Nollywood actor Kunle Afod has successfully raised N1.3 million for fellow actress Bisola Badmus, who recently revealed her struggles with health and financial issues. The fundraising effort, which took place over a whirlwind 24-hour period, has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike, showcasing the power of community in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The story began last week when Bisola Badmus, known for her roles in Yoruba films, opened up about her personal challenges in emotional interviews with actors Kunle Afod and Biola Bayo. Speaking from her home in Lagos, Badmus revealed that she had been battling undisclosed health issues while also facing financial difficulties.
The actress also disclosed that she had been left to raise her son, Malik, alone after separating from his father, renowned Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Upon hearing Badmus’s story, Kunle Afod, a veteran actor and director, took to social media to rally support for his colleague. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, which garnered over 50,000 likes within hours, Afod wrote: “Our sister needs our help. Let’s show her that the Nollywood family stands together in times of need.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Within 24 hours of Afod’s post, donations began pouring in from fans, fellow actors, and anonymous well-wishers.
“I was amazed by the speed and generosity of the response,” Afod told us. It just goes to show the power of our community when we come together for a good cause.
The fundraising effort quickly gained momentum, with several high-profile donations pushing the total to N1.3 million. While many donors chose to remain anonymous, some public figures openly contributed, further amplifying the campaign’s reach.
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Nollywood actress Kemi Korede, known for her philanthropic efforts within the industry, was among the first to respond. “When I heard about Bisola’s situation, I knew I had to help,” Korede said. “We’re not just colleagues; we’re family.”
In a touching scene captured on video and shared across social media platforms, Kunle Afod visited Bisola Badmus at her residence to deliver the funds. The clip, which has since gone viral with over 2 million views, shows Afod arriving at Badmus’s home, where several other Nollywood actors had gathered in support.
As Afod handed over the envelope containing the cash, the room erupted in joyous singing and dancing. Badmus, visibly moved, struggled to contain her emotions.
“I’m overwhelmed by the love and support,” Badmus said, wiping away tears. “This will go a long way in helping me get back on my feet. I can’t thank everyone enough.”
The fundraising effort has sparked a wave of positive reactions on social media, with many praising the Nollywood community for its quick response and generosity.
Instagram user @sholly__53 commented, “God bless all the givers,” echoing the sentiment of many who followed the story.
However, some fans also used this moment to call for broader industry changes. User @Afolabidamilare wrote, “In as much as ur fans reach out to u when the needs arises, pls u celebrities should deem it fit to speak up for the people when the need arises. U people are the mouthpiece of the people.”
As Bisola Badmus begins her journey to recovery, her story has sparked important conversations within the Nollywood industry about support systems for actors facing personal crises.
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Entertainment analyst Adebola Showemimo believes this could be a turning point. “What we’re seeing here is not just about one actress,” Showemimo explains. “It’s about the industry recognizing the need for better support structures. This could lead to more formal welfare programs for Nollywood professionals.
For now, Badmus is focused on her health and caring for her son. “This support gives me hope,” she said. “I’m determined to get better and return to doing what I love – acting and entertaining people.”
The swift and generous response to Bisola Badmus’s situation demonstrates the strong bonds within the Nollywood community. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, stories like this serve as powerful reminders of the impact that collective action can have on individual lives. While challenges remain, the outpouring of support for Badmus suggests a bright future for solidarity within Nigerian entertainment.
