by Anike Jacobs

When some members of the Nigerian movie industry gathered to protest against piracy a few weeks back, we raised questions.

We asked if the protest, which was sparsely attended, would prevent the pirates from releasing more pirated movies?

We asked if it will stop Nigerians from settling for the pirated movies which are sold at prices they can easily afford as regards the original movies?

Well, one of them, has got answers to some of our questions.

Movie producer and actor, Yomi Fabiyi, in a chat with Ynaija had this to say.

“Yes it can not solve it but we needed to be heard. We have low political backing to fight this problem. We know the root of this problem which is Alaba market, we know that is where the culprits are but it is sad that nothing is been done to attack them, it is saddening that the Nigerian constitution has made us helpless. We can not just go there to attack them.

It is like the government doesn’t understand our problems, they should include this in their budgets and in their laws, they should help approve this bill for us. They should not only come to us to support them during elections like we are some toys. 

They should not only use and dump us, gather us for rallies, give us chicken change and dump us afterwards, this is wrong. I have seen popular celebrities die and that is because we couldn’t gather enough money to save their lives. Why? Piracy.

It’s like we are trying to commit suicide everyday, we work way too hard only to get a minimal result. “

One of the biggest problems that Nollywood is facing today is piracy.

It actually became a big deal following the release of pirated copies of Kunle Afolayan’s award winning movie October 1 a few days back.

Other recently pirated movies include Phone Swap and AY’s highest grossing Nollywood film 30 Days in Atlanta.