stance on the often-overlooked issue of proper compensation in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Her message particularly resonates in an environment where artists frequently face pressure to work for exposure or minimal payment under the guise of supporting friends or building relationships.
The mother of two expressed particular concern about the common practice of expecting established actors to participate in projects without compensation, simply because of friendship or industry connections. Her declaration that payment must be included in project budgets if she’s to be involved sends a clear message about the professionalization of creative work in Nollywood.
Addressing both fellow actors and potential brand collaborators, Ashabi emphasized the practical realities of sustaining a career in entertainment. Her reference to mounting bills highlights a crucial aspect often overlooked when artists are asked to work for free – the very real financial pressures they face in maintaining their professional and personal lives.
The actress’s resolution extends beyond just acting roles to include brand influence work, an increasingly significant income stream for entertainment professionals. Her stance against working with vendors offering “silly rates” or requesting free promotional work demonstrates a broader understanding of an artist’s worth in the digital age.
Ashabi’s declaration about saying “NO” more frequently in 2024 represents more than just a personal boundary – it symbolizes a growing movement within Nollywood and the broader entertainment industry toward better working conditions and fair compensation. Her emphasis on wanting to do work she can be proud of suggests a quality-over-quantity approach that could influence industry standards.
The timing of her announcement is particularly significant as it comes at the beginning of a new year when many industry professionals are setting their terms for future collaborations. By making her stance public, Ashabi has potentially opened the door for other artists to assert their own boundaries regarding compensation and professional respect.
Her message carries additional weight given her rising profile in the industry and her connection to popular Nigerian singer Portable. Rather than leveraging these connections for exposure-based opportunities, she’s choosing to establish clear professional standards that prioritize sustainable career development.
The actress’s focus on wanting to be “happy doing my job” rather than simply accumulating social media content speaks to a deeper desire for meaningful work in an industry often driven by appearances. This perspective challenges the current culture of prioritizing visibility over value and suggests a more sustainable approach to building an entertainment career.
Ashabi’s statement also addresses the broader issue of creative professionals being expected to work for exposure or experience, a practice that has long undermined the economic stability of artists across various creative industries. Her clear communication about expectations and boundaries sets a professional standard that could influence how future collaborations are approached in Nollywood.
The response to her announcement could mark a turning point in how entertainment industry professionals approach project planning and budgeting. By explicitly stating that payment must be included in initial project budgets, she’s encouraging a more professional approach to production planning that acknowledges the value of all contributors from the outset.
As the Nigerian entertainment industry continues to grow and evolve, voices like Ashabi’s become increasingly important in establishing professional standards that support sustainable careers. Her resolution to prioritize quality work and fair compensation could inspire others to reassess their own professional boundaries and expectations.
This bold stance on fair compensation and professional boundaries represents a maturing entertainment industry where artists are increasingly empowered to advocate for their worth. As more professionals follow suit, it could lead to significant improvements in how creative work is valued and compensated in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.
