Kanayo O. Kanayo Demands Lifetime Streaming Royalties for Nollywood Actors
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has ignited a crucial industry-wide debate by calling for the implementation of lifetime streaming royalties for Nigerian actors and actresses. The award-winning actor and lawyer has proposed that the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) establish a policy mandating ongoing royalty payments for performers featured in films distributed on streaming platforms.
A Call for Structural Change in Nollywood
Kanayo's proposal comes at a critical juncture for Nollywood, as the industry has transitioned from traditional VCD distribution to global streaming platforms while maintaining outdated payment structures. He argues that performers should continue earning from their craft long after production concludes and has suggested creating a dedicated agency to oversee compliance nationwide.
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant, given the increasing number of reports about financial difficulties faced by once-prominent Nigerian actors. Just last month, veteran actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, popularly known as Papa Ajasco, revealed his ongoing financial struggles despite decades in the industry, stating he lacks both a car and a house of his own.
Industry Veterans Speak Out on Financial Realities
Patience Ozokwor recently articulated the core issue bluntly: "The reason why Nollywood actors and actresses are poor is that we don't get royalties for what we do, we only get paid for our appearance at the shoot." Her statement echoes similar concerns raised by other industry veterans, including Hanks Anuku, who made public pleas for financial assistance two years ago after experiencing post-Nollywood hardship.
These testimonials reveal a consistent pattern highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in how performers are compensated for their contributions to Nigeria's film industry.
Mixed Reactions from Industry Professionals
The proposal has generated diverse responses from Nollywood stakeholders. Writer-director Jadesola Osiberu responded with sarcasm, suggesting that if actors want royalties, they should also contribute to covering producers' losses proportional to their screen time, highlighting what she perceives as the one-sided nature of the demand.
Producer and actress Bolaji Ogunmola offered a more direct perspective, stating that if actors desire backend earnings, they should negotiate equity stakes and invest in projects upfront rather than seeking guaranteed payouts after completion. She emphasized the need for shared risk and reward in film production.
The Structural Challenges of Implementing Royalties
Industry observers note that comparisons to the music industry may be misleading. In more established film industries, residuals are tied to carefully negotiated distribution contracts enforced by unions with decades of legal infrastructure and industry-wide support.
In Nollywood's current structure, platforms like Netflix typically pay producers fixed licensing fees for exclusive rights without contractual obligations to distribute payments to cast members. Implementing a royalties mandate would require a fundamental renegotiation of how Nollywood finances, contracts, and distributes its content.
AGN President Acknowledges the Compensation Gap
AGN President Emeka Rollas has previously acknowledged this compensation gap, noting that Nigerian actors lack residuals and royalties that serve as "the major source of an actor's income" in more developed film industries. He has observed that Nollywood actors typically receive one-time payments per project without continuing rewards for work that may outlive its initial release.
While the conversation Kanayo has initiated is undoubtedly necessary, the industry currently lacks both the collective will and structural framework to implement such changes comprehensively. The debate continues as stakeholders grapple with balancing fair compensation with practical industry realities.
