Veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has spoken out against some Ghanaian actors demanding equal pay with their Nigerian counterparts on movie sets. Kanayo, a founding father of Nollywood, made these comments during an interview with a Ghanaian media outlet while in Ghana for a production alongside Patience Ozokwo and others. He expressed displeasure at the attitude, emphasizing that hierarchy exists in the movie industry just as it does in other areas of life.
According to Kanayo, it has become common for some Ghanaian actors to pressure producers to match the fees paid to Nigerian stars. He revealed that this situation played out on the project he is about to shoot in Ghana, and he was persuaded not to mention the names of the Ghanaian actors involved. Kanayo stressed that he was one of the founding fathers of Nollywood and warned them against comparing themselves to him.
Kanayo advised the Ghanaian actors to negotiate their own fees instead of equating themselves to him. He emphasized that there is a hierarchy in the movie industry and that they should focus on their own worth rather than comparing themselves to established stars like himself. Kanayo also warned that if they continue down this path, they may face consequences.
Kanayo's comments have sparked a conversation about the dynamics between Nigerian and Ghanaian actors in the movie industry. As one of the most respected figures in Nollywood, his words carry significant weight. Kanayo has built a reputation for speaking out on issues affecting the industry, particularly when it comes to money ritual movies.
Throughout his career, Kanayo has become well known for his roles in money ritual movies and for speaking about them. His comments on Ghanaian actors demanding equal pay have raised questions about the fairness of pay scales in the industry and how actors from different countries interact with one another on set.
Kanayo's statement that "there is hierarchy even in heaven" and that the movie industry has its own hierarchy was seen as a call for Ghanaian actors to understand their place and negotiate accordingly. He urged them to focus on their own worth and not compare themselves to established stars.
The incident highlights the ongoing conversation about pay equity and fairness in the African movie industry. Kanayo's advice to Ghanaian actors to negotiate their own fees and not compare themselves to Nigerian stars is a timely reminder of the importance of understanding one's worth in the industry.
Key points
- Kanayo O. Kanayo criticizes Ghanaian actors for demanding equal pay with Nigerian stars.
- He advises them to negotiate their own fees instead of comparing themselves to established stars.
- Kanayo emphasizes the importance of hierarchy in the movie industry.
