Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has voiced strong concerns about what he sees as a growing problem in the Nigerian film industry, especially within YouTube productions.
In a video posted on Instagram, the legendary actor lamented that casting decisions are now being driven more by physical appearance and popularity rather than true acting talent.
Kanayo explained that he has chosen to take a different direction with his personal YouTube platform, stressing that filmmaking should be about performance, depth, and skill, not looks or fame.
Drawing from Nollywood’s early struggles, he recalled how talented actors in the 1990s were sidelined by sponsors who didn’t consider them “marketable.” According to him, that same mistake is now resurfacing on YouTube, where a small group of popular faces are being recycled across productions, while emerging talents are ignored.
“The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing, killing talents in the industry,” he warned, adding that the practice was suppressing creativity and limiting opportunities.
He also raised practical concerns about sustainability, noting that some of these popular actors are already booked solid for up to a year:
“Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How then do we sustain content? How do we create magic? How do we encourage new actors to join the business?”
Kanayo stressed that he wants to be hired for his acting ability, not simply because he is a “selling face”:
“Don’t call me for a job because I’m marketable on any platform. Call me because I can deliver.”
Despite his frustrations, the respected actor ended on a hopeful note, expressing faith that the industry will correct itself:
“I don’t know why when things come to Nigeria, there’s always a somersault, and this somersault is happening now on YouTube. But I believe this too shall pass.”
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