Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has revealed that the rise of YouTube played a major role in freeing Nollywood actors from years of control and intimidation by powerful movie marketers.
Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, the actor reflected on a time when marketers, many of whom doubled as executive producers, wielded enormous power over actors’ careers and the industry at large.
According to Kanayo, these marketers enforced strict rules and regularly punished actors, sometimes suspending 10 to 12 performers in a single year without giving them an opportunity to defend themselves.
He explained that the accusations were often vague, with actors being punished for what was loosely described as “unholy conduct” or other unclear offenses.
Kanayo further disclosed that marketers were strongly opposed to actors promoting themselves or venturing into film marketing. Any actor who attempted to become a marketer was reportedly fined ₦500,000 — a staggering amount at the time, considering that the average movie budget hovered around ₦800,000.
As a result, many actors were financially and creatively trapped, unable to grow, expand their influence, or take control of their careers.
He said the tide began to turn with the emergence of YouTube and other digital platforms, which gave actors direct access to audiences and removed the dependence on traditional marketers.
According to him, online platforms opened new doors for Nollywood talents, allowing them to tell their own stories, build personal brands, and regain creative freedom.
Kanayo’s remarks have since sparked conversations online, with many agreeing that digital platforms reshaped Nollywood and reduced the grip of gatekeepers who once controlled the industry.
"YouTube rescued the industry from ravaging wolves who were doubling as marketers."
– Kanayo O. Kanayo pic.twitter.com/voSuISXqJl
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) January 18, 2026
