Nollywood actress Deborah “Debbie” Shokoya has announced her plans to join the growing trend of celebrities creating social media content featuring their family members. The actress, known for her contributions to the Yoruba film genre, shared her intentions through a playful message on Instagram, particularly addressing her husband.
The entertainment industry has witnessed a significant shift in recent years, with many actors and filmmakers leveraging their personal lives and family relationships to create engaging social media content. Shokoya’s announcement comes as she observes this growing phenomenon among her colleagues in the industry.
In her characteristic humorous style, she posted a message in pidgin English, questioning why she shouldn’t participate in this trend when others are featuring their wives, mothers, and husbands in their content. She playfully instructed her husband to “go wear skirt” as they prepare to embark on their content creation journey together.
The actress’s announcement carries particular significance given her previous public statements about her marriage. In February, Shokoya had described her husband as her “slave driver” – but in the most positive sense. She revealed that her marriage has been a blessing, particularly because she found a partner who actively supports and believes in her dreams and aspirations. According to her, when she expresses ambitious goals, her husband consistently offers encouragement rather than limitations.
Beyond her personal life, Shokoya has been actively engaged in discussions about the quality of content in the Nigerian film industry, particularly concerning the Yoruba genre. She recently expressed concerns about the proliferation of low-quality content on YouTube, calling on her colleagues to maintain higher standards and protect the reputation of Yoruba cinema.
In her Instagram post, she also highlighted several of her industry colleagues who have already embraced this trend of family-centered content creation. She mentioned @ijebuuofficial, whose “gentle wife” has become a content creator, and @mr_kogberegbe, whose previously “calm aunt” @j_sugamama has transformed into an overnight skit maker. She also referenced @glitterstouch_makeovers, who has begun featuring their mother in content creation.
The actress’s announcement reflects a broader transformation in the Nigerian entertainment industry, where the lines between traditional filmmaking, social media content, and personal life continue to blur. This shift represents how digital platforms have created new opportunities for entertainers to connect with their audiences in more personal and diverse ways.
Shokoya’s understanding of the contemporary entertainment landscape is evident in her humorous reference to the pursuit of “a million views,” acknowledging the significant role that social media metrics play in modern content creation. Her approach suggests a strategic adaptation to changing audience preferences while maintaining her authentic voice and humor.
This development in Shokoya’s career path also highlights how Nigerian entertainers are increasingly recognizing the value of diversifying their content creation strategies. By involving family members and creating more personal content, they’re able to showcase different aspects of their lives while potentially reaching new audiences.
As the Nigerian entertainment industry continues to evolve, Shokoya’s announcement represents a broader trend of traditional actors adapting to new media formats while maintaining their primary artistic pursuits. Her ability to balance serious industry concerns about content quality with playful engagement in social media trends demonstrates the complex nature of modern entertainment careers.
For fans of Debbie Shokoya, this new chapter promises to offer a more intimate glimpse into her life while potentially adding a new dimension to her creative output. As she prepares to launch her upcoming movie, this foray into family-centered content creation might well serve both her artistic and promotional objectives.
