Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has voiced concern over what he calls a dangerous trend in the Nigerian film industry—prioritising “selling faces” over genuine acting skill, particularly in YouTube-driven productions.
Kanayo, born Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, is one of Nollywood’s most revered pioneers, celebrated for his groundbreaking role in the 1992 classic Living in Bondage. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has become a symbol of Nollywood’s golden era and a vocal advocate for its future.
In a video message shared on Instagram on Monday, the actor announced his decision to focus on discovering and working with lesser-known but talented performers.
“Movie making is not about having a fine face, it’s about being a good actor, a good performer. So, with or without a fine face, that’s what I’ve decided to do. If you don’t like it, well, that’s quite unfortunate,” he declared.
Warning Against History Repeating Itself
Kanayo recalled how, in Nollywood’s early days, sponsors sidelined gifted actors who were deemed “unmarketable,” killing promising careers. He fears this toxic culture is re-emerging in today’s YouTube-dominated scene.
“Such a thing is beginning to rear its ugly head again. The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing, killing talents in the industry,” he lamented.
Call for Inclusivity Over Popularity
The actor criticised the overreliance on a handful of so-called “streaming stars,” warning it stifles creativity and blocks opportunities for rising talents.
“Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How then do we sustain the content you watch? How do we create magic? How do we encourage new actors to come into the business? Don’t call me because I’m a selling face; call me because I can deliver,” he stressed.
Opening Doors for New Faces
Reaffirming his commitment, Kanayo invited aspiring actors to collaborate with him on Kanayo O. Kanayo TV on YouTube, promising to build stories around real talent rather than popularity.
“If you’re a new face, come on, let’s do magic… let’s create stories with people who can act,” he urged.
Despite his frustration, he ended on a note of hope:
“I don’t know why when things come to Nigeria, there’s always a somersault, and this somersault is happening now on YouTube. But I want to employ my life’s philosophy to say: this too shall pass.”
