Renowned Nollywood veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo has raised serious alarms over a troubling pattern emerging within Nigeria’s nollywood-talent-pipeline/” title=”Building a Thriving Future: How … Can Cultivate a Steady Stream of …”>film sector, particularly on YouTube, where casting decisions increasingly prioritize popularity and looks over authentic acting talent.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, whose birth name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, is celebrated as one of the foundational figures in Nollywood, gaining widespread recognition from his breakthrough role in the 1992 classic Living in Bondage.
Having dedicated over 30 years to the craft, he has remained a steadfast advocate for artistic integrity, professionalism, and genuine skill in the filmmaking process.
In a recent Instagram video posted on Monday, Kanayo revealed a new direction in his career, announcing his intention to focus on collaborating with emerging and lesser-known actors rather than pursuing already established stars.
“I’m taking control of my journey on YouTube,” he declared. “Filmmaking isn’t about having a pretty face; it’s about delivering a compelling performance. Whether you have a fine face or not, that’s the path I’m choosing. If that doesn’t sit well with you, that’s unfortunate.”
He reflected on Nollywood’s early days, recalling how producers and sponsors once marginalized talented actors deemed unmarketable, effectively cutting short many promising careers.
“About 25 years ago, when Nollywood was just taking shape, some sponsors began labeling actors as ‘unsellable’ or ‘not good enough.’ This destroyed many careers. I could name names, but I’ll keep it respectful,” he recounted.
Kanayo cautioned that this harmful mindset is resurfacing through digital platforms like YouTube.
“We’re witnessing the same pattern again. Popular YouTube personalities are perpetuating this, stifling genuine talent in the industry,” he lamented.
He criticized the dominance of a select few actors who monopolize roles in YouTube productions, arguing that this practice hinders creativity and blocks opportunities for fresh talent.
“Some actors claim they’re booked solid from September 2025 to August 2026. How then can we keep producing quality content? How do we inspire new actors to join the industry? I don’t want producers to hire me just because I’m a ‘selling face.’ Hire me because I can perform,” he emphasized.
Kanayo reaffirmed his dedication to nurturing new talent through his YouTube channel, Kanayo O. Kanayo TV, urging industry players to prioritize skill over superficial appeal.
“If you’re an up-and-coming actor, join me on Kanayo O. Kanayo TV. Let’s craft compelling stories with those who truly have the ability to act,” he invited.
Though frustrated by the recurring mistakes in Nigeria’s creative industry, Kanayo remains optimistic that the current fixation on appearance will eventually diminish.
“I don’t understand why things in Nigeria often take a backward turn, and this is happening now on YouTube. But I live by the philosophy that ‘this too shall pass,'” he concluded.
Movie making is not about fine faces – Kanayo challenges Nollywood producers
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