Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has recalled the hardships endured by early Nigerian filmmakers, emphasizing that the industry was established through the “tears, sweat, and blood” of its trailblazers.
In a Monday Instagram post, the actor made a striking comparison to Hollywood, suggesting that if American star Denzel Washington experienced the harsh working conditions common in Nollywood, “his color would turn to charcoal.”
“If Denzel Washington puts in the number of hours I put in the production here, his color will change to charcoal the next day. Because we built this industry with tears, sweat, and blood”, he said.
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Kanayo further noted that despite the grueling work and physical demands their passion for acting entailed, many of the pioneers remain hale and hearty.
“Some of us are lucky to still have our health in good condition. We started this industry at a time when there was a light called 2K. If they bring one 2K on you, they will remove it from your name,” he added.
