Nollywood filmmaker and media entrepreneur Mary Remmy Njoku has highlighted the shifting dynamics in today’s media and entertainment industry, stating that breaking through now often requires bold, dramatic, or unconventional actions rather than relying solely on talent and hard work. She emphasized that in the current media landscape, genuine effort and consistent creative output are often overshadowed by sensationalism and viral stunts.
The changing media landscape and challenges for creatives
Speaking as a panellist at NECLive 2025, Njoku shared her reflections on her career journey and the challenges young creatives face in an industry where attention is increasingly tied to shock value. She discussed the stark reality that while hard work and originality are vital, they no longer automatically guarantee visibility, recognition, or financial success in the competitive world of entertainment and media.
Njoku, who is the founder of ROK TV Channels and the CEO of ROK Studios, elaborated that her own path to success involved identifying gaps and unmet needs in Africa’s creative sector and building solutions to address them. Her rise, she explained, was not about chasing fame or viral moments but about consistently creating value, solving problems, and elevating content for African audiences.
Public attention favors controversy over substance
Despite her achievements, Njoku acknowledged a concerning trend: the industry’s focus on sensationalism often leaves genuinely impactful work underappreciated. According to her, the current media culture rewards controversy, extreme behavior, and attention-grabbing acts over the meaningful contributions of hardworking creatives. This imbalance, she noted, can be discouraging for emerging talents who strive to build sustainable, impactful careers based on substance and quality output rather than shock tactics.
Advice to young creatives: Solve problems, don’t chase hype
In her address, Njoku urged young talents to focus on creating value and solving real problems rather than simply pursuing viral fame or fleeting attention. She shared candidly: “I got rich by solving problems. If you want to blow right now, you can’t blow by doing good. You have to do something stupid or crazy right now. And it’s not fair on the very few people that are doing good.”
She stressed that while media attention often gravitates toward sensational acts, lasting influence and career longevity come from integrity, consistency, and a commitment to meaningful contributions. Njoku encouraged upcoming creators to use their platforms responsibly, uphold professional standards, and prioritize long-term impact over short-term popularity, highlighting that true leadership in the creative industry involves uplifting others and inspiring meaningful change.
The panel discussion and her insights were met with significant engagement from the audience and online viewers, sparking conversations about the pressures and realities of navigating the modern media landscape in Nigeria and across Africa. Njoku’s remarks serve as a guide for young creatives, reminding them that perseverance, problem-solving, and integrity remain invaluable, even in a culture that often rewards spectacle over substance.
Watch the video below…
Founder of ROK TV Channels and CEO of ROK Studios, Mary Njoku, speaking on a panel at NECLive 2025 as she discussed what it means to be a creative entrepreneur in Africa. pic.twitter.com/ZM7Zgk16pq
— Netng (@theNETng) November 29, 2025