'Apart from juju, what better role can you play?' – Ghanaian director blasts Kanayo

Ghanaian filmmaker Jones Agyemang has criticised veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo over comments he made about Ghanaian actors during his stay in the country for a film project. Agyemang has described some of Kanayo’s recent remarks as unnecessary, arguing that the Nigerian actor appears to be presenting himself as more accomplished than his Ghanaian counterparts. His reaction comes after Kanayo criticised some Ghanaian actors for what he considered an unreasonable sense of entitlement over remuneration. Earlier Kanayo questioned why Ghanaian actors on joint Ghana-Nigeria productions would expect to receive fees comparable to those paid to established Nigerian stars. However, Agyemang believes the conversation should be centred on talent and the different demands of acting rather than the nationality or financial value attached to an actor. He argued that an actor’s long-standing reputation does not automatically place that person above others in the profession, insisting that every performer has areas in which they excel. Taking a direct swipe at Kanayo’s acting career, Agyemang questioned the range of roles for which the Nigerian actor is best known. 'Negotiate your own fees' – Kanayo tells Ghanaian actors comparing pay with Nigerians “Apart from juju, what better role can you play again?” Agyemang asked, referring to the ritualistic and occult-themed characters that have become associated with Kanayo’s screen persona. “What other character has he portrayed in his acting which has elicited emotions of viewers? Coming here doesn’t make you any superior. Focus on the job for which you were brought here. Acting comes in dimension, so he should stick to his niche of ritualistic roles,” Jones said. The filmmaker also challenged Kanayo’s comments about the abundance of wealthy people and opportunities in Nigeria. He questioned why the actor would travel to Ghana for work if Nigeria had all the opportunities he suggested were available there. “If there are many rich men in Nigeria, why didn’t he accept their jobs and come to Ghana?” he asked. Jones Agyemang further criticised what he sees as a recurring tendency by some Nigerian actors to measure themselves against Ghanaian performers. In his view, such comparisons only create tension and do little to promote stronger ties between the two countries’ film industries. He urged Kanayo to show greater appreciation for Ghana, particularly because he was invited into the country to work on a film production. Agyemang maintained that someone with Kanayo’s experience and standing in the industry should exercise restraint when speaking publicly about his colleagues. “A man of your calibre shouldn’t talk anyhow. It’s wrong,” he said. View this post on Instagram

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AK/EBSource: www.ghanaweb.com
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