Veteran actor condemns growing trend in movie-making
Nollywood veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has condemned the growing trend of ‘selling faces’ rather than showcasing persons with acting talent in the Nigerian film industry, especially on YouTube-based productions.
The renowned actor, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the film industry, took to his social media platforms in a video clip to express his concern.
According to him, movie making is not about having a fine face, rather it is about being a good actor, a good performer.
He added that it is far better to focus on working with God giving talented persons than lesser-known actors and actresses.
“I have decided to take my destiny in my own hands as it pertains to my platform on YouTube.
“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 is what I have decided to do. If you don’t like it, well, that is quite unfortunate,” he said.
The actor further warned against recurring practice in the early days of Nollywood, where sponsors and promoters allegedly blacklisted talented actors simply because they were not deemed commercially attractive.
“There was an incident many years ago when we were trying to bring up this Nollywood business, about 25 years ago.
” Some sponsors woke up and started branding actors: ‘this one is not a good one, this one does not sell films.
” They killed the careers of those guys. I can mention names, but for the sanctity of this broadcast, I won’t,” he added.
Kanayo lamented on the acclaimed YouTube faces were beginning to bring up the same thing, killing talents in the industry.
He criticised acclaimed ‘popular faces’ that dominate the streaming space , warning that it stifles creativity and discourages new actors from entering the field.
“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? I don’t want any producer to call me for a job because I’m a selling face on any platform. Call me because I can deliver,” he stressed.
Kanayo has reaffirmed commitment in creating opportunities for emerging talents, calling on industry players to embrace inclusivity over popularity.
“If you’re a new face, come on, let’s do magic on Kanayo O. Kanayo TV on YouTube. Let’s create stories with people who can deliver, who can act,” he advised.
The actor expressed both frustration and optimism on the somersault happening now on YouTube.
“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.”
