Yoruba Nollywood actress Bukola Raji, popularly known as Aminatu Papapa, has opened up about the harsh realities she faces as a married woman in the Nigerian movie industry.
In a recent interview on Talk2Dunnis TV, Raji spoke candidly about the obstacles she encounters while trying to grow her career in Nollywood. She revealed that her marital status has become a major hindrance, limiting the professional support she receives.
Raji pointed out that the entertainment industry, especially Nollywood, can be an unfriendly space for married women. She explained that many men in influential positions often expect personal favors in exchange for the assistance they offer, making it difficult for women who choose to remain professional.
Bukola Raji revealed that once people in the industry realize a woman is married or not open to romantic involvement, the support she receives often disappears.
She shared that this has personally affected her, recalling instances where individuals who had initially promised to help her suddenly backed out after learning she was married—and even expecting a child with her husband.
Raji further explained that her husband’s consistent presence by her side has sparked resentment among some people in the industry, making her journey even more challenging.
Raji noted that rather than offering support, some individuals question why her husband frequently accompanies her, treating his presence as a nuisance to their own interests.
She suggested that this mindset often comes from their frustration at being unable to manipulate or take advantage of her, thanks to the protection her committed marriage provides.
She said: “I’ve faced a lot of challenges in the Nollywood industry. However, I have faith in God that my helper will come at the time God has set. One of my challenges is that men no longer want to help me because I’m married. Some even get angry whenever I’m around my husband and questioned why he is always following me around. However, I don’t care about all of that because my husband remains the best, and if I ever come to this life again, I pray that he is the one I get married to. He is calm and understands me.”
she said, “I appreciate my husband, Lukman Raji a lot, and I will always choose him over anybody else. He has been very supportive of me, and he always tries his best to satisfy me. I used to say that I can’t date an actor, but I fell in love with my boss Lukman Raji. I got married to Lukman Raji, but he is my boss alongside Murphy Afolabi and actor Baraka.”
Watch interview below