Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has expressed concern over what he described as a growing obsession with “fine faces” and popularity in YouTube movie productions, warning that the trend could undermine the future of Nigerian cinema.
Speaking about the vision for his personal YouTube channel, the actor said he is focused on delivering strong storytelling and authentic performances rather than relying on commercially appealing faces.
“I have decided to take my destiny into my own hands as it pertains to my channel on YouTube. I have decided to tell a good story. It doesn’t have to be with a fine face. Movie-making is not about being a fine face. It’s about being a good actor, a good performer. If you don’t like it, that’s unfortunate,” Kanayo stated.
He noted similarities between the current YouTube trend and past practices in Nollywood, when sponsors sidelined talented actors for not being “marketable.”
“What happened years ago, where some sponsors killed the career of talented actors whom they believed could not sell films, is beginning to rear its ugly head,” he said.
Kanayo added that reliance on a small circle of “acclaimed YouTube faces” risks stifling opportunities for emerging talent.
“The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing: killing the talents in the industry. Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How do we sustain the content of what you watch? How then do we create magic? How do we create stories or encourage new actors to come into the business if it’s only the self-acclaimed faces on YouTube? It’s not good for the industry,” he warned.
Kanayo stressed that his YouTube projects will spotlight good stories and capable actors, rather than prioritizing popularity.
His comments add to ongoing conversations about Nollywood’s evolving digital presence and the balance between commerce and creativity.
