Nollywood actress Idia Aisien revealed that she received harsh criticism about her skin tone after starring in the remake of the 1994 Nollywood classic, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, released in 2020.
In an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Aisien opened up about the backlash she faced from Nigerians after making her acting debut in the film.
I Was Heartbroken by the Comments
“When it first came out in cinemas, I was a little bit heartbroken by some of the comments people were leaving,” she said.
According to her, many critics argued that she was not light-skinned or Igbo, questioning her suitability for the role.
“Nigerians love their veteran actors and Nollywood classics. So, it was something I wished people could see — how much passion went into it at the time,” she added.
International Market Shows Support
Despite the criticism at home, Aisien noted that the film gained international recognition.
“With the international market, I am getting messages from the Philippines, French Guiana, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Los Angeles,” she said.
Tribe and Skin Colour Shouldn’t Matter
The actress emphasized that fictional characters should not be restricted by skin tone or tribe.
“I was hurt at first because Nneka is a fictional character, and anyone could bring something different to the role. I don’t think tribe or skin colour should matter,” she explained.
She also drew comparisons with Hollywood: “Black Panther was Americans pretending they were in Africa. A lot of people criticised Nneka the Pretty Serpent because of the casting choice, and that broke my heart.”
Changing Opinions Over Time
Aisien recalled how a popular female figure once dismissed her performance but later admitted that she had done well after finally watching the film.
“She told me recently that it was great, but when you hear things like, ‘she paid for that job,’ it hurts. This is why it is important to give people a chance,” the actress said.
