Veteran Nollywood actress Moji Afolayan has made a powerful revelation about the harsh realities she faced in the early days of her career.
The 57-year-old, who hails from the legendary Afolayan film dynasty, disclosed that Nollywood film marketers blacklisted her for refusing to trade her body for movie roles.
Speaking in a candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, Moji shed light on the disturbing culture of sexual exploitation that plagued the Yoruba movie industry in the past, particularly among marketers operating from the popular Idumota axis in Lagos.
“I Couldn’t Trade My Body for Movies”
Moji Afolayan, the daughter of the late veteran filmmaker Adeyemi Afolayan (aka Ade Love), recalled that film marketers at the time often funded productions and had the power to make or break careers.
“This is because, at that time, when we had marketers at Idumota, they used to give producers money to work,” she said.
Despite the power marketers wielded, Moji revealed that her upbringing and values would not allow her to give in to their sexual advances.
“Due to the kind of training I received at home, I cannot trade my body for movies. My husband, who married me, has not even done anything. You will notice that I am trying to speak in proverbs.”
“They Held a Meeting Not to Call Me”
Because of her refusal to sleep with marketers, Moji said she was punished severely. She alleged that marketers collectively agreed to blacklist her, refusing to give her any roles.
“Because I did not do it, they held a meeting among themselves not to call me. I did not sleep with them. I did not offer my body for sex.”
She further exposed the behind-the-scenes culture of hypocrisy, claiming many of the marketers had secret affairs with actresses, even while pretending to maintain stable family lives.
“Many of them will have their husbands outside while the wives will be with them inside. I am exposing their secrets now.”
“I Stood With My Dignity”
Despite the setback, Moji remained firm in her convictions and never compromised her values. She believes that her unwavering stance is what continues to set her apart today.
“It was because I did not offer myself for sex that they denied me movie roles. I thank God I stood with my dignity. That is what I am enjoying today. I held on to my virginity. I stand out among them now.”
Support From Others Who Faced the Same
Moji also shared a story about a late female colleague who was similarly harassed but refused to give in. According to Moji, the colleague recounted how a marketer at Arena boasted about sleeping with several actresses.
“The lady at the time told me to continue with my nobility,” she said. “She narrated how the marketer told her how he had slept with people in the industry.”
A Respected Veteran in Yoruba Cinema
Moji Afolayan began her career in the 1980s and has since starred in numerous Yoruba-language classics including Iya Ni Wura, Idi Oromi, Eyin Oku, Arinjo, Tojubole, Lakurubutu, and Orisa Opoki. In 2022, she featured in her brother Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix hit, Aníkúlápó, and also appeared in Moriyeba Parts 1 & 2 in 2023.
She is married to fellow actor and director Rasaq Olayiwola, popularly known as Ojopagogo.
In November 2024, Moji mourned the passing of her grandmother, whom she affectionately called “Iya Gangan”, thanking God for her long life in a touching Instagram post.
A Pillar in the Afolayan Movie Dynasty
As the eldest child of the Afolayan family, Moji shares her legacy with her talented siblings — Kunle Afolayan, Gabriel Afolayan, and Aremu Afolayan — all of whom have made significant marks in Nollywood.
Despite the challenges and injustice she faced, Moji Afolayan stands today as a symbol of integrity, strength, and resilience in an industry often fraught with exploitation.