Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, who many fans fondly call “Nnayi Sacrifice,” has stirred conversation within the Nigerian film industry. Addressing colleagues and fans via his Instagram, Kanayo openly expressed his concerns about a recent trend taking over Nollywood, especially on YouTube: prioritising attractive appearances over authentic acting skill.
According to Kanayo, the evolving landscape of Nollywood is sidelining seasoned talent in favor of “good looks” that are perceived to help sell movies online. In a candid video message, he reminded the public and budding actors that the essence of filmmaking goes far beyond physical beauty—it relies on deep acting ability, professionalism, and dedication to the craft.
Reflecting on his early days in Nollywood, Kanayo recounted how certain sponsors and producers, eager to boost profits, sometimes neglected highly skilled actors simply because they didn’t fit a “marketable” image. He lamented that this perspective is now resurfacing, particularly among actors gaining fame from YouTube productions, who are, in his view, repeating past mistakes and hindering the growth of genuine talent.
He pointed out that the trend is not only impacting the careers of dedicated actors, but it could also erode the quality of Nigerian cinema, which has earned international respect for its storytelling and performance standards.
Credit: kanayookanayo
Source: Instagram
“It happened many years ago. That singular act by movie sponsors buried the Acting career of many Actors. It’s happening again. We need to halt it,” he said.
“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?” Kanayo asked.
Kanayo extended an open invitation to aspiring actors who are genuinely interested in storytelling and acting. He encouraged them to join him as he begins producing new films, with an emphasis on rich narratives and strong performances.
“I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands when it comes to my YouTube channel. I have decided to tell a good story. It doesn’t have to be with a pretty face. Movie-making is not about having a good-looking face. It’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate,” he said in part.
On another note, Kanayo sparked further attention by asserting his longstanding place in the movie industry. In a viral video, he described himself as having more seniority in Nollywood than Pete Edochie, a statement that turned heads among movie fans and stakeholders.
Despite this bold claim, Kanayo was quick to clarify that the contributions of established names like Pete Edochie, himself, and Nnebue, among others, are foundational and should not be erased from the industry’s rich history. As Nollywood continues to evolve, he encouraged respect and recognition for those who helped pave the way.
Viewers interested in Kanayo’s perspective on the current Nollywood and YouTube scene can find the full video on his Instagram page (kanayo.o.kanayo). The direct footage is provided below:
Reactions to Kanayo’s Comments About Nollywood Trends
Kanayo’s comments have generated enthusiastic reactions across social media platforms, reflecting a mixture of support, debate, and reflection from Nollywood fans at home and abroad. Below are some of the responses captured from his Instagram post (
):
chisomlokoye said:
“I purposely avoid YouTube movies with popular recycled faces, especially when I know they can’t act & it’s just vibes. So yes to new faces!”
iamdaniel_eric said:
“True sir and this is telling on the Nigerian fanbase because we can comfortably watch a Hollywood film without knowing any cast in it, but when it comes to nollywood, fans wouldn’t pay attention when they don’t see popular faces. It’s something that should be looked into.”
grace_ofure said:
“God bless you even other industries do the same you see business people when they have program they looking for those speakers that their father has a name hmmmmm.”
creat_moore said:
“Yes so they labelled just few promoted them the rest buried then all we see is 1 particular face in all movies.”
Kanayo’s Take on Bride Price and Wedding Practices in Mbaise, Imo State
In a related development, Kanayo recently addressed a widely discussed video that appeared online, which depicted a failed wedding negotiation in Mbaise, Imo State due to bride price disagreements. Seizing the opportunity to set the record straight, the actor highlighted that bride price expectations can vary widely within the region, and rejected claims that the southeastern states universally demand excessive sums.
He emphasised that any generalisation about bride price practices in the southeast is inaccurate, and cautioned both the media and the public to avoid stereotypes about his hometown and Igbo culture at large.
According to Kanayo, understanding the diversity and context of traditional practices is vital for promoting cultural appreciation and social cohesion across Nigeria’s many communities.
As debates continue over the direction and integrity of Nollywood, Kanayo’s voice serves as a call to action for industry stakeholders, actors, and fans alike: preserve quality, reward true talent, and give due credit to the originators of the Nigerian film renaissance.
What’s your take on the growing focus on appearance in today’s movie industry? Should Nollywood prioritize looks or talent? Share your views below, and follow us for more stories on Nollywood, entertainment, and culture.
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