Nollywood veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo has raised alarm over the growing trend in the Nigerian movie industry, especially on YouTube, where casting decisions are increasingly based on popularity and physical appearance rather than acting talent.
In a video shared on Instagram, the actor said he has resolved to chart his own path. “I have decided to take my destiny in my own hands as it pertains to my platform on YouTube,” he declared.
“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.”
Reflecting on the early years of Nollywood, he recalled how some sponsors sidelined talented actors about 25 years ago, branding them as unmarketable, which ultimately destroyed careers. He warned that YouTube producers are now repeating the same mistake by recycling a small group of actors.
“Such a thing is beginning to rear its ugly head again. The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing, killing talents in the industry,” he said, adding that the monopoly of familiar faces stifles creativity and prevents new talent from emerging.
He questioned how the industry could remain sustainable when some of these “YouTube stars” are unavailable for months on end. “Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How then do we sustain the content you watch? How do we create magic? How do we encourage new actors to come into the business?”
Kanayo insisted that his desire is to be hired for his ability, not his marketability. “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 emphasized.
Despite his frustrations, he expressed optimism, concluding with his personal mantra: “I don’t know why when things come to Nigeria, there’s always a somersault, and this somersault is happening now on YouTube. But I want to employ my life’s philosophy to say: this too shall pass.”
