By Joyce Ekeh
Veteran Nollywood actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has cautioned Ghanaian actors against demanding the same fees paid to their Nigerian counterparts when they feature in the same movie productions.
Kanayo, popularly known as KOK, spoke shortly after arriving in Accra, Ghana, for a movie production, where he said the issue had again surfaced.
According to the veteran actor, some Ghanaian actors had developed the habit of comparing their earnings with those of Nigerian actors, insisting on similar fees.
He urged actors to negotiate their remuneration based on their individual experience, profile and value rather than what other actors earn.
“I am KOK. I was among the founding fathers. You now wake up in Ghana… They call KOK to come and act in Ghana; you Ghanaian boy, will now insist they pay you the same fees as me.
“It happens even up to today. There is hierarchy even in heaven. In the movie industry, there is hierarchy.
“Negotiate what you want to be paid. Don’t equate yourself with me.
“Tell your Ghanaian brothers and sisters, it is not your business what they pay Nigerian actors. Go and negotiate your own, receive it and go and rest, and then you will have peace in your life; otherwise, I will invoke Amadioha.”
Kanayo said the disagreement had also emerged in the Ghanaian production he was preparing to commence.
He disclosed that he was ready to identify some of the Ghanaian actors allegedly involved in the fee dispute but was advised against naming them.
The actor maintained that performers should focus on negotiating fair remuneration for themselves rather than comparing their fees with those of colleagues from another country.
