Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo recently discussed YouTube’s influence on the Nigerian film industry, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks.
In an interview, Kanayo emphasized that filmmakers can upload their work on YouTube without being censored by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). He praised the platform for its accessibility, allowing creators to reach audiences from the comfort of their homes and earn money directly.
“YouTube has been a savior for the industry,” Kanayo said. “You can create content and share it without dealing with the traditional market gatekeepers.”
Kanayo recounted a challenging era when marketers held significant control over the industry, even suspending top actors like Richard Mofe Damijo. These marketers often blocked actors from promoting their films and imposed heavy fines to maintain their dominance.
“The marketers back then didn’t want actors to become marketers. They placed a ban on actors marketing their films and imposed a ₦500,000 fine to discourage them,” Kanayo explained.
He believes YouTube has broken these barriers, allowing filmmakers more freedom to express themselves. However, Kanayo also voiced concerns about the platform’s limitations, particularly regarding film quality and authenticity.
“I feel YouTube isn’t entirely realistic for showcasing technical skills,” he said. “You don’t get to see the same level of creativity, like how a bullet impacts someone or the complexity of a car crash, which involves a lot of work and planning.”
Despite these limitations, Kanayo acknowledged the financial opportunities YouTube offers, allowing people to earn money in dollars every month.
