Veteran Nollywood star Kanayo O. Kanayo has raised alarm over what he sees as a dangerous shift in the Nigerian film industry, especially on YouTube, where casting choices are increasingly based on popularity and looks rather than acting talent.

In a video message shared on his Instagram page, the actor announced that he would focus his efforts on working with new and less-known actors instead of relying on already popular names. “I’ve decided to take charge of how I use my YouTube platform,” he said. “Film is not about fine faces, it’s about acting, performance, and skill. That’s what I’m committed to. If anyone feels differently, that’s their problem.”

Kanayo compared the current situation to the early days of Nollywood when sponsors and promoters sidelined talented actors because they didn’t look marketable. According to him, many promising careers were destroyed as a result. “Back in the day, about 25 years ago, some sponsors branded actors as ‘not good enough’ or ‘not marketable,’ and that killed careers. I could name names, but for the sake of respect, I won’t,” he recalled.

He warned that the same pattern is reappearing in the digital space, where a handful of so-called “YouTube faces” dominate productions, making it hard for new talents to break through. “Some of these actors are already booked solid for a whole year, and that limits creativity. How do we keep producing fresh content if only a few people keep taking all the roles? I don’t want to be cast simply because I’m a selling face. Call me because I can deliver,” he emphasized.

Kanayo said he intends to use his YouTube channel, Kanayo O. Kanayo TV, as a platform to mentor and showcase new talents. He invited young, passionate performers to join him in creating meaningful stories. “If you’re a fresh face and you can act, come let’s make magic on my channel. Let’s tell stories with real talent,” he urged.