Kanayo O. Kanayo Raises Concern Over Fees, Issues Warning to Ghanaian Actors

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has stirred reactions after speaking about payment differences between Nigerian and Ghanaian actors working on joint film productions.

The actor made the comments after travelling to Accra, Ghana, to participate in a new movie featuring actors from both countries.

Kanayo alleged that some Ghanaian performers sometimes expect to receive fees similar to those paid to Nigerian actors of established status.

He said such comparisons were unnecessary because remuneration in the entertainment industry depends on several factors, including experience, popularity, career history and an individual’s market value.

The actor, popularly called KOK, said there is a clear hierarchy in the movie business and urged performers to understand their own professional standing before negotiating their fees.

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“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,” he stated.

Kanayo maintained that actors should concentrate on negotiating the best possible deal for themselves instead of worrying about what producers pay other performers.

“There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy. Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me,” he said.

He further advised Ghanaian actors not to concern themselves with the salaries earned by their Nigerian colleagues.

“Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters, it is not your business what they pay Nigerian actors. Go and negotiate your own, receive it and go and rest,” Kanayo said.

The actor concluded his remarks with a humorous invoc