Kanayo Raises Concern About Worrying Trend in Nollywood: “Movie Making Is Not About Fine Faces”
- Kanayo O. Kanayo has shared his observations about a worrying trend in Nollywood regarding movie productions
- The actor discussed his colleagues' preference for facial looks that can sell films over talent
- Kanayo O. Kanayo also referred to Nollywood movies shared on YouTube, which have ignited reactions
Popular actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, also known as Nnayi Sacrifice, has addressed a worrying trend in the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, regarding movies shared on the video-sharing platform, YouTube.
In a recent video shared on his Instagram page, Kanayo pointed out that there is now a preference for good looks that can sell movies over actual talent.
Source: Instagram
According to the veteran actor, movie production was not about having a pretty face but about being a skilled actor and performer.
Kanayo recalled his past experiences in Nollywood years ago when some sponsors damaged the careers of talented actors they believed couldn't sell films.
Kanayo noted that the popular YouTube faces are beginning to promote the same approach, thereby stifling talent in the industry.
Source: Instagram
"It happened many years ago. That singular act by movie sponsors buried the Acting career of many Actors. It's happening again. We need to halt it," he said.
"The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing: killing the talent in the industry. Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How do we sustain the content of what you watch?" Kanayo asked.
He also called on new faces to join him as he prepares to tell stories through movie productions.
“I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands when it comes to my YouTube channel. I have decided to tell a good story. It doesn’t have to be with a pretty face. Movie-making is not about having a good-looking face. It’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate," he said in part.
In related news, Kanayo made a bold claim about his seniority over his colleague, Pete Edochie, in Nollywood.
He, however, added that people like himself, Pete Edochie, and Nnebue, among others, should not be left out in the movie industry's history.
The video of Kanayo speaking about Nollywood and YouTube faces is below:
Reactions to Kanayo's comment on Nollywood trend
Legit.ng captured some of the reactions, which are shared below:
chisomlokoye said:
"I purposely avoid YouTube movies with popular recycled faces, especially when I know they can’t act & it’s just vibes. So yes to new faces!"
iamdaniel_eric said:
"True sir and this is telling on the Nigerian fanbase because we can comfortably watch a Hollywood film without knowing any cast in it, but when it comes to nollywood, fans wouldn’t pay attention when they don’t see popular faces. It’s something that should be looked into."
grace_ofure said:
"God bless you even other industries do the same you see business people when they have program they looking for those speakers that their father has a name hmmmmm."
creat_moore said:
"Yes so they labelled just few promoted them the rest buried then all we see is 1 particular face in all movies."
What Kanayo said about wedding in his hometown
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Kanayo defended his hometown, Mbaise, Imo state, following a viral video of wedding talks that crashed over bride price demands.
The actor stated that the bride price was relative and varies in the Eastern part of the country
He also dismissed the generalisation of expensive bride price and demands in the southeast.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
