Entertainment
Kanayo O. Kanayo says Nollywood now casts popular faces instead of real talent
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.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
