Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has criticised some Ghanaian actors for demanding to be paid the same fees as their Nigerian counterparts when they feature in the same movie productions.
Kanayo, popularly known as KOK, made the remarks while speaking with Ghanaian media after arriving in Accra for a new movie project.
According to the actor, some Ghanaian performers have developed the habit of insisting that producers pay them the same amount offered to Nigerian actors involved in a production.
He described the practice as unnecessary, arguing that actors should negotiate their fees based on their individual experience, reputation and value within the industry.
“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.
Kanayo maintained that there is a hierarchy within the movie industry, urging Ghanaian actors to negotiate what they believe they are worth rather than use the earnings of Nigerian actors as a benchmark.
“Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me,” he added, advising them to accept whatever fee they successfully negotiate and move on.
The veteran actor further revealed that the issue had also surfaced in the Ghanaian production he recently travelled to work on. He said he was prepared to mention the names of some of the actors involved but was persuaded not to disclose their identities.
Kanayo is currently in Ghana for a film production involving Nigerian and Ghanaian actors, including fellow Nollywood veteran Patience Ozokwor.
