RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
Veteran Nollywood actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, have weighed in on comparisons between Nigerian and Ghanaian actors, arguing that performers should negotiate their fees based on their individual standing rather than use the earnings of colleagues as a benchmark.
Kanayo made the remarks while in Ghana for a new film production involving Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lil Win.
The veteran actor was responding to reports that some Ghanaian actors had demanded fees comparable to those being paid to Nigerian stars participating in the production.
Kanayo rejected the comparison, arguing that experience, professional standing, market value and an actor’s individual career should influence negotiations over remuneration.
He said his own position in the African film industry had been built over decades and maintained that another actor should not automatically demand the same fee simply because they were appearing in the same production.
Kanayo encouraged actors to negotiate directly with producers for what they believe their services are worth rather than base their demands on what another performer is being paid.
Mama G also addressed the discussion after being asked about her remuneration for working in Ghana.
She declined to disclose her fee but pointed out that cross-border opportunities benefit actors from both countries, noting that some Ghanaian performers have also received significant payments for productions in Nigeria.
The Nigerian actors are among several Nollywood stars in Ghana for Lil Win’s upcoming movie, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu). Other Nigerian actors connected to the production include Mike Ezuruonye, Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko.
The discussion has renewed debate about remuneration, experience and professional value within the Nigerian and Ghanaian film industries.
Rather than framing the relationship between both industries as a contest over which country has superior actors, the remarks highlight differences in individual experience, audience reach and bargaining power when performers negotiate contracts for cross-border productions.
