Nigerian actor Nosa Rex has issued an apology to Ghanaians following a fiery outburst against Ghanaian TV stations that aired his newly released movie, Prince of Peace, without permission shortly after its upload to YouTube.
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In a heartfelt statement, he clarified that his criticism was aimed at the stations engaging in unauthorized broadcasting, not at the Ghanaian people as a whole.
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Outburst Over Piracy: Actor Voices Frustration
In mid-August, Nosa Rex went viral with a strong denunciation of certain Ghanaian stations that he claims aired his film just six hours after its YouTube premiere. In an impassioned message, he accused these outlets of undermining creative efforts and disrespecting the intellectual property rights of filmmakers.
He bluntly addressed those responsible, saying: “Ghana TV station … you guys are all stupid,” and warned that such actions could hold the country’s film industry back from achieving global success.
A Clarifying Apology to the Broader Public
Shortly after the backlash, Nosa Rex released a follow-up video to address public reactions. He clarified that his message was not a criticism of all Ghanaians but was specifically directed at the TV stations that had aired his movie without securing broadcasting rights.
“My anger was directed at TV stations repeatedly showing my movies without permission, and not at the entire country,” he stated, emphasizing his respect for Ghanaian fans and their support.
Intellectual Property Rights and the African Film Landscape
The incident highlights a broader issue in West African media: the unauthorized broadcast of Nollywood content. This isn’t an isolated case—several filmmakers, including Omoni Oboli, Bimbo Ademoye, and Ruth Kadiri, have previously raised concerns over piracy by Ghanaian broadcasters.
Nosa Rex emphasized that such illegal broadcasts not only deprive creatives of deserved revenue but also threaten to undermine the industry’s credibility. He stressed that content creators deserve respect and fair compensation for their efforts.
Public and Industry Reactions
The actor’s initial strong language sparked a wave of public commentary. Some Ghanaians defended the broadcasters, suggesting that they may have misunderstood online rights or lacked proper licensing procedures. Others supported Nosa Rex, calling for stricter enforcement of intellectual property laws.
A few netizens pointed out that enforcing broadcasting rights can be complex in regions where legal frameworks are still evolving. Still, many agreed that unauthorized screenings send the wrong message about protecting creativity in African entertainment.
Why This Matters
Nosa Rex’s apology and concerns touch on key issues for the African entertainment sector:
- Protecting intellectual property rights to encourage reinvestment in quality content.
- Fostering professional standards for film production and distribution.
- Supporting Nollywood and Ghanaian cinema growth through proper licensing and broadcasting protocols.
This incident underlines the urgent need for collaboration between creators, distributors, and regulators to ensure fair treatment and mutual respect within the industry.
Following the apology, Nosa Rex has expressed intentions to work with Ghanaian broadcasters to negotiate proper licensing agreements for future films. He also called on entertainment executives to engage in creative partnerships rather than resort to piracy, urging a shift toward constructive collaboration.
Analysts suggest this could serve as a pivotal moment, encouraging more formal agreements and proactive reform within the Ghanaian broadcast sector.
Nosa Rex’s initial backlash and subsequent apology highlight an important turning point in Afro–Nigerian–Ghanaian media relations—one where disputes over piracy transform into opportunities for understanding and industry advancement. As Nollywood and Kumawood continue to define global African cinema, clear respect for content rights will be vital for sustainable growth.
