Kanayo O Kanayo is a veteran Nigerian filmmaker
Veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo has criticised what he considers an increasing sense of entitlement among some Ghanaian actors when Nigerian stars are engaged for local film productions.
The actor, widely known as KOK, raised the issue while speaking to the Ghanaian media on the set of a new movie, where he discussed how actors determine their fees when working on productions across borders.
Kanayo said he had encountered instances where Ghanaian actors questioned why they were not being paid the same fees as Nigerian actors featured in the same production.
According to him, some Ghanaian actors believe they deserve equal remuneration simply because they are part of the same movie, regardless of differences in experience, career achievements and industry standing.
He argued that performers should instead understand their individual worth and negotiate their own fees rather than compare their earnings with those of other actors.
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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. There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy,” he said.
Kanayo maintained that differences in remuneration are normal in the entertainment industry, particularly when actors have varying levels of experience and influence.
He therefore urged Ghanaian actors to focus on negotiating what they believe they are worth instead of concerning themselves with the fees offered to their Nigerian colleagues.
“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 said.
He further advised actors to secure the best deal they can negotiate and avoid allowing comparisons over pay to create unnecessary tension.
“Go and negotiate your own, receive it and go and rest, and then you will have peace in your life; otherwise, I will invoke Amadioha,” he added.
Kanayo disclosed that his comments were informed by an actual incident on the Ghanaian movie set where he is currently working.
He said he had been close to identifying the actors involved in the pay dispute but eventually decided against mentioning their names after receiving advice not to do so.
