How Nollywood Actors Preserve Nigerian Indigenous Languages Through Film

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When most people contemplate Nollywood, they don’t only think about entertainment; they think about the intense family dramas, the comedic chaos, the gripping thrillers, and the epic historical stories that make you want to dress in traditional attire the next day.

But here’s something most people overlook. Nigerian actors are preserving our indigenous languages not in a “dusty museum” way but actively on your TV, in your phone, and in your cinema every single day. Every time you watch a movie in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Efik, Tiv, or any of Nigeria’s hundreds of dialects, you’re not just being entertained. Still, you’re taking part in a cultural preservation project.

In this article, we will examine viral Nollywood indigenous films and how these actors preserve our indigenous languages. 

 

Nigeria: A Nation of Languages

Nigeria is a multilingual country, and according to linguists, we have over 500 indigenous languages. Some are big ones like Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa; others are smaller, spoken only in specific communities like Kalabari, Nupe, Ogoni, Idoma, and Urhobo.

Each language isn’t just “words”; it’s a library of proverbs, idioms, metaphors, and jokes that don’t even make sense when you translate them into English.  But the sad part is that many of these languages are at risk of urbanisation, global media, and even schooling systems that focus on English instead of our native languages, making younger generations speak less and less of their mother tongue.

This is where Nollywood steps in.

 

Nollywood: Our Cultural Preservation

Nollywood is often celebrated as the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, producing thousands of movies each year. But its real power is being a cultural time capsule. When Nollywood makes a film in Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa, it’s not just telling a story, but it’s documenting language in motion. It’s recording accents, slang, proverbs, and ways of speaking that might disappear in just one generation.

And the best part is that these films aren’t hidden away in academic archives; they’re streaming on Netflix, trending on YouTube, and being passed around on family WhatsApp groups.

 

Nigerian Actors who Speak their Language in Movies

These actors speak their native tongue regardless of the movie’s genre or where it’s being shot. They are not just performers, but they are language ambassadors. They are: 

 

1. Pete Edochie (Igbo)

 If you’ve watched any of Pete Edochie‘s movies, you’ll agree he’s known for his deep baritone voice and legendary Igbo proverbs. Watch Things Fall Apart or Living in Bondage, and you’ll see why he’s practically a walking cultural encyclopaedia.

 

2. Sola Sobowale (Yoruba)

The “King of Boys” herself doesn’t just act; Sola Sobowale embodies Yoruba on screen. Her roles are bursting with authentic mannerisms, tone, and cultural references.

 

3. Ali Nuhu (Hausa)

Often called the “King of Kannywood”, Ali Nuhu has been a massive force in promoting Hausa language cinema both in Nigeria and across West Africa.

 

4. Odunlade Adekola (Yoruba)

The king of meme-worthy expressions, but also a dedicated promoter of Yoruba storytelling.

 

5. Mercy Johnson (Igbo)

Often switches between English and Igbo seamlessly, showing how bilingual storytelling works in Nollywood.

These actors use their languages naturally when they perform. They give life to phrases, turn proverbs into punchlines, and make audiences proud to hear their mother tongue in blockbuster films.

 

Indigenous Films That Went Global

You know what’s exciting? Nollywood indigenous films are no longer “local secrets.” They’re now making waves internationally.

• Aníkúlápó (Yoruba) – Directed by Kunle Afolayan, this Netflix hit was praised for its authentic Yoruba dialogue and cultural depth. It proved that an epic fantasy can still be deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition.
• Lionheart (Igbo & English)—Genevieve Nnaji’s directorial debut blended English with Igbo in a way that felt natural and refreshing. Pete Edochie starred in this movie, and he played his role perfectly. It was Nigeria’s first-ever Netflix Original.
• King of Thieves (Agesinkole) (Yoruba) is a Yoruba-language epic with stunning cinematography and folklore-inspired storytelling.
• Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (Igbo), the revival of a Nollywood classic, brings back the Igbo language to the forefront of a modern thriller.

Each of these films did more than tell a story; they normalised seeing and hearing Nigerian languages on global platforms.

Struggles Nigerian Indigenous Movies Face

Given the significant cultural impact, indigenous language actors would receive abundant resources. Sadly, that’s not the case.

Some challenges include:

• Typecasting: Actors in local language films may face perceptions of being “too traditional” for urban or English-language roles.
• Limited Budgets: Indigenous films often get smaller production budgets compared to English-speaking Nollywood movies.
• Distribution Bias: Some big streaming platforms still prioritise English content for global audiences.
• Subtitling Issues: Poor translations can strip cultural meaning from a scene, making it harder for non-speakers to appreciate the depth.

Despite the challenges, Nollywood isn’t backing down anytime soon, and neither are these actors; they keep going.

 

Why They Deserve More Credit

Speaking our mother’s tongue in our movies is way more advantageous than one could think about, and these actors deserve more credit because they help accomplish the following:  

1. Cultural Pride – For many viewers, hearing their native language in a high-quality film is a profoundly emotional experience. It makes them more interested in the movies, especially older people. They provide keen attention as they understand every detail.
2. Education – Younger Nigerians, especially those born in cities or abroad, can learn phrases and expressions just by watching these movies.
3. Global Representation – These films remind the world that Nigeria is not just Lagos and Abuja—it’s hundreds of unique cultures and languages.
4. English simply cannot fully express certain emotions, jokes, and cultural nuances.

 

Conclusion: Actors Promoting Nigerian Heritage 

Nigerian actors who perform in indigenous movies are doing more than making movies. They are protecting history, teaching culture, and keeping our voices alive. When Pete Edochie drops an Igbo proverb, or Ali Nuhu speaks Hausa with pride, they’re not just delivering lines, but they’re keeping our heritage breathing. It’s time we gave them more credit, more resources, and more platforms. Because without them, many of our stories and the languages they’re told in could fade into silence.

 

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FAQs: Nollywood actors and cultural preservation

1: How do Nigerian actors preserve indigenous languages?

They act in films spoken entirely or partly in their native dialects, using authentic cultural expressions, idioms, and storytelling styles.

2: What are some viral indigenous Nollywood films?

Aníkúlápó, King of Thieves (Agesinkole), Lionheart, Living in Bondage, and King of Boys.

3: Why is preserving the Nigerian language through film important?

Language is identity. By seeing and hearing our languages on screen, we keep them relevant for younger generations and share them with the world.

4: Who are the top Nigerian actors promoting culture and language?

Pete Edochie, Sola Sobowale, Ali Nuhu, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Johnson, and many other actors continue to blend artistry with cultural responsibility.

5: How many languages does Nigeria have?

According to linguists, we have over 500 indigenous languages.