Kanayo O. Kanayo Issues Strong Warning To Ghanaian Actors Over Acting Fees

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has advised Ghanaian actors to negotiate their fees based on their individual experience, reputation and market value rather than expecting to receive the same remuneration as Nigerian actors involved in the same movie production.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Kanayo made the remarks after travelling to Accra, Ghana, for a new movie project featuring actors from both Nigeria and Ghana.

The actor claimed that some Ghanaian performers sometimes demand fees comparable to those paid to their Nigerian counterparts when working on the same production.

Kanayo explained that remuneration in the entertainment industry is influenced by several factors, including an actor’s experience, popularity, career standing and commercial value. He stressed that performers should assess their own position within the industry when negotiating contracts instead of comparing their earnings with those of more established actors.

“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,” he said.

He further argued that the film industry operates with different levels of experience and recognition, urging Ghanaian actors to focus on securing fees that reflect their own value.

“It happens even up to today. There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy. Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me,” Kanayo said.

The veteran actor encouraged Ghanaian actors to negotiate independently and avoid making their remuneration a comparison with what Nigerian stars receive.

“Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters, it is not your business what they pay Nigerian actors. 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.