Veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has spoken out against Ghanaian actors who demand the same fees as Nigerian stars in joint movie projects. According to Kanayo, some Ghanaian actors question the fees paid to Nigerian actors and then ask producers to give them the same amount. He made these comments while working on LilWin's upcoming movie, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), which features several Ghanaian and Nollywood stars.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, popularly known as KOK, expressed his concerns in a viral social media video. He stated that actors should negotiate their fees based on their own experience, reputation, and value to a production, rather than comparing themselves to established Nigerian actors. "There's hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there's hierarchy. Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don't equate yourself with me," he said.
Kanayo O. Kanayo also advised Ghanaian actors to focus on negotiating their own fees rather than comparing themselves to Nigerian actors. "Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters that it's not your business what they pay Nigerian actors. Go and negotiate your own and receive it," he said. He claimed that this issue had come up during the production of A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), where some Ghanaian actors questioned the fees being paid to Nigerian performers.
The movie, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu), is a cross-border production that brings together established Nigerian and Ghanaian actors. Some of the Nigerian actors who have joined the project include Patience Ozokwor, Mike Ezuruonye, Zubby Michael, and Destiny Etiko. Ghana and Nigeria have maintained close links in film for decades, with Nigerian productions enjoying a large audience in Ghana and Ghanaian actors also building careers in Nollywood.
Kanayo O. Kanayo's comments have sparked a conversation about the dynamics between Ghanaian and Nigerian actors in the film industry. While some may see his comments as harsh, others may view them as a necessary reminder of the importance of negotiating fair fees based on individual merit. The issue highlights the complexities of collaboration between actors from different countries and the need for clear communication and understanding.
The collaboration between Ghanaian and Nigerian actors has led to the creation of several successful productions in recent years. However, Kanayo O. Kanayo's comments suggest that there are still challenges to be addressed, particularly when it comes to issues of compensation. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how actors from different countries navigate these complexities.
Kanayo O. Kanayo's advice to Ghanaian actors is clear: negotiate your own fees and don't compare yourself to others. While this may not be a popular message, it is an important reminder of the importance of fairness and transparency in the film industry. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more discussions about issues like this in the future.
Key points
- Kanayo O. Kanayo criticizes Ghanaian actors demanding equal fees with Nigerian stars in joint movie projects.
