Veteran Actor Kanayo O Kanayo Criticizes New Nollywood Actors for ‘Shoddy’ YouTube Work

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O Kanayo expressed his concerns over the perceived decline in the quality of work by new-age actors on the YouTube platform.

He criticized the “shoddy jobs” done by these actors and their approach to one-day shoots, which he believes is unsustainable and could potentially harm their health and the industry’s reputation.

Kanayo, who has been a part of Nollywood for 38 years, pointed out that the new actors charge exorbitant fees for one-day shoots, making it difficult for producers to create content that is both affordable and of high quality.

He mentioned that some of these actors take on as many as 30 to 35 scenes in a single day, which he believes is not sustainable and could lead to health issues down the line.

The actor also expressed his worries about the future of the YouTube platform in Nigeria, citing the lack of professionalism and sustainability in the way new-age actors approach their work.

He believes that these practices are not only harmful to the actors themselves but also to the industry as a whole, as they may discourage producers and viewers from engaging with Nollywood content on YouTube.

In his message, Kanayo urged these actors to prioritize their health and the long-term sustainability of their careers, rather than focusing solely on short-term financial gains.

He emphasized that the legacy of Nollywood was built “brick by brick, block by block,” and that it is the responsibility of the new generation of actors to uphold and protect this legacy by maintaining high standards of professionalism and quality in their work.

As Nollywood continues to evolve and adapt to new platforms and technologies, it is essential for both established and emerging actors to work together to ensure the industry’s continued growth and success.

By addressing issues such as those raised by Kanayo O Kanayo, the Nigerian film industry can continue to thrive and maintain its position as a leading force in African and global cinema.