Ghanaian film director Jones Agyemang has responded to comments made by veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, who recently criticised what he described as entitlement among some Ghanaian actors who demand to be paid the same fees as Nigerian stars on joint productions. Agyemang believes that Kanayo's comments are unnecessary and create unnecessary controversy. He argued that acting is a craft with different dimensions and that an actor's reputation should not automatically make him superior to colleagues in another country.
Kanayo O. Kanayo had criticised Ghanaian actors for demanding to be paid the same fees as Nigerian stars on joint productions. However, Agyemang opines that the issue should not be reduced to nationality or who commands the bigger fee. He believes that Kanayo should focus on the role he was invited to Ghana to perform instead of making comments that create unnecessary controversy. Agyemang's response follows recent comments by Kanayo in which he portrayed himself as superior to Ghanaian actors.
Agyemang questioned why Kanayo would choose to work in Ghana if Nigeria offered all the opportunities he suggested. He asked, "If there are many rich men in Nigeria, why didn’t he accept their jobs and come to Ghana?" Agyemang further accused Nigerian actors of repeatedly comparing themselves with their Ghanaian counterparts, as he believes such comparisons do little to strengthen relationships between the two film industries.
Agyemang criticised Kanayo's remarks about wealth and opportunities in Nigeria. He also criticised Kanayo's on-screen persona, which is strongly associated with ritualistic and occult-themed characters. Agyemang asked, "Apart from juju, what better role can you play again?" He believes that Kanayo should stick to his niche of ritualistic roles instead of trying to portray himself as a versatile actor.
The director urged Kanayo to appreciate Ghana and the people who brought him into the country rather than using his platform to make statements that could be perceived as disparaging the local industry. Agyemang believes that a veteran of Kanayo's stature should be more measured in his public comments. He said, "A man of your calibre shouldn’t talk anyhow. It’s wrong."
Kanayo O. Kanayo's comments have sparked a heated debate in the Ghanaian film industry. While some have supported Kanayo's views, others have criticised him for being insensitive to the plight of Ghanaian actors. Agyemang's response has also sparked a mixed reaction, with some calling for Kanayo to apologise for his comments.
The exchange between Agyemang and Kanayo highlights the ongoing debate about the relationship between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries. Key points include: Kanayo O. Kanayo's comments on Ghanaian actors' entitlement to equal pay; Jones Agyemang's response, criticising Kanayo for creating unnecessary controversy; and the ongoing debate about the relationship between the two film industries.
Key points
- Jones Agyemang criticises Kanayo O. Kanayo for creating unnecessary controversy.
- Kanayo O. Kanayo criticises Ghanaian actors for demanding equal pay with Nigerian stars.
- The exchange highlights the ongoing debate about the relationship between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries.
