Regular panellist of UTV’s United Showbiz, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo, has dismissed assertions that the Kumasi film industry, often referred to as Kumawood, has collapsed due to internet-related conflicts involving juju practices.
Key figures within Kumawood have recounted their encounters with juju, leading them to withdraw from acting for their own protection.
Portia Asare and Kaybos came out days ago to say that juju is prevalent in the industry, as envious actors resort to such practices to undermine their peers.
During the discussion, Arnold remarked that the notion of juju being a primary cause of Kumawood’s decline may be a product of imagination, suggesting it is more psychological than tangible.
He noted that the situation is perplexing, as even the actors themselves are divided on the matter.
“I’m always confused about discussions about Juju because industry players that are said to be experiencing it are divided over it. I’ve heard LilWin say there’s no juju in the industry. I’ve also seen Yvonne share her experience about being struck with eye problems on set while shooting Abdul Salam Mumuni’s ‘Material Girl’.
“Yvonne said the problem only cleared when she prayed and that she was certain that someone tried to kill her with juju. Kalybos also shared his experience of being a victim of juju. But I think this whole thing is psychological more often than not,” he told MzGee, the host of the show.
He continued, “The mind is huge, so when it connects to something, it becomes their reality. I am not saying these people are lying. But, for instance, in the case of Yvonne, it could even be a defect or an infection in the eye. Because her mind is tuned to the possibility of being hit by Juju, it becomes her reality.
“Kalybos’ car also might be faulty, but because his mind is fixed on the threats he received on set, he might think it’s some juju at play.”
Arnold maintained that some actors, including the likes of Fiifi Coleman, think it is just propaganda.
“Fiifi Coleman thinks this whole misconception about Juju is just propaganda. so even within their circle, not all of them believe in it,” he added.
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