Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kanayo O. Kanayo has strongly criticised the Nigerian film industry for increasingly prioritising actors with “fine faces” over those with genuine acting talent. In a recent Instagram video, Kanayo condemned the trend among Nollywood producers, especially in the growing YouTube movie space, where casting often favours popularity and looks rather than acting ability.
Kanayo recounted how, about 25 years ago, sponsors and promoters blacklisted talented actors who were deemed not commercially attractive, effectively ending their careers. He warned that a similar pattern is emerging again with some YouTube actors monopolizing roles, which stifles new talent and harms the industry’s growth.
He emphasized, “Movie making is not about having a fine face, it’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, well, that’s quite unfortunate.” Kanayo announced his decision to focus on discovering and working with talented but less popular actors through his YouTube channel, Kanayo O. Kanayo TV.
Kanayo also expressed concern about the unsustainable work culture of one-day shoots with excessive scenes, cautioning that such practices harm actors’ health and the quality of productions.
He urged producers to cast actors based on skill and dedication rather than market popularity, stressing that the industry needs to nurture new talents to sustain its future and create magic in storytelling.
The actor’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges in Nollywood regarding casting practices, quality control, and the balance between commerce and art.
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