Kanayo O. Kanayo
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has criticised a growing trend in Nigeria’s film industry, where producers, especially on YouTube, prioritise looks and popularity over acting talent.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Monday, Kanayo, born Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, warned that this practice was undermining the growth of Nollywood.
“Movie making is not about having a fine face; it’s about being a good actor and a good performer,” he said. “If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate.”
The seasoned actor, who rose to fame in the 1992 classic ‘Living in Bondage’, announced that he would focus on working with fresh and lesser-known talents through his YouTube platform, Kanayo O. Kanayo TV.
He recalled similar challenges during Nollywood’s early years, when sponsors sidelined promising actors they deemed unmarketable, effectively ending many careers. According to him, the same mistake is now being repeated with YouTube-based productions.
“Some of these so-called YouTube faces are monopolising roles, and it is killing talent in the industry,” he cautioned.
Kanayo expressed frustration at how new actors are being left out while a handful of performers dominate projects. He urged producers to give opportunities based on ability, not appearance or fame.
“I don’t want any producer to call me for a job because I’m a selling face. Call me because I can deliver,” he stressed.
Despite his concerns, the actor expressed optimism that the trend would eventually pass, insisting that true talent would always outlive hype.