Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has spoken out against Ghanaian actors demanding equal pay with Nigerian stars in film productions that cross borders. He made these comments on the set of a new film project while speaking with the Ghanaian press. Kanayo expressed frustration with the growing sense of entitlement among some Ghanaian actors. He emphasized that actors should understand their individual value and negotiate their own fees rather than using another actor's earnings as a benchmark.
According to Kanayo, he has encountered situations where Ghanaian actors demand to be paid the same amount as their Nigerian counterparts simply because they are appearing in the same movie. He stressed that experience, career history, and standing within the industry naturally create differences in remuneration. Kanayo argued that hierarchy exists in the entertainment business and that actors should assess their own worth and negotiate accordingly. He used his own status as an example, saying, "I am KOK. I was among the founding fathers. You now wake up in Ghana… They call KOK to come and act in Ghana; you Ghanaian boy, will now insist they pay you the same fees as me."
Kanayo pushed back strongly against the approach of demanding parity with established Nigerian actors. He advised Ghanaian performers to focus on securing what they believe they are worth and move on without allowing comparisons with their colleagues to become a source of frustration. Kanayo urged actors to negotiate what they want to be paid and not equate themselves with others. He said, "Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me. Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters, it is not your business what they pay Nigerian actors."
The issue is not merely theoretical, according to Kanayo, as a similar situation had reportedly occurred on the Ghanaian production he is currently working on. He revealed that he had almost mentioned the names of the actors involved but decided against it after being advised not to do so. Kanayo's comments have reignited discussion about pay differences, experience, and bargaining power within Ghanaian and Nigerian film collaborations.
Kanayo's statements have sparked a renewed conversation about the dynamics of pay and negotiation in cross-border film productions. He emphasized that there is a hierarchy in the entertainment industry, saying, "There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy." Kanayo's advice to Ghanaian actors is to go and negotiate their own fees and receive them without allowing comparisons to become a source of frustration.
The veteran actor also warned that if Ghanaian actors continue to demand equal pay without understanding their individual value, it could lead to unnecessary conflict. He mentioned invoking Amadioha, a reference that suggests he will take action if the situation escalates. Kanayo's comments have been reported by Adom TV and have sparked a reaction from the Ghanaian film community.
The discussion sparked by Kanayo's comments is expected to continue, with many in the Ghanaian film industry likely to respond to his statements. The issue of pay differences and negotiation dynamics is a complex one, and Kanayo's perspective is just one side of the conversation. As the Ghanaian film industry continues to collaborate with Nigerian producers, the issue of fair pay and negotiation is likely to remain a topic of discussion.
Key points
- Kanayo O. Kanayo advises Ghanaian actors to stop demanding same pay as Nigerian stars.
- He emphasizes that actors should understand their individual value and negotiate their own fees.
- Kanayo's comments have reignited discussion about pay differences and bargaining power within Ghanaian and Nigerian film collaborations.
