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Tag: Kanayo o. Kanayo

  • Artmosphere Nigeria to celebrate Kanayo O. Kanayo in arts, culture showcase

    Artmosphere Nigeria to celebrate Kanayo O. Kanayo in arts, culture showcase

    Artmosphere Nigeria, the nation’s premier monthly arts, culture, and social conversation event, will host and honour acclaimed actor, film producer, author, and storyteller Kanayo O. Kanayo on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Aramide Hub in Surulere, Lagos. 

    The event, themed Open Mic with Kanayo O. Kanayo, will feature thought-provoking conversations, poetry performances, and music by alternative musician Edez. 

    Speaking on the event, Babatunde Odubanwo, Curatorial Director of Artmosphere, noted that the Artmosphere Lifetime Achievement Award has been central to the vision of its founder since 2011. 

    “It serves as a platform to critically evaluate and celebrate the contributions of Nigerian artists, creatives, and social advocates who have leveraged their crafts for the nation’s development,” he stated.

    Kanayo O. Kanayo, born Anayo Modestus Onyekwere on March 1, 1962, is a distinguished Nigerian actor, lawyer, and cultural icon. He rose to prominence with his unforgettable role as Chief Omego in the 1992 classic Living in Bondage, a film credited with heralding the birth of modern Nollywood. 

    Over his illustrious career, Kanayo has featured in over 100 films, including Blood Money, Rituals, and Family Battle, earning widespread acclaim for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. In 2020, he achieved another milestone by becoming a lawyer, underscoring his dedication to personal and professional growth. 

    Read Also: Education is a right for all children, not privilege — Oluremi Tinubu 

    Kanayo has received numerous accolades, including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2014 for his contributions to the arts.

    Beyond acting, he is a mentor and youth advocate, inspiring aspiring talents through initiatives like the Kanayo O. Kanayo Mentoring Academy. 

    His recent foray into national discourse through social media has sparked meaningful conversations on critical societal issues. Additionally, he co-authored The Executor, a compelling novel exploring legal intrigues in cosmopolitan Lagos. With a career spanning three decades, Kanayo remains a pivotal figure in African cinema and culture. 

    Founded by Femi Morgan in 2011, Artmosphere is a distinguished arts, culture, and social conversation platform that bridges the gap between creatives and their audiences. 

    The event blends book readings, poetry performances, music, visual arts exhibitions, and social conversations. Over the years, it has hosted over 100 notable personalities, including Prof. Niyi Osundare, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, Chijioke Amu Nnadi, Jumoke Verrissimo, Tade Ipadeola, Romeo Oriogun, Chuma Nwokolo, Victor Ehikhamenor, Tunde Adegbola, Beautiful Nubia, Burna Boy, Kent Oxygen and Sam Omatseye. 

    Following a brief hiatus, Artmosphere was relaunched in November 2024 to commemorate the founder’s birthday. The special edition featured prominent guests such as Mrs. Esther Ivie Igbinobia, Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Lagos Zone; poet laureate Tade Ipadeola; Public Relations expert John Ogue; social advocate Ennie Sophie Oluwa; Yoruba performance poet Aremo Gemini; poet Clementina Owumi Solutionist; and visual artist Qwestman. 

    The event will be held at the Aramide Hub, a vibrant venue in Lagos’ cultural heart, Surulere. The space is dedicated to fostering artistic inspiration and expression through events, workshops, and performances, embodying a commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s artistic ecosystem.

  • Actor Kanayo introduces first son to Nollywood

    Actor Kanayo introduces first son to Nollywood

    Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has introduced his first son, Clinton Mbaise, to the movie industry.

    He revealed that Clinton will be joining his production company, Simpliciter Associates Productions, as an assistant production manager and personal assistant. 

    In a video on Instagram account, Kanayo hammered on the fact that his son is there to work and shouldn’t be given any preferential treatment.

    He said: “This is Clinton Onyeze Mbaise, my first son. And he is joining us today as assistant production manager and as my personal assistant,” he said.

    Read Also: Kanayo O. Kanayo lauds Tinubu for Third Mainland bridge repair

    “Do not treat him like my son. It is a warning I am giving to everybody. He is here to work. He is going to earn a fee like every other person. Do not begin to say na K.O.K son. I no dey for that kind thing. Treat him as a member of the production crew.”

    Kanayo also disclosed that Mbaise recently graduated from Babcock University with a degree in Information and Communication Technology.

    He added that Mbaise studied filmmaking and management before proceeding with further studies.

  • Kanayo O. Kanayo lauds Tinubu for Third Mainland bridge repair

    Kanayo O. Kanayo lauds Tinubu for Third Mainland bridge repair

    Nollywood actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge.

    Posting a video on his instagram page, the award-winning actor was seen hailing President Tinubu for the remarkable improvement of the bridge.

    He emphasised that the Third Mainland Bridge has never been in such pristine condition for all the years he has lived in Lagos.

    Expressing appreciation for President Tinubu’s efforts, KOK commended him for effectively addressing the recurring maintenance issues that previously plagued the bridge.

    Read Also: Kanayo O. Kanayo celebrates Pete Edochie on 77th birthday

    He specifically thanked the president for sparing Nigerians from the tri-monthly repairs that always made FG shut down the bridge.

    He said: “Congrats President Ahmad Tinubu, this is beautiful… you know this bridge has been shut down every three months, six months causing a lot of inconvenience to Lagosians and those who do businesses here but this is beautiful.”

    The caption of the video reads: “ Work. Chop. Nigerians no mind. Just do the work.”

  • You need to look out for those you grew up with – Kanayo O. Kanayo advises netizens

    You need to look out for those you grew up with – Kanayo O. Kanayo advises netizens

    Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo has sent out a message to his followers, advising them on the need to look out for those they grew up together with.

    The seasoned actor who is currently on holiday in his hometown, shared a video of himself alongside some kinsmen.

    KOK disclosed that one of the men was his partner during their early hustle days, recalling how they dug pit toilets for people.

    The screen-god emphasised the need for individuals to always look out for people they grew up with whether they are richer or better than them.

    Read Also: Kanayo O. Kanayo to Alexx Ekubo: I have sacrificed today for my tomorrow

    He went on to give the man some cash which left him super-excited as he appreciated KOK for the kind gesture.

    Captioning the video, he wrote: “Look out for those you grew up with.

    “Chased rats and did menial jobs with. You may have grown richer than them or in better health. Thank God. Don’t celebrate them in death. Look out for them and offer some help. At all, at all an him bad. God is waiting for you in 2024 to do that, as a thanksgiving for your continuous elevation. It is called HUMANITY. Ya gazie #KOKwillalwaysbeOK Ihe Mbaise ji ka Mba.”

  • I won’t be part of money ritual, it’s evil – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    I won’t be part of money ritual, it’s evil – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Renowned actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has firmly stated that he has never and will never partake in money rituals.

    Despite gaining fame for his roles involving the occult in movies, often referred to as ‘Nnanyi sacrifice,’ he made it clear that money rituals are not a noble pursuit.

    He also explained the origin of his popular nickname ‘Nnanyi sacrifice,’ revealing it was given to him by someone during billionaire businessman Obi Cubana’s mother’s funeral at Oba.

    The actor said that though he rejected the alias instantly after the person called him that, it managed to stick.

    Read Also: Nollywood not a platform for BBL, S3x workers, gays – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    He, however, expressed indifference to whatever names anyone desired to call him as long as he was getting paid.

    The 61-year-old thespian said: “Money ritual is not good and will never be good. I will never be part of it and have never been part of it.

    “When you hear somebody call me ‘Nnanyi Sacrifice,’ it was just the name somebody called me during Obi Cubana’s mother’s burial.

    “One thing about names is that immediately you start rejecting it, it sticks. Call me any name you like, but pay me my cheque. If we listen to the message, we will change the society more. I am just a vessel.”

  • Nollywood not a platform for BBL, S3x workers, gays – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Nollywood not a platform for BBL, S3x workers, gays – Kanayo O. Kanayo

    Popular actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has stated that the movie industry shouldn’t be an avenue or an opening for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), cooperate sex workers and gays.

    He said the Nigerian motion picture industry is supposed to be a ground for creativity.

    In an interview with Afia TV, the veteran also said the movie industry should not be a playing ground for amateurs, rather, a ground for talented professionals.

    He however said everybody is welcome to join the movie industry but added that they should make sure they’ve “calling for acting”.

    “Nollywood should not be a ground for BBL; bum bum enlargement. Nollywood should not be a ground for people doing runs. Nollywood should not be a ground where people’s dollars are stolen in hotels. All these Nollywood girls, it is not a ground for gay or lesbianism.

    “It is a ground for creativity. Nollywood is not a ground for learning how to act. Many people come to Nollywood to learn how to act. You are supposed to come to the industry to better and hone your talent. Many girls after hearing Genevieve Nnaji is a millionaire, Omotola Akande is a billionaire, would go and borrow wigs and come to the movie industry deceiving themselves.

    “We all have different sectors. Everybody is welcome but the fact is, find out whether you have a calling for acting. That your neighbor says you know how to act, doesn’t mean you are an actor. You need some element of education to come to Nollywood.

    Read Also: Kanayo O. Kanayo to Alexx Ekubo: I have sacrificed today for my tomorrow

    “It doesn’t really matter if you studied medicine and you want to act. But for goodness sake, don’t come to it because you are struggling; your business stopped booming. Because most people, once their businesses crumble, they join acting. No na. For you to be a medical doctor, you need to have put in seven years. I put in six years to become a lawyer. So, why do you think you would just come and say you want to act?

    “These days, you know what happens? If you’re a girl, whether you are fine or not. And you have a jeep SUV,  filmmakers will ask you to become an actress because they want to use your car nonstop in that movie and another movie. They will give you one role to play.

    “People are bragging about the industry because some want to sell sex, some want to sell their body, some want to do this and so on. And it’s not healthy for the industry. But everyone is welcome. But Instagram Stars are the ones who are giving the industry a bad name. And I don’t want anybody to join them because they’ve a little time and they’ll fade out,” he said.

  • Kanayo celebrates Ihedioha’s victory

    NOLLYWOOD actor Kanayo O Kanayo has joined other people of Imo State to celebrate the victory of the Imo state governor-elect, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

    Kanayo was captured in a short video jubilating with the governor-elect among other friends and well-wishers.

    Ihedioha who contested on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hails from Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise emerged the winner in the just concluded governorship election held in Imo State and other states across the country.

  • Celebs back farmers’ clamour to end empty political promises

    WITH the belief that traders and farmers formed over 75 per cent of real electorate development in the country, Nollywood stars Kanayo .O. Kanayo and Ebube Nwagbo, who were in Abuja on Monday for the ‘Farmers Manifesto and The Traders Charter of Demand Presentation’, have thrown their weight behind the farmers, who claim politicians have failed in their promises for the agricultural sector.

    The need to speak up is against the backdrop of the upcoming 2019 general elections and the certainty that politicians will come to solicit votes from members of the farmers’ association.

    Declaring her stand for the course, Nwagbo stated: “It was a great pleasure to be invited alongside my senior colleague and veteran @kanayo.o.kanayo to the public presentation of #the farmers manifesto and the trader’s charter of demand presentation to give our support and give a talk on it.

    “It was quite an eye opening one, and a cause that was much needed in the agricultural sector and Nigeria at large. It’s time for the politicians to be held accountable for all the promises made during elections. No more empty promises. It’s a known fact that the farmers and traders make up 75% of the electoral votes made during elections.

    “It’s also a known fact that the Nigerian agricultural sector is the second largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. But it’s a sector that needs not to be ignored anyway. It’s going to boost the economy situation in the most tremendous way ever if given the adequate requirements. Food security is the key in any nation and we all know that hunger is no respecter of man,” she further stressed.

    The President of National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Mr. Ken Ukaoha, added that several promises by politicians of a 24-hour power supply to help the optimal performance of businesses; free education at all level; good roads for harvested products to be conveyed from farms to markets; good health and better transportation system have all gone unfulfilled.

  • Fans support KOK’s political ambition

    NOLLYWOOD lovers of popular veteran actor Kanayo O Kanayo, are gearing up support for his political ambition for the oncoming 2019 election.

    The actor who is presently known as ‘Professor Johnbull’ in the Globacom-sponsored television serial is running to represent Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise in the House of Representatives.

    Having declared his intention, the actor has been getting well wishes from his fans, following the unveiling of his flag off poster. His fans also advised him to pursue the interest of the people and not his personal interest.

    Born March 1, 1962, in Mbaise, Imo State, the actor who is also known as KOK made his debut film appearance in the film ‘Living in Bondage’ in 1992. Since then, he has starred in many movies and in 2006, he won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

    Currently a United Nations ambassador and holder of the MFR title, Kanayo along with Kenneth Nnebue (producer of Living in Bondage), Olu Jacobs, Enoch Adeboye, Queen Elizabeth and Fela Kuti were among Nigerians honoured by the government in 2014 during the centenary celebration.

  • Genevieve Nnaji marks birthday with directorial debut

    Genevieve Nnaji marks birthday with directorial debut

    Nollywood screen goddess, Genevieve Nnaji has made her directorial debut with a new movie titled, “Lion Heart”, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    The epic movie, which is being shot in Enugu, features an array of top Nollywood stars, including veterans such as Pete Edochie, Kanayo O Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu and Nkem Owoh amongst others.

    The plot of the movie, which depicts the story of an Igbo family that is into transport business was written by C.J Fiery Obasi based on a screenplay by Ishaya Bako and Emil Garuba,

    NAN reports the release date for the movie is yet to be announced in spite of the buzz its generating among fans and industry watchers.

    Meanwhile, Nnaji who clocked 38 years on May 3, took time-off the set of the movie to acknowledge goodwill messages from fans on her birthday on her Instagram handle.

     

    NAN reports that Nnaji, in 2015 debut as a producer with the movie titled, “Long Road to Yesterday,” under her company, The Entertainment Network (TEN).

    She won the Africa Movie Academy Award(AMAA) for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2005, making her the first actress to win the award.

    Also in 2011, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contributions to Nollywood.