Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has spoken out against the growing trend of prioritizing beauty and fame over acting skill in the Nigerian film industry, particularly in the rapidly expanding YouTube space.
With decades of experience in Nollywood, Kanayo, a respected figure in the industry, expressed deep concern that the rise of “YouTube stars” could harm the future of Nigerian filmmaking.
Kanayo, who has earned admiration for his iconic roles in Nollywood, explained that while YouTube offers exciting new opportunities for the industry, it has also brought with it a troubling focus on glamour rather than talent.
He pointed out that many content creators and viewers now seem to favor actors based on their looks or popularity rather than their ability to act.
“I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands as it pertains to my channel on YouTube. I have decided to tell a good story.
It doesn’t have to be with a fine face. Movie-making is not about being a fine face. It’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate,” Kanayo said, explaining his personal approach to his YouTube content.
Kanayo’s comments reflect a broader concern about the influence of the so-called “YouTube faces.” He fears that producers are increasingly casting individuals who are popular online rather than those who are skilled in acting.
This, according to him, could lead to the decline of genuine storytelling and the introduction of shallow content.
Drawing from his experiences in the early days of Nollywood, Kanayo recalled a time when talented actors were often overlooked in favor of actors who were considered more commercially marketable.
He believes that the same issue is resurfacing in the digital era, with YouTube producers focusing on familiar faces, even if those faces lack the necessary acting skills.
“The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing: killing the talents in the industry. Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How do we sustain the content of what you watch? How then do we create magic?
How do we create stories or encourage new actors to come into the business if it’s only the self-acclaimed faces on YouTube? It’s not good for the industry,” Kanayo added.
While Kanayo acknowledges that YouTube has opened new doors for Nollywood by expanding the industry’s global reach and providing new revenue streams, he insists that focusing solely on popularity could harm the creativity and originality that have historically been at the heart of Nigerian cinema.
For him, the solution is clear: Nollywood must return to its roots, focusing on strong acting, captivating stories, and giving fresh talent the chance to shine.
Kanayo is determined to ensure that his YouTube channel reflects this vision, prioritizing storytelling and performances over mere appearances.
Kanayo O. Kanayo’s words serve as an important reminder to both fans and filmmakers that Nollywood’s success should not only be measured by commercial success or the popularity of online personalities, but by its ability to create meaningful, authentic stories and nurture new talents who can carry the torch forward.
