VETERAN Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo has urged Zambian creatives to tell authentic stories that reflect their identity, saying there are no shortcuts in the creative industry.
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Speaking to journalists upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Nollywood legend, dressed not in his usual all-black spiritual regalia but in cool white travel threads, shared insight into the decades long journey that shaped Nigeria’s booming film industry.
“Whatever is good doesn’t come easy,” said the Nollywood star.
“Nollywood did not just appear from the skies. It involved a lot of sacrifice by many people who worked as a team tirelessly, sweat and blood for the past 35, 38 years to evolve.”
The man who made ritual movies a household genre in African cinema explained that Nollywood’s rise was a product of sacrifice, patience, and unity of purpose among creatives who pushed boundaries despite limited resources.
He further advised the Zambian creative sector to learn from Nigeria’s mistakes and make use of their local languages, traditions, and cultural expressions in their productions.
Kanayo said Africa’s strength in film lay in its diversity and Zambia has the potential to export powerful stories if artists remain focused and avoid copying foreign styles at the expense of local identity.
“We are here to share our experience and do counsel, to share the story of Nollywood. Not to make you make the same mistakes we made but for you to tell your own native stories. Wear your native dresss, eat your local food and go international,” he said.
Kanayo added that he yearned for a Zambia that would create employment to its citizens through the creative industry.
“We want an industry that will create employment for Zambians. In every industry, the name of the game is innovate or die. Nigerian industry innovated. We did stage plays and then what you see on screen came and then we embraced technology,” said the legend.
The Nollywood icon, famed for his iconic satanic roles in African cinema alongside fellow Nigerian actor Tony Umez, known for confessing undying love to women, jetted into Lusaka this afternoon ahead of the African Creatives Business Summit, which kicks off today, running until June 27.
The African Creatives Business Summit is expected to bring together industry players across the continent to share ideas and strengthen partnerships in the creative economy.
Meanwhile, Tony Umez said he was eager to learn about the Zambian creative industry and only then will he advise the industry.
By George Musonda/ Catherine Pule
Kalemba, June 25, 2025
