Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has frowned at what he describes as a troubling shift in casting practices within Nigeria’s film industry, especially on YouTube.
Kanoyo, an A-list actor, in his statement, warned that the growing preference for popular faces over acting talent could jeopardise the creative integrity of Nollywood.
Speaking on the direction of his YouTube channel, Kanayo O. Kanayo TV, the actor reaffirmed his commitment to quality storytelling and performance. He strongly expressed disdain for casting based on physical appeal and social media stardom, emphasizing that these should not overshadow the essence of good acting and storytelling.
He said, “I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands as it pertains to my channel on YouTube. 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.”
Kanayo, a seasoned actor who has traversed the Nigerian movie industry for over three decades, drew parallels between the current digital landscape and earlier periods in Nollywood when sponsors sidelined gifted actors deemed commercially unviable. His wealth of experience lends weight to his cautionary words.
He cautioned that the same dangerous trend is surfacing, being masterminded by a few of the self-styled YouTube faces” whose decisions in casting hold sway.
“What happened years ago, where some sponsors killed the career of talented actors whom they believed could not sell films, is beginning to rear its ugly head,” he said.
“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?”
This appraisal by Kanayo follows the sudden revolution of digital platforms that have gripped Nollywood, where YouTube has become a major outlet for content distribution and monetisation.
While the platform offers filmmakers unprecedented access to global audiences, Kanayo argues that it is also fostering a celebrity-driven culture that risks sidelining emerging talent and compromising artistic standards.
He called for a renaissance in Nollywood, a return to the basics of filmmaking—strong narratives, compelling performances, and opportunities for new actors to thrive.
His call to action is an inspiration for the industry to uphold these values and ensure the future of Nollywood is bright.
Kanayo said his YouTube channel will prioritise “good stories” and capable performers over marketable faces.