Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Kanayo O. Kanayo has emphasized that an actor’s primary selling point should be talent, not appearance.
In a video shared on Instagram, the “Living in Bondage” star criticized the re-emergence of a long-standing problem in Nollywood, where actors were previously blacklisted by sponsors for lacking commercial appeal. He noted that this mindset is resurfacing on streaming platforms like YouTube, creating a class of “YouTube faces” who dominate and hold producers to ransom.
“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 said.
Kanayo recounted that 25 years ago, some talented actors were sidelined because sponsors deemed them commercially unviable. He warned that the same practice is resurfacing, stifling creativity and preventing new talent from flourishing.
He criticized actors who monopolize streaming platforms, questioning how the industry can sustain content and nurture fresh talent. “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 invited new and talented actors to collaborate on his YouTube channel, promising a platform for creativity and skill. “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 said.
