Nollywood icon Kanayo O. Kanayo has raised a red flag over the booming wave of YouTube-driven productions in Nigeria, warning that the unchecked trend could cripple the very foundation of the film industry.
In a candid Instagram video posted in April 2024, the veteran actor expressed concern that while YouTube offers filmmakers quick visibility and income, the model—if abused—may erode professionalism, jeopardize actors’ health, and ultimately stunt Nollywood’s growth.
The Trouble with One-Day Shoots
Kanayo highlighted what he sees as a worrying practice: actors charging up to ₦1 million to ₦1.5 million for single-day shoots, cramming as many as 30 to 35 scenes into one exhausting marathon session.
To him, this isn’t just unsustainable—it’s dangerous. “We are not machines,” he stressed, warning that the pursuit of quick cash is putting actors’ wellbeing on the line.
Short-Term Profits, Long-Term Damage
According to Kanayo, the YouTube formula—churning out shorts and series at breakneck speed—may deliver instant revenue, but at the cost of quality storytelling. He cautioned that chasing views and ad money risks watering down the discipline and craftsmanship that once earned Nollywood global respect.
A Shift Away from Collaboration
Kanayo also lamented the growing divide between traditional producers and actors, many of whom now bypass collaborations in favor of independent YouTube projects. This, he argued, weakens the ecosystem that once fueled Nollywood’s collective rise.
Will YouTube Last?
Perhaps his boldest claim was that YouTube itself may not remain a sustainable platform for Nigerian filmmakers if current practices continue unchecked. In his view, the industry’s misuse of the platform could lead to its eventual decline in the local creative space.
A Plea, Not an Attack
Despite his sharp tone, Kanayo clarified that his criticism comes from love for the industry—not hostility. He urged actors to protect their health, uphold professional standards, and think beyond short-term gains: “Nollywood was built on sacrifice and discipline. We must not throw that away.”
Why It Matters
Health Risks: Long, compressed shoots endanger actors’ physical and mental well-being.
Quality vs. Quantity: Fast-tracked productions risk trading depth and artistry for quick clicks.
Ecosystem Breakdown: Ignoring producers undermines Nollywood’s collaborative culture.
Uncertain Future: If abused, YouTube may lose credibility as a platform for Nigerian cinema.
Kanayo’s Key Concerns at a Glance
| Concern | His Warning |
|---|---|
| One-Day Shoots | 30–35 scenes in a single day is “costly and unsustainable.” |
| Actor Health | Overwork puts lives at risk. |
| Loss of Professionalism | Short-term gains erode Nollywood’s long-term growth. |
| YouTube’s Future | Misuse of the platform may kill its relevance in Nigeria. |
