Abidemi Adisa: ‘Sex-for-Role’ in the Industry is Undeniable
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| Abidemi Adisa (Nollywood Actress) |
Up-and-coming Nollywood actress and filmmaker Abidemi Adisa has acknowledged that the controversial "sex-for-role" practice does exist within the Nigerian film industry. She noted that it remains a major deterrent for talented individuals who might otherwise pursue a career in entertainment.
However, the actress revealed that she has never personally faced pressure to trade sexual favours for film roles since starting her career.
Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, Adisa emphasised that the issue affects more than just women, adding that it is by no means unique to Nollywood.
“Sex-for-role exists and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. It is not even limited to actresses; men can also be victims. But we cannot stereotype Nollywood because the problem exists in other industries as well,” she said.
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The international relations graduate, who studied at Houdegbe North American University in the Benin Republic, attributed her positive experience to her refusal to become desperate for fame.
“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex in exchange for a role because I am not desperate for stardom,” she added.
Adisa also discussed what motivated her to start acting, describing her passion for storytelling and her admiration for accomplished performers as the driving forces behind her entry into the film industry.
She explained that watching talented actors bring fictional stories to life inspired her to pursue acting professionally.
The actress, who trained under veteran Nollywood actor, has featured in several productions, including Violence, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe, and Akete.
Beyond acting, Adisa has also made her mark as a producer, with films such as Ota, Ojiji Ife, and Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2 to her name.
She revealed that she is currently working on a new film project titled Iku Ore, which is scheduled to be shot in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The movie tells the story of a woman who goes to great lengths to please a friend at the expense of her own well-being.
Alongside her film career, Adisa runs a fashion business, balancing entrepreneurship with her growing profile in Nollywood. She stated that her goal is to keep producing high-quality films while working towards becoming one of the industry’s most recognisable faces.
