Funke Akindele Kamo State support grows as the actress backs Star Lomo ahead of its September 25 cinema release despite online criticism

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has publicly backed skit maker and actor Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, as his debut cinema film, Star Lomo, prepares for a nationwide release on September 25, 2026.

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Akindele congratulated Kamo State and the film’s director, Kayode Kasum, in a post on X on Tuesday, offering a prominent show of support as the project faces criticism from some social media users.

“Congrats Kamo and Kayode, this is so good,” Akindele wrote.

Her endorsement came shortly after the film’s trailer was released and sparked debate over whether Kamo State’s first major movie should receive a cinema release rather than debut on a streaming platform.

One social media user, Yhettyqueen, questioned whether audiences would be willing to pay to see the film in cinemas.

“So I’ll dress up, leave my house, order ride and pay my hard earned money to watch Star Lomo??? Did Kamo think this through???” the user wrote.

Kamo State has nevertheless remained committed to the project, asking audiences to see the film before making a judgement about its quality or commercial prospects.

The filmmaker is both the star and producer of Star Lomo, while Kasum is directing the production.

The film features a blend of established Nollywood performers and emerging talents, including Mike Afolarin, KieKie, Lateef Adedimeji and Folake Babatunde.

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Koyin Sanusi also makes a movie debut in the project, adding another layer of interest to the ensemble cast.

Kamo State responded warmly to Akindele’s public endorsement, acknowledging the influence and encouragement of the established filmmaker.

“Thank you iyamiiiiii for all you do, I’m forever grateful ma’am,” he wrote.

The support from Akindele is notable because the debate surrounding Star Lomo reflects a wider conversation within Nigeria’s entertainment industry about the changing routes available to content creators.

Kamo State emerged from the skit-making space, where short-form digital comedy has become an important route into mainstream entertainment.

His decision to take an original feature film directly to cinemas represents an ambitious step from online content into traditional theatrical distribution.

The criticism surrounding the project also highlights the expectations placed on creators moving from social media to the big screen.

For audiences familiar with Kamo State’s online work, the cinema release offers an opportunity to judge whether his comedic appeal can translate successfully into a full-length production.

For the production team, the immediate goal will be to convert that online attention into cinema attendance when Star Lomo opens across Nigeria.

With Akindele among those publicly encouraging the project, Kamo State’s cinema debut now enters its final promotional stretch under significant public scrutiny.

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Whether the film can turn the scepticism into curiosity and eventually ticket sales will become clearer when Star Lomo arrives in cinemas on September 25.