Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has revealed that he graced the Nollywood scene before his esteemed colleague, Pete Edochie, did.
In a recent interview with Afia TV, Kanayo O. Kanayo made a firm declaration about his seniority in Nollywood, stating that figures of his stature, including Pete Edochie, should not be omitted from the annals of Nollywood history.
Delving into historical records, the 61-year-old actor staunchly maintained the significance of Kenneth Nnebue’s groundbreaking endeavors in the 1990s. He underscored Nnebue’s pivotal role as the pioneering director of professionally produced home videos in 1992.
Expounding on his viewpoint, Kanayo emphasized that he and other actors who featured in the 1992–1993 Nigerian drama-thriller film “Living in Bondage” were among the first wave of true professionals to enter Nollywood.
In contrast, Kanayo contended that the renowned 1971 Nigerian film “Things Fall Apart,” in which Pete Edochie starred, was a cinematic project and not a home video production.
The distinguished actor asserted that he is prepared to challenge any assertions suggesting that Pete Edochie laid the foundations of Nollywood before him, even if such claims are made by fellow actors.
Kanayo acknowledged that while Pete Edochie initiated his film career earlier, Edochie formally joined Nollywood four years after him, underscoring that this distinction is not rooted in biological age.
He stood firm in his belief that he holds a senior position in the realm of Nollywood compared to Pete Edochie.