Acclaimed Nollywood actress, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur Mary Remmy Njoku has sparked a nationwide conversation on the evolving dynamics of the creative industry, asserting that aspiring talents now often need to resort to outrageous or controversial antics to gain visibility in an attention-driven media landscape. Speaking candidly at the NECLive 2025 conference, Njoku highlighted the unfair pressure on genuine creators while reaffirming her own path to success through innovation and value creation.
During a panel discussion on “Creative Entrepreneurship in Africa” at the prestigious event held on December 8, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Njoku reflected on her two-decade journey in Nollywood and beyond. As the founder of ROK Studios and former CEO of ROK TV Channels—Africa’s pioneering digital entertainment network—she shared how her breakthroughs stemmed from addressing systemic gaps rather than chasing viral fame. “I got rich by solving problems,” she stated emphatically, recounting the launch of ROK in 2013 to bridge the divide in accessible African content distribution, which later led to a landmark acquisition by Canal+ in 2019—the largest media deal in Sub-Saharan Africa at the time.
However, Njoku expressed deep concern over the current state of digital media, where algorithms and social platforms amplify drama over depth. “If you want to blow right now, you can’t blow by doing good. You have to do something stupid or crazy right now. And it’s not fair on the very few people that are doing good,” she said, drawing applause from fellow panellists and attendees, including tech innovators, content creators, and industry leaders. Her remarks underscore a broader critique of how sensationalism— from fabricated scandals to extreme stunts—has eclipsed quality storytelling and sustainable career-building, leaving ethical creators at a disadvantage.
Njoku, 40, who debuted in Nollywood at age 17 with over 100 films and TV series to her credit, including hits like Blackberry Babes (2011) and Thy Will Be Done (2015)—the first Nollywood premiere at BFI IMAX London—emphasized resilience and purpose. She trained in film production at the London Film Academy in 2012 and has since produced over 540 films and 25 original series through ROK Studios, blending Yoruba, Igbo, and English content to reach diverse audiences across Africa, the UK, and the diaspora. Under her leadership, ROK expanded to Sky TV in 2016 and launched channels like ROK2, ROK3, and ROKGH, fostering talents in genres from romantic comedies to social dramas.
In response to the toxic trends, Njoku announced her new mission: making “being good cool again.” She revealed plans for a foundation dedicated to celebrating unsung heroes in the creative sector—mentors, behind-the-scenes innovators, and community builders who prioritize impact over clicks. “Our platforms should uplift, not just entertain. We need to use our influence responsibly, to inspire real change and long-term value,” she urged young creatives, advocating for a return to empathy and innovation amid the noise of social media.
The statement has resonated widely, igniting debates on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram under hashtags like #MakeBeingGoodCoolAgain and #MaryNjokuSpeaks. Fellow industry figures, including actress Etinosa Idemudia and producer Kunle Afolayan, echoed her sentiments, with Idemudia posting: “Mary is spot on—talent alone isn’t enough anymore; we need systemic change.” Critics and supporters alike have praised her for calling out the commodification of content, drawing parallels to her earlier September 2025 critique of turning tragedies into viral skits.
As Nollywood continues to grow into a $7 billion global powerhouse—the world’s second-largest film industry by output—Njoku’s words serve as a clarion call for reform. She remains committed to empowering the next generation through ROK Studios’ talent development programs and upcoming projects, including a 2026 series on African female entrepreneurs.
Founder of ROK TV Channels and CEO of ROK Studios, Mary Njoku, speaking on a panel at NECLive 2025 as she discussed what it means to be a creative entrepreneur in Africa. pic.twitter.com/ZM7Zgk16pq
— Netng (@theNETng) November 29, 2025
Entertainment Factory!
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