Anytime a filmmaker drops a project and then immediately comes outside to explain that the film is “deep” or “it’s for intellectuals,” just know they are about to cap. Kelvin Childs Okoroji
After the recent reports of Nollywood actor and producer Kunle Afolayan saying dancing to promote movies is unprofessional, he has also kept fans all around the country talking as he said in defending his recent project Anikulapo Series 2;
“I make movies for intellectuals not Gbas gbos”
Kelvin Childs Okoroji has this to say;
Because if truly your film “sweet”, we will carry it on our head for you. You won’t need to defend it. We’ll do the PR ourselves.
Also Read: As a Film Producer, Know When to Stay Silent and When to Speak Up – Debby Chimere
Remember when the first Anikulapo came out? 90% percent + of us enjoyed it.
We sang Kunle’s praises for weeks, even months. A very simple story told in the most beautiful way ever. A tale by moonlight. The narrative? Engaging. Cinematography? Brilliant.
The Saro and Arolake characters practically became family members. We would reference them at every chance we got.
As an entertainment journalist at the time, every single piece I wrote about Anikulapo pulled crazy traction. Thousands of readers. The audience was invested. It was organic love, not forced intellectualism.
Then the first series came, it did well. Not as explosive as the film, but we still liked parts of it especially with the introduction of the new characters and how everyone wanted to know Saro’s fate.
Now this third installment?
A large percentage of viewers are saying, “Omo… this one no really dey necessary.” Some found it boring. Some felt it dragged. That’s valid. That’s audience feedback.
Also Read: A Fan of Box Office Legend Funke Akindeke Responds to Kunle Afolayan
But this: “I make films for intellectuals, not gbas gbos,” statement .
Who come be gbas gbos?
Let’s even ignore the subtle shade at his colleagues making commercially loud films. I won’t touch that for now.
But help me understand something…
So if I liked the first Anikulapo, I am an intellectual, if I didn’t like this one, does it mean I am no longer an intellectual?
I now belong to the gbas gbos class? Or does this second season have a particular depth that makes it special for the so called intellectuals?
Does this mean that those who liked the first Anikulapo has fallen short of intellectual capacity since they don’t like the latest installments?
When people dragged Mo Abudu for Chief Daddy 2, she didn’t start categorizing viewers into intellectuals and non-intellectuals. She didn’t say, “You people just don’t get it.” She acknowledged the criticism. Calmly.
Her words:
“We appreciate your constructive feedback. This way, my team and I can continuously improve ourselves so we can deliver the great quality productions you have come to expect from EbonyLife Studios.
When you express disappointment with us, please know your voices are heard…”
No defensive energy. No hierarchy of brains. Just accountability.
Also Read: Filmmakers Should Put Their Films on YouTube Instead of Fighting the Cinema Battle in Nigeria.
See, criticism is not an attack on your intelligence. It’s audience engagement. If people didn’t care, they wouldn’t talk. They’d just move on.
Accept the feedback. Reflect. Improve. That’s growth.
But telling people you make films for “intellectuals” as a response to criticism? That ludicrous.
Because unless there’s a new planet where only certified intellectuals now reside, the people who loved your work before are the same ones speaking now.
And they’re not gbas gbos. They’re your audience.
Unless of course you recruited a fresh set of intellectuals no one knew about.
Kelvin Childs Okoroji
February 11, 2026.
