I Was Paid N1,500 On Living In Bondage - Kanayo O Kanayo
Does the name Anayo Modestus Onyekwere mean anything to you?
Nothing or just a little may be. What about Kanayo O Kanayo? Now I can hear you
scream wow. But the two names belong to the same person, who undoubtedly is one
of the biggest practitioners in Nigeria’s movie industry. Born
on 1st March 1962 in Mbaise Imo State, Kanayo O Kanayo who is fondly called KOK
by his friends has invested an unbroken 33years in acting with 20 of the years
in Nollywood, an enigma he played frontal role in creating.
Alumni of the
University of Lagos, KOK who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy
and Masters Degree in Political Science from the same institution rose to
national stardom when he acted Chief Omego in the pioneer buck buster movie
‘Living In Bondage’ an instant hit that marked the beginning of Nollywood. This
was followed later by another chat- buster called ‘Circle of Doom’. Although he
was paid a miserly N1,500 for his role in Living in Bondage in 1992, KOK who
has appeared in over 250 movies has become so priceless in the industry that he
now pockets millions of Naira to make appearance in any movie or anchor a big
event. Before Nollywood, KOK worked with NTA as Guest Artist where he played
roles in the New Masquerade alongside veterans like Zebrudaya, Giringory,
Prince Jegede Shokoya and Ovuleria.
He was
part of the Village Headmaster, featured on Television Play House, At Your
Service and later in some popular Soap Operas like Checkmate and Ripples. For
his outstanding performances he has received several professional and service
awards both from Nigeria and from abroad including Afro Hollywood Award London
2000, African Actor of the Year 2006, Ambassador Award New York 2009 and
Nollywood Award of Excellence among many others. In exclusive
interview with Daily Times, KOK who once described himself as the oldest man
standing in Nollywwod explains why he now combines acting with active politics,
why PDP is his preferred Platform as well as revelation on some family matters.
He spoke with Bonaventure Melah
DT:
You have spent so many years as an actor, in fact 33 years in all, 20 years of
which you spent in Nollywood. Why the sudden deviation? What are you looking
for in Nigerian politics?
KOK:
What do you call deviation? Is it a departure from a norm or standard? Please
explain to me, what is the norm or standard for engaging in service, especially
service to one’s fatherland? If a Medical Doctor, Architect, Engineer etc
aspires for a political office; is that Deviation? So you call Arnold
Swazznegger’s venture and Governorship of the State of California a deviation?
What about Ronald Reagan?
I
think it’s wrong to assume that the National Assembly is meant for lawyers
only, for instance. The Assembly would always need individuals with diverse
background and varied experience.
So for
me, I think the second part of your question will suffice with the answer: to
contribute further to national development through the socio-political,
academic and technical knowledge I have accessed.
DT:
Certainly Sir, you have paid your dues as an actor having featured in many
plays like The New Masquerade, The Village Headmaster and Soap Operas like
Checkmate and Ripples and then in some of the most successful Nollywood movies
like Living in Bondage, Circle of Doom and the rest. Do you think you are
prepared for politics? Do you have the requisite experience in Human
Management?
KOK: I
have been in several areas in the private sector managing men and resources. My
understanding so far has been very intriguing. It’s fascinating. Human capacity
development and what you refer to as human management are essentially related.
To
develop human capacity, people must be given platforms to express their talents
in a very friendly environment. That way the inner capabilities will surface.
No individual is without a talent. I have allowed men, women, boys and girls
who have worked under me as PR practitioner, actor etc to express themselves
without limitations, and to those I have mentored it has been a rewarding and
worthwhile experience. When I am confronted with such statement as ‘Do you
think you are prepared to play Politics’ it elicits the feeling of treachery.
As a Masters Degree holder in Political Science from the revered University of
Lagos, I feel somehow offended by that street definition of politics as simply
characterized by thuggery, arson, ballot box snatching, killing, maiming etc.
That statement makes me remember what Shirley Maclane said “It is useless to
hold a man to anything he says while he is in love, drunk or running for
office”. “I do not know how to play politics, I know how to serve”.
DT:
Specifically Sir, what do you want to achieve in politics, first for yourself
and then for the community, the nation?
KOK:
To be part of the restoration of the dignity of man. It is self evident that
politics offers a wider opportunity for effecting change, access to government
and the governed, show the light and the people will find the way. For my community,
I want to be continuously seen as an asset to its people, development, and
standards for measurement of values and creative enterprise. And for this great
country, that has offered me access to harnessing my other talent, I want to be
one of the ideological dispatch riders of this nation by imposition of
ideological supremacy on the psyche of our people – what the former Senate
President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, would refer to as Quotable Quotes. With
my varied talents, I do not want to be a passerby nor an on looker to the
events that shape our nation.
DT:
You have made a first attempt in elective politics. Tell us your experience in
Nigerian Politics based on your earlier outing.
KOK:
With my aspiration to represent the good people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise
Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives in 2011, I have very mixed
experiences. What an aspirant goes through is a reflection of a sad reminder
why some people win and do little or forget their constituents. The impact of
money in our politics is a very challenging expedition. The ship of state
cannot be steered with our kind of politics. Every constituent mounts a toll
gate in front of his or her house, office or any location of meeting and would
gladly extol the virtues of the visitor but will be quick to add that “The
children’s school fees have to be paid”. What an aspirant goes through to be
elected to any position is somewhat reflective of how much corruption has
become monstrous.
If we
must succeed to building a preferred Nigeria, Money Politics must be de –
emphasized. The question should be; What are you bringing to the table, what
values have you created, how ready are you to defend the people and
constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria etc. Aside this, money bags
will keep on hijacking our common wealth and common sense.
DT:
What then is your plan for 2015? What platform would be considering?
KOK:
The year 2015 looks far, yet very near. My people will decide. I am in constant
touch with my constituency and in regular consultation with the needs,
challenges and aspirations of my zone. My membership of the PDP is by choice,
political prostitution is not an option to effective representation. The year
2015 is the bridge, when we get to the bridge we will cross it. We crawl, walk
or run, but surely we will cross it.
DT:
Let us now go to acting and Nollywood. You were there in Nollywood from the beginning.
You featured as one of the lead actors in the pioneer movies that birthed
Nollwoood and has been there all through, what can you say about Nollywood? Has
it been a success story? What are the challenges and necessary interventions
that would move the industry to its destination?
KOK:
Nollywood is a sure, definite success story; the only industry in Nigeria that
came from nothing to something; never enjoyed any government patronage yet
became a brand. However, Nollywood as presently constituted got to its peak
before it started.
I
recall with nostalgia the days in Lagos, Enugu etc when production buses moved
in different directions for shoot. We were at work, producers generated
employment, directors developed technical know-how to those who understudied
them, fledging actors emerged. There was passion and practitioners were
committed.
What
you watch on DSTV now is what I would describe creatively as “Operation was
successful, but the patient died”. This was how good we were ten years ago. The
grass is no longer green. The days and years of passion, commitment, creative
engineering has dissipated. I feel very bad to be reporting this very sad
commentary.
For a
clearer understanding of those outside the precincts of Nollywood, the industry
was nurtured by the benevolence of traders who did their best to produce movies
in video cassette format. There was no design to build an industry. Till date
also, no design has been made to build an industry, hence, the industry is
largely unstructured.
The marketers/distributors
as designated also doubled as executive producers (sponsors) did utmost
“miracle” of turning around this video market to a world brand of film making.
They took all the risks but failed to employ the services of experts who could
help it transit to the level of sustenance it needed for new trends and
challenges that evolved. There is a lot to say but for another day.
By
intervention, government must buy into the industry and bail it out. If those
who laboured and made Nollywood an international brand are finding it difficult
to appropriate from the $200m facility, it is the duty of government to remove
whatever obstacles there are so that resources can be ploughed into the art and
entertainment industry to strengthen it. There has been absence of
institutional funding mechanism.
For
the survival of Nollywood, the following points are critical:
a.
Establishment of enabling law for enhancement of professional practice.
b.
Creation of synergy between various parastatals for greater efficiency.
c.
Promotion of foreign and local investment in the industry; favourable tax laws
in form of tax rebates and tax holidays.
d.
Practitioners especially actors should be sponsored to international festivals.
DT:
Can you tell us the most passionate roles you have played in different movies
that give you sense of satisfaction and those you really wouldn’t have taken if
you had choice?
KOK: I
do not romanticize over passionate roles or dispassionate ideas. Every role
represents a gap between a character and its linkage to other characters. But
suffice it to, say that
“Lost
Kingdom” produced by Infinity Merchants in 1999 presented a glimpse of how
people graduate from one crime to the other. It was exhilarating to lead one of
the largest casts in a Nigerian movie set to achieve that standard of movie
production in 1999.
I
would not have taken those that did not put Nigeria first, those that lacked
social relevance to the labours of our heroes pasts, those that had strong
dictates from executive producers who only thought about profit and not about
creative enterprise.
DT:
In most movies, you play the roles that portray you as prominent and reputable,
sometimes as a chief, rich businessman, top politician, king maker and at other
times, godfather. Is it by design that you get these roles? Do the roles you
are given have anything to do with what you think of yourself, your
aspirations, your dreams?
KOK:
Not by design but by casting. The casting directors or panel decide who plays
what. The actor has no contribution to this, only his flexibility does.
DT:
Also, how does your role in movies affect your relation with the public? We ask
because you always take up roles that depict you as shrewd, arrogant,
dangerous, conniving businessman, dangerous politician and notorious godfather?
How do people see you?
KOK: I
am at home with the roles I play. I am at peace with the Almighty God for
giving me the talent to exhibit what he implanted in me. My fans see my role as
close to nature and are proud of me, as I am of them in their millions. God
bless Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike. I say this with every sense of
modesty, I am one of the most beloved actors of this generation. I do not know
why people love me this much.
DT:
You are one of the most eloquent speakers in Nollywood. People say they study
English through your movies. What did you study and where?
KOK: I
give God almighty praise and thanksgiving for the gift you described but I’m
challenged to be better than that off screen, and I must confess that I have
received accolades and commendations from various quarters. This is where I
challenge those who lack respect and decorum for those who appear on TV, to be
wary. Some of us are imbued with both native and academic intelligence. I have
a diploma in mass communication, BA Philosophy, diploma in Law, M.Sc Political Science
all from the University of Lagos.
DT:
33 years as an actor, 20 years in Nollywood, are you satisfied with what life
has offered you with regards to fame and fortune?
KOK: This is one area I may not have wanted to comment on. I am constrained for
the reasons of evaluation of the years gone by, especially for posterity sake
to say that God has been most benevolent with life and talent. If not for
artistic and intellectual contentment, I would have left a long time ago. The
actor in Nigeria is loved but not respected. My contemporaries in other
disciplines have better stories to tell than I do. My children are expected to
go to the best schools, fame has smiled on me but fortune frowns constantly and
threatens my retirement.
DT: If you were
not an actor, what would you have been doing?
KOK: A mouth and eye for those who murmur and voice for those who are voiceless
– a lawyer.
DT:
Would you like to tell us about yourself? Who is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere? Who
is Kanayo O. Kanayo? What’s the difference between the two personalities?
KOK: I
was christened Anayo Modestus Onyekwere on the 1st of March, 1962 to Mr and
Mrs. Donatus and Isabella Onyekwere of Nru Umueze, Oboama Ezinihitte Mbaise,
Imo State. I had a Spartan upbringing under the watchful eyes of my elder
brother, John Onyekwere in Enugu. My parents as Christians were very strict in
discipline and never spared the rod. My father was soft spoken, I never heard
him in fierce discussion with anybody, my mother was deeply religious and
taught me the best religion on earth – humility. A good singer and local
dancer, both have passed on, I am the light they have left behind. KOK is my
professional name and the brand Anayo leverages on without differences. One and
same; no more, no less. My philosophy of life has had to change a few times.
Presently, it is that “He who holds what belongs to a child will definitely
release it when the hands begin to ache”. My fortune and that of Nollywood is
being held by people who don’t value entertainers; those who have refused to
quantify our contributions to national development.
DT:
On a final note, can you offer an insight into your private life, age, family,
passion, love life, anything?
I am
married to Nneka Onyekwere and we have a family of four. A girl ( Uloaku
Valerie -12 years) and 3 boys (Clinton “Onye Eze Mbaise” – 10 years,
Kosisochukwu Montell – 8 years, Einstein – 4 years). They all live with me
happily in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos.
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