Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has said the emergence of YouTube played a major role in liberating Nigeria’s film industry from years of control and pressure imposed by powerful movie marketers.
Speaking during an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, the respected actor recalled a difficult era in Nollywood when influential marketers, many of whom also doubled as executive producers, dominated the industry and dictated the careers of actors.
According to Kanayo, these marketers wielded enormous power and enforced strict, often arbitrary rules, leaving actors with little or no freedom. He revealed that in some years, between 10 and 12 actors were suspended from the industry without being given a fair opportunity to defend themselves.
The actor explained that the reasons for such punishments were usually unclear and loosely defined. Allegations were often labelled as “unholy conduct” or other vague accusations, making it difficult for affected actors to understand or challenge the decisions taken against them.
READ ALSO: Controversy Over US Airstrikes in Nigeria
Kanayo noted that the marketers were determined to maintain total control over the industry, ensuring that actors did not promote themselves independently or attempt to become marketers. According to him, any move by an actor to build personal influence or visibility outside the marketers’ structure was strongly resisted.
He said the situation began to change with the rise of digital platforms, particularly YouTube, which gave filmmakers and actors direct access to audiences. The platform reduced the marketers’ monopoly over distribution and promotion, allowing creatives to tell their stories without seeking approval from a few powerful individuals.
Kanayo added that YouTube empowered actors and producers to take charge of their careers, create content freely and generate income without interference. This shift, he said, marked a turning point for Nollywood, encouraging creativity, competition and independence within the industry.
The veteran actor’s comments have since sparked conversations online, with many industry stakeholders agreeing that digital platforms have transformed Nollywood. Others noted that while challenges remain, the rise of online streaming has significantly reduced the influence once held by traditional marketers.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, a prominent figure in Nollywood for decades, remains known not only for his iconic roles but also for his outspoken views on the evolution of the Nigerian film industry.
