Kanayo O. Kanayo tells Ghanaian actors to stop demanding same pay as Nigerian stars

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has spoken out against what he perceives as a growing sense of entitlement among some Ghanaian actors, especially when Nigerian stars are involved in local film productions. During a recent film shoot, Kanayo, known affectionately as KOK, addressed the media about the discrepancies in how actors negotiate their salaries during cross-border projects.

Kanayo recounted instances where Ghanaian actors have demanded to be paid the same as their Nigerian counterparts, simply because they are part of the same movie. He harshly criticized this mindset, arguing that actors should recognize their individual worth and negotiate their own compensation, rather than relying on the earnings of another performer as a benchmark.

Kanayo stressed that differences in remuneration are often based on factors like experience, career history, and standing within the industry, noting that a natural hierarchy exists in the entertainment business. He pointed out, "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."

Kanayo urged Ghanaian performers to focus on determining what they believe they are worth and negotiate accordingly, rather than comparing themselves to established Nigerian actors. He advised, "Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me. Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters, it is not your business what they pay Nigerian actors."

He emphasized that such comparisons only lead to frustration and suggested that actors should secure their own pay and move on peacefully. Kanayo hinted that a recent project he was involved in had encountered a similar situation, though he chose not to specify the names of the individuals involved. His remarks have sparked renewed debate about pay disparities, experience levels, and bargaining power in collaborations between Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, particularly when prominent Nigerian actors are brought in to work on local productions.