Celebrated Nollywood veteran Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) has publicly lauded rising star Timini Egbuson following the latter’s record-shattering box office debut with his film “Reel Love.” The heartfelt commendation comes as Egbuson’s directorial venture surpassed the 99 million naira mark at Nigerian cinemas, establishing multiple industry records.
Taking to Instagram with a series of photographs featuring Egbuson, RMD shared effusive praise for the younger actor, referring to him as “my son, in whom I am well pleased.” The veteran actor further characterized Egbuson as “probably the hardest-working and most uber-talented young actor in Africa today,” highlighting both his admiration for the rising star’s work ethic and his recognition of Egbuson’s artistic gifts.
Egbuson’s “Reel Love” has achieved remarkable milestones, including the Highest Opening Weekend for a first-time filmmaker, the 4th Highest Grossing Opening Weekend of All Time in Nigerian cinema history, and Nollywood’s Strongest Opening for a Valentine’s Day release. These accomplishments mark a significant moment for Nigerian cinema, demonstrating both evolving audience engagement and the growing commercial viability of homegrown productions.
In his tribute post, RMD playfully referenced Egbuson’s on-screen romance with actress Bimbo Ademoye, noting: “While he’s out here making history, he’s also caught up in Real Love or Reel Love, so he claims. With @bimboademoye an actress and a comic no less. (One I might just be crushing on myself, but that’s a story for another day… @_timini and I may have to duel for her the old way some day soon).”
The veteran actor concluded his message with an endorsement of the film, encouraging his substantial following to support Egbuson’s work: “Reel Love is still showing in cinemas nationwide. Go show him more love at the cinemas!”
Film industry analyst Adebayo Ogunlesi contextualizes Egbuson’s achievement within Nollywood’s evolving landscape: “What we’re witnessing with Timini’s debut is particularly significant because it represents a successful transition from acting to directing and producing—a path many try but few navigate successfully. The box office numbers speak not just to his popularity as an actor but to his vision as a filmmaker.
Egbuson’s rapid ascent within the industry reflects broader shifts in Nigerian cinema. Having begun his career with roles in television series like “Tinsel” and “Shuga,” he has steadily built a reputation through performances in films including “Breaded Life,” “Elevator Baby,” and “Dinner at My Place.” His transition to filmmaking represents the kind of vertical integration increasingly common among Nollywood’s new generation of talents.
Cultural critic Oluwaseun Adeniyi notes, “The mentorship dynamic between established actors like RMD and rising stars like Timini exemplifies the best of Nollywood’s evolution. There’s a passing of the torch happening, but it’s accompanied by genuine support rather than competition.”
The success of “Reel Love” also points to changing audience preferences within Nigeria’s film market. Traditionally dominated by comedies and dramas, recent years have seen increasing success for romance-centered narratives, particularly those targeting younger, urban viewers. Egbuson’s film, released strategically near Valentine’s Day, capitalized on this trend while bringing fresh perspective to the romantic comedy genre.
Marketing executive Folake Williams observed, “The film’s success demonstrates sophisticated audience targeting combined with quality storytelling. Timini understood both the commercial timing—Valentine’s season—and the cultural appetite for authentic Nigerian romance narratives that resonate with contemporary experiences.
RMD’s public endorsement carries particular weight given his own storied career spanning over three decades. As one of Nollywood’s foundational figures, his recognition serves not only as personal encouragement but as an industry-wide acknowledgment of Egbuson’s contributions to Nigerian cinema’s continued growth and international relevance.
This isn’t the first time RMD has publicly celebrated achievements within his extended professional family. Towards the end of 2024, he shared his pride in his daughter Efemena Adufe’s academic accomplishments as she received her latest degree. The actor’s consistent celebration of both biological family and professional protégés reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
For Egbuson, RMD’s endorsement represents a meaningful milestone in a career characterized by steady progression and deliberate choices. Industry insiders note that their relationship exemplifies the kind of intergenerational mentorship that strengthens Nollywood’s professional ecosystem, creating continuity amidst rapid industry changes.
Film producer Chioma Ude commented, “What we’re seeing between RMD and Timini represents the ideal relationship between Nollywood’s established guard and its rising stars. This kind of public support creates both commercial opportunities and artistic confidence for newer filmmakers.
Egbuson’s box office triumph comes amid Nollywood’s ongoing evolution, as the industry navigates challenges including digital disruption, financing constraints, and changing audience consumption patterns. His success suggests potential pathways for Nigerian cinema’s continued growth, particularly in reaching younger audiences through contemporary storytelling while maintaining commercial viability.
As “Reel Love” continues its theatrical run, industry watchers predict it may set additional records, potentially establishing new benchmarks for first-time filmmakers in Nigeria. Beyond immediate commercial success, the film’s performance signals evolving audience expectations and appreciation for technically accomplished, emotionally resonant storytelling from homegrown talents.
RMD’s recognition of Egbuson reflects not just personal affection but professional acknowledgment of excellence—a powerful endorsement from one of the industry’s most respected figures. As Nigerian cinema continues its remarkable journey from local phenomenon to global cultural force, such moments of intergenerational recognition serve as important milestones in Nollywood’s ongoing story.
