Manny Ita –
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has launched a strong advocacy campaign calling for the introduction of lifetime streaming royalties for actors in Nigeria’s film industry, challenging the long-standing practice of one-time payments.
Kanayo, a respected figure in Nollywood with decades of experience, criticised the current compensation structure, where actors receive a single upfront fee regardless of how successful or widely distributed a film becomes. He argued that with the rise of digital platforms and global streaming services, actors deserve to benefit continuously from the commercial success of their work.
The actor emphasised that the traditional model is outdated and unfair, especially as Nollywood films now reach international audiences through platforms that generate recurring revenue. He noted that in more developed film industries, performers earn royalties or residuals whenever their work is broadcast, streamed, or licensed.
Kanayo’s campaign is already sparking conversations across the entertainment sector, with many actors and industry stakeholders expressing support for reforms that would ensure fairer compensation. Some producers, however, have raised concerns about the financial implications and structural changes required to implement such a system.
Industry analysts say the push for streaming royalties reflects Nollywood’s ongoing evolution from a largely informal, volume-driven industry to a more structured and globally competitive sector. They note that adopting royalty-based compensation could improve professionalism, attract talent, and align the industry with international standards.
As discussions continue, Kanayo has called on guilds, policymakers, and production companies to collaborate on frameworks that will protect actors’ rights while sustaining the industry’s growth. The advocacy is expected to intensify debates on intellectual property, revenue sharing, and the future of film financing in Nigeria.
