Popular Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong has shed light on why kissing scenes have become a staple in Nigerian movies, explaining that such moments are primarily driven by audience demand and market trends rather than mere artistic choice.
Speaking on Rubbin’ Minds, a talk show on Channels Television, the 37-year-old actor said producers often include intimate scenes because they sell well and attract viewership, particularly on streaming platforms that cater to romantic and contemporary storylines.
“The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately’ or ‘hug,’ and producers do it deliberately because that’s what they’re selling—especially on certain platforms,” Etim-Effiong explained. “That’s what the audience wants; it’s demand and supply. But I think a braver way is to explore other forms of intimacy and create new ways to express affection.”
Etim-Effiong, who has featured in numerous romantic dramas, noted that his on-screen roles often attract public scrutiny. Earlier this year, he faced mixed reactions after a promotional clip for his upcoming movie Summer Rain—featuring a passionate kiss between him and co-star Bolaji Ogunmola—went viral in January 2025.
While some critics described the scene as inappropriate due to his marital status, others defended the actor, insisting that he was simply performing his professional duty. His wife, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, later addressed the controversy in March 2025, stating that she was unbothered by his roles and confident in their marriage.
Responding to questions about criticism and public perception, Etim-Effiong maintained that he remains focused on his purpose as an actor and storyteller, rather than the opinions of “naysayers.”
“The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles means I get to have kissing scenes sometimes,” he said. “People feel it’s become one too many, but the question should go to the producers—why are they expressing affection only in one particular way? There are several other ways to show love and connection. When you’re focused, you don’t let public opinion derail your mission.”
The award-winning actor, who won Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series at the 2022 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), also spoke about how his Christian faith influences his creative decisions.
“I get all my inspiration from God,” he said. “I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss. My family is my garden, then my work. Acting is a purpose for me, and that’s why I had the courage to leave engineering—a well-paying job—to pursue storytelling. It’s more than a career; it’s a form of worship.”
Etim-Effiong also discussed his directorial debut, The Herd, a crime thriller produced by Toritori Films and FilmOne Studios. The film follows the harrowing story of a man kidnapped on his way back from a wedding in Ekiti, while his wife risks everything to bring him home safely.
According to the actor, the story carries a deeply personal connection. “It struck a chord because my late mother once did everything to ensure my father, who was arrested by the military, came back alive. It felt like a story I was familiar with, so I developed it further,” he shared.
The Herd premiered in cinemas across Nigeria on October 17, 2025, marking Etim-Effiong’s evolution from actor to filmmaker and reaffirming his passion for telling powerful, emotionally grounded Nigerian stories.
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