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Tag: KANAYO O KANAYO

  • Kanayo O Kanayo launches channel, reveals what Nollywood really needs

    Kanayo O Kanayo launches channel, reveals what Nollywood really needs

    Kanayo Kanayo, the veteran Nollywood actor has taken charge of his destiny with the launch of his YouTube channel.

    The 63-year-old via his social media pages also disclosed that he doesn’t need a good story and a fine face to push his movies.

    He argued that movie making isn’t about an actor having a fine face or looking good, but rather about being a performer.

    The ‘Living in Bondage’ actor went down memory lane disclosing how sponsors ended the career of talented actors they believed couldn’t sell films.

    He acknowledged how the new faces on YouTube are beginning to bring up similar things, where talents will be killed in the industry.

    Speaking further he said “I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands as it pertains to my channel on YouTube. I have decided to tell a good story. It doesn’t have to be with a fine face. Movie-making is not about being a fine face. It’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate.

    What happened years ago, when some sponsors killed the careers of talented actors whom they believed could not sell films, is beginning to rear its ugly head. 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? How then do we create magic? How do we create stories or encourage new actors to come into the business if it’s only the self-acclaimed faces on YouTube? It’s not good for the industry.

    If you are a new face, let’s create magic on the Kanayo O Kanayo TV on YouTube.”

  • How we built Nollywood with tears and blood – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    How we built Nollywood with tears and blood – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has reflected on the struggles and sacrifices made by some of the pioneers that helped shape the Nigerian movie industry.

    In a post shared on Instagram on Monday, the 62-year-old reflected on the dedication and effort that many actors and filmmakers put into building Nollywood from scratch.

    The actor while referring to American actor Denzel Washington said the hours invested in Nigerian film productions were so intense that they could change a person physically.

    “If Denzel Washington puts in the number of hours I put in the production here, his colour will change to charcoal the next day. Because we built this industry with tears, sweat, and blood,” he wrote.

    He continued: “Some of us are lucky to still have our health in good place.”

    Looking back at the early days of Nollywood, Kanayo said: “We started this industry at a time when there was a light called 2K. If they bring one 2K on you, they will remove from your name.”

  • It’s freedom of speech – Kanayo O Kanayo backs Davido controversial remarks on Nigeria economy

    It’s freedom of speech – Kanayo O Kanayo backs Davido controversial remarks on Nigeria economy

    Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has thrown his support behind Afrobeats star Davido, following widespread criticism over his recent comment on advising Nigerians in America and Black Americans against relocating to Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) recalls that the singer had urged black Americans, especially Nigerians not to return home, mentioning the country’s current economic distress. This he said appearing on The Big Homies House podcast.

    Davido said: “Leave America and go where? Go back where? It’s not cool back home. My country now, the economy is in shambles. ’The exchange rate is messed up. A lot of stuff not going well. The economy is not just good anymore. The pil prices are too high. Imagine a country that produces oil. We produce the oil and we paying more money for oil than a country that imports the oil”

    The  singer’s remarks elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians and celebrities alike, including notable figures like Reno Omokri, broadcaster and actor Patrick Doyle and Nymat who accused Davido of being unpatriotic.

    However, in a video shared on Instagram, the veteran actor, urged Nigerians to respect Davido’s right to express his views, dismissing calls for an apology.

    He emphasised that Davido’s remark were made in good faith to highlight the plight of ordinary Nigerians.

    “Nigerians, make una leave Davido alone about the comment he made; it’s freedom of speech and he made it in good faith.

    “It is left for those in power to work harder to give us a better Nigeria. We need to build a better Nigeria,” the actor said.

    Addressing demands for an apology he added, “Some people say he should apologise; apologise for what?

    “He’s a Nigerian, and he made his statement in good faith. Those who criticise us want the best out of us. Davido and his family can feed well, but he speaks for other Nigerians who cannot.”

  • Is this hatred? – Kanayo O. Kanayo laments high presence of military, police checkpoints in South East

    Is this hatred? – Kanayo O. Kanayo laments high presence of military, police checkpoints in South East

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has taken to social media to lament bitterly about the high number of police and military checkpoints on South East roads.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the veteran via his Instagram page on Wednesday disclosed that he recently travelled through the Lagos-Ibadan express road and did not see any military or police checkpoints.

    He noted that commuters plying South East roads cannot travel within 200 meters with experiencing these security operatives at different checkpoints harassing and humiliating them.

    The movie star cum producer further questioned the government if the high numbers of checkpoints stems from a place of  hate or dislike for indigenes of the South East.

    He said, “I left Felele Olorunshogo area of Ibadan this morning at about 7.15 and this is exactly 8.15 and I am in Lagos. I found out one thing. Over a distance of 80 kilometers, I didn’t see one checkpoint, one police checkpoint or an Army checkpoint, Have you ever plied the Onitsha/Enugu expressroad. Did you ever count the number of police checkpoints or military checkpoints on Enugu-Onitsha road?

    “Why is the South East militarized and policed that you cannot go for more than 200 meters without a police checkpoint. I need to ask this question because the delay in journeys and humiliation people go through needs to be pointed out. The number of police checkpoints, collection points? They humiliate our people so badly that most times people in the vehicle are asked to come down and hands up? Is this hatred? Is this dislike? This is not good. Is the South East still part of Nigeria?”

  • Kanayo O. Kanayo reacts to death of Nollywood actor who was among kidnappers killed by police in Lagos

    Kanayo O. Kanayo reacts to death of Nollywood actor who was among kidnappers killed by police in Lagos

    Veteran Nollywood actor cum producer, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo  has publicly disowned an actor who was alleged to be a kidnapper, killed by the Police command in the Ladipo area of Lagos.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that popular film producer and former Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON), Seun Oloketuyi, via his Instagram on Monday, shared photos of Prince Henry Ode, alleging the fast rising actor was amongst the gang of kidnappers killed during the shoot out in Ladipo.

    Reacting, Kanayo on Tuesday cautioned bloggers to exercise diligence in labelling individuals as ‘actors and producers.’

    Introducing himself, the actor stated, “My name is Kanayo O Kanayo, a Nollywood actor and a lawyer. And why I made this introduction is because I’m one of the protectors of the Nigerian entertainment industry in word and in deed.”

    He continued, revealing his concerns about the reports. “I just read this breaking news: ‘Nollywood actor amongst nine alleged millionaire kidnappers killed by Police in Lagos.’ And I begin to ask, who is a Nollywood actor, who is a Nollywood producer?” he said.

    The actor further highlighted several instances people easily claim to be part of Nollywood.

    “Is it somebody who calls himself a producer, assembling some girls or boys conducting an audition taking money from those that need to be auditioned that makes him a producer?” he questioned.

    “An actor is now somebody who leaves his trade, finds Nollywood a fertile ground to foist his activities?”

    Kanayo emphasised the need for the media to properly identify true actors and producers.

    “We must begin to identify who is an actor and a producer,” he asserted.

    The movie star commended the Nigerian police for their efforts in making Lagos safe.

    He added, “Please bloggers, influencers, journalists, and so on, be mindful of those you refer to as Nollywood producers and actors. It affects some of us. We need to investigate. It’s beginning to become a bad name for all of us who practice this trade, who depend on it.”

  • It’s an inheritance mentality for someone to send you money and you reply with ‘Seen’” – Kanayo Kanayo

    It’s an inheritance mentality for someone to send you money and you reply with ‘Seen’” – Kanayo Kanayo

    Veteran Nollywood actor cum producer, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo has slammed entitled Nigerians who lack the attitude of gratitude.

    The veteran actor, via his Instagram page questioned the reasons people are ungrateful as he pondered on why someone would send another money, and they would reply with a text saying, “Seen’.

    Kanayo who called such attitude, an inheritance mentality, stated that gratitude unspoken is indirectly ingratitude spoken.

    He made entitled Nigerians know that it isn’t their right to be given money by another as he admonished them to be grateful.

    “Why are people so ungrateful? You do them a favour by sending them money, and the person receives it and sends you a text saying ‘seen’. Common, you think it is your right? That’s an inheritance mentality. See, gratitude unspoken is ingratitude spoken. It isn’t your right; learn to be grateful for whatever anyone does for you. In that way, the person would do more”.

  • Teen actress Angel Unigwe to sue Kanayo O. Kanayo over allegations

    Teen actress Angel Unigwe to sue Kanayo O. Kanayo over allegations

    Fast-rising actress, Angel Unigwe have reacted to allegations made by veteran Nollywood actor cum producer Kanayo O. Kanayo.

    It would be recalled that Kanayo via his social media, claimed the teen actress breached a contract  for a film production, accusing the teen actress and her mother of allegedly holding movie producers to ransom.

    The 62-year-old filmmaker further, threatened to disrupt any future movie productions involving Angel and even to “cancel” her, citing an incident where the teen star was taken off a movie set at 9pm despite the set being contractually scheduled to close at midnight.

    In response, Unigwe in a statement by her manager Juliet, on Monday debunked the claims, describing them as “false and scandalous.”

    The manager clarified that the actress left the set after fulfilling her duties as per their agreement, which stipulated a wrap-up time of 9pm.

    Labeling Kanayo’s statements as ‘’Cyberbullying’’ and ‘’gennder-based oppression’’, Juliet  mentioned that legal actions have been initiated.

    She elaborated saying, “Between the 17th of June 2024 and the 19th of June 2024, Miss Unigwe participated in a film project under clear and agreed terms, most important of all being a daily wrap time of 9 PM.”

    She explained that “Although there were concerns about filming 57 scenes in three days, Kanayo and his director, Ndufreke Matthew, assured them that the schedule would be manageable within the agreed 12-hour shooting days from 9 AM to 9 PM, with no extensions due to Angel’s prior commitments.”

    Juliet added that on the final day, the shoot extended by 45-50 minutes, but they did not complain, respecting the understanding they had with Kanayo.

    “Upon completion of the shoot, we left the location without protest from the director or the production manager, Cosmos Neaihe, having performed our obligations,” she stated.

  • Kanayo criticises ‘sugar daddies’ for funding actresses, says they make male actors look lazy

    Kanayo criticises ‘sugar daddies’ for funding actresses, says they make male actors look lazy

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, has criticised wealthy Nigerian men who spend lavishly on actresses in the entertainment industry.

    The 62-year-old actor said that such financial support creates the perception that male actors are not working hard.

    According to the veteran actor during a recent episode of “The Honest Bunch” podcast, financial disparities between entertainers, jeopardises the careers of their male counterparts.

    “Many Nigerian rich men patronize our women and give them benefits that make us look like we are not working hard. Nigerian rich men spend money on our girls to the extent that it impoverishes us and makes it look like we don’t work hard,” he said.

    Kanayo elaborated on the disparity: “You call a girl, she says she wants to do a production, she’s your girlfriend from whatever benefits she gives you. How much is she asking for this production, N150m, N100m? But me wey be KOK, go and work hard my friend, we all men.”

    The veteran actor further pointed out that male actors often face financial difficulties without any support: “It’s not a good situation. Have you seen any lady ask for financial help for medical expenses? No, it’s only the men. We are an endangered species.

    “Many girls are desperate to act, telling a man do with me whatever you want. When you offer a man and say, Oga give me that role, I will come to your hotel, what is this, I am not a child. What do you expect?” he queried.

    The veteran actor said it’s now a trend for actresses to undergo cosmetic surgery to fit into the industry.

    “You go do BBL, you have it and puff it up. Most of the girls are coming to Nollywood to learn how to act. You don’t come to Nollywood to learn how to act; you come to Nollywood to exploit your trade and make it better. Acting is in you, if it’s not in you, go and sell crayfish,” he added.

    Kanayo further spoke on lack of unity within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). He lamented that many actors who have achieved stardom fail to participate in guild activities.

    “People who hit stardom say, ‘I have no business with this.’ There needs to be a clarion call for everybody to know that we are better off being under a guild, We are better of being under an association, protecting our general interest.

    “But when you have people who do not have that kind of feeling it becomes bad. So, it’s a work in progress, its the continuum to call on the actress and AGN president, which is executive to keep on working to bring in actors together and for actors to know, not just when we go for burial hours, not when we have candle nght. Team work makes the gym walk that we need to work as a team and we will have more respect if we work as an association that we have more respect,” he said.

  • Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo o Kanayo reveals when he would quit acting

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo o Kanayo reveals when he would quit acting

    Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo popularly referred to as KOK has said he wishes to continue acting even when he turns 90.

    The thespian stated this in the teaser of the upcoming episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, co-hosted by Nedu, Husband Material, and Deit Cole.

    According to him, the desperation to act by untalented people, especially ladies, poses a threat to the film industry.

     

    “Many girls are desperate to act. You don’t come to Nollywood to learn how to act. Acting is in-built. If it’s not in you, go and sell crayfish.

    “Let us run some people out of the [movie] industry. I want a situation where at 70, 75, 80, 90, I will still be acting,” he said.

    The veteran movie star also alleged that drug abuse and homosexuality have taken over Nollywood.

    Kanayo began acting career in 1982, acting in productions by the Nigerian Television Authority. He made his debut movie appearance in the year 1992 in the film Living in Bondage.

    He has starred in over 200 movies.

  • Kanayo Kanayo calls out teen actress and her mother, issues strong warning to movie producers

    Kanayo Kanayo calls out teen actress and her mother, issues strong warning to movie producers

    Veteran Nollywood actor, cum movie producer, Kanayo Kanayo has issued a warning and a clarion call to Nollywood movie producers over fast-rising actress, Angel Unigwe.

    The veteran in a video that surfaced on his social media, called out the teen actress and her mother, accusing them of allegedly holding movie producers to ransom.

    The 62-year-old film maker alleged that Angel Unigwe’s mother is infamous for the behaviour but didn’t believe it, until it happened to him.

    Kanayo said he had engaged the services of the actress in an upcoming movie and had made an agreement with her mother, which she didn’t stick to.

    Kanayo, in a message to movie producers, told them not to engage the actress in any movie or risk having their movie set disrupted by him.

    “I am making this video to protect the entertainment industry in Nigeria. A particular woman has been holding producers to ransoms and it is unfortunate it has happened to me.

    “Unfortunately she is Angel Unigwe’s mother. A contract is breached by every producers, orally or written and it’s all respected but I found out that immediately this woman takes money from you, everything changes. She took her daughter at 9pm when the particular date that we agreed hasn’t expired. She came at 9pm and took her daughter

    “I have gotten reports from people before it happened to me. This is a Clarion call to producers, I beg you in the name of professionalism, from this moment to the first day of July, 2024 any set that employs the services of Angel Unigwe, I will come to that set and make sure filming doesn’t hold. Her mother has been threatening many producers”.