Comic actor, Olaniyi Afonja, popularly known as Sanyeri, has revealed the reasons why Yoruba actors are not earning as much as their counterparts that feature in English movies.

The actor who came to the limelight with the movie ‘Opa Kan’, where he acted alongside Odunlade Adekola, said unlike in the English movie industry where relationships are strictly business, in Yoruba’s case the reverse is the case.

Reacting to a The Punch Newspaper question: “It is believed that Yoruba actors don’t earn good pay, compared to their counterparts in English movies. Do you agree with this?”, the actor said:

“As Yoruba actors, we help one another out by featuring in one another’s films (with little or no pay). Also, the kind of relationship you have with the producer of the movie determines the amount you would demand.

However, in the English movie, it is strictly business.

The actor further said he has played in some English movies, adding that he does not remember their titles.

Yes, I do but I can’t remember some of their titles as movies are sometimes shot with working titles. The only ones I don’t act are Hausa and Igbo movies because I can’t speak the languages. However, if I have the opportunity to, I will do it.