Kanayo O. Kanayo tells Ghanaian actors to stop demanding same pay as Nigerian stars

Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has taken aim at what he describes as a growing sense of entitlement among some Ghanaian actors, particularly when Nigerian stars are brought in for local film productions.

The actor, popularly known as KOK, made the comments on the set of a new film project, where he spoke to the Ghanaian press about the differences in how actors negotiate their fees during cross-border productions.

According to Kanayo, he has encountered situations where Ghanaian actors demand to be paid the same amount as their Nigerian counterparts simply because they are appearing in the same movie.

He said such actors sometimes question the fees agreed with Nigerian stars and insist that they should receive an equivalent amount for their roles.

Kanayo pushed back strongly against that approach, arguing that actors should understand their individual value and negotiate their own fees rather than use another actor’s earnings as a benchmark.

He also stressed that experience, career history and standing within the industry naturally create differences in remuneration, saying hierarchy exists in the entertainment business.

“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.

“There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy.”

Rather than demanding parity with established Nigerian actors, Kanayo advised Ghanaian performers to assess their own worth and negotiate accordingly.

“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 urged actors to focus on securing what they believe they are worth and move on without allowing comparisons with their colleagues to become a source of frustration.

“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 further revealed that the issue was not merely theoretical, saying a similar situation had reportedly occurred on the Ghanaian production he is currently working on.

He said he had almost mentioned the names of the actors involved but decided against it after being advised not to do so.

His comments have reignited discussion about pay differences, experience and bargaining power within Ghanaian and Nigerian film collaborations, particularly when established Nigerian stars are brought onto local productions.