Mummy Wa Opens Up About Facing Sexual Harassment in Nollywood
Nigerian skitmaker Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known as Mummy Wa, has shared her experience of facing sexual harassment within Nollywood. During an interview on the WithChude podcast, she opened up about the challenges she encountered as a newcomer in the entertainment industry.
Mummy Wa, also known as Kemz Mama, revealed that when she first tried to establish her career, she experienced inappropriate advances from some filmmakers. She stated that these unsolicited propositions did not align with her values and made her feel uncomfortable, so she consistently turned them down. Despite the pressure, she stood firm, realizing that these offers wouldn’t guarantee her any meaningful roles.
Reflecting on her experiences, Mummy Wa described how the harassment often took place behind the scenes rather than directly on film sets. “Behind the scenes, people ask for a lot of things,” she said. “They’re requesting things that, for me, are simply not an option.”
She explained the dilemma she faced, particularly as someone new to the industry and already dealing with skepticism about her career choices. “Where do I start? How many people do you want to please just to get ahead?” she remarked, adding that she doubted giving in to such demands would actually benefit her career.
Mummy Wa pointed out that many women in Nollywood encounter similar harassment, noting that no one seems entirely safe from it. She also expressed surprise that even men who lack significant power in the industry still attempt to take advantage of young women trying to find their footing.
Her candor about the harsh realities faced by women in Nollywood has sparked conversations around the struggles that many young actresses and entertainers face while trying to make a name for themselves. Mummy Wa, who first gained fame through her performances in Mr. Macaroni’s popular comedy skits, has used her platform to shed light on the importance of standing firm against exploitation in the industry.
