Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, popularly known as KOK, has spoken strongly about a pay dispute involving a Ghanaian production.
The actor became visibly upset while recalling the disagreement over payment for a movie project.
He explained that the dispute happened on the same project where he was expected to work.
KOK said his position in Nollywood came from decades of work and dedication.
He described himself as one of the people who helped build the Nigerian movie industry.
The veteran actor also rejected comparisons between his fees and those of Ghanaian actors.
KOK said actors in Ghana should negotiate their own payments based on their value.
“I am KOK. I was among the founding fathers. You now wake up in Ghana. They called KOK to come and act in Ghana; you, Ghanaian boy, will now insist they pay you the same fees as me,” he said.
He further stressed that there are different levels within the movie industry.
“There is hierarchy even in heaven. The movie industry has 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.”
The remarks have brought fresh attention to payment differences between Nollywood and Ghallywood actors.
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor, popularly known as Mama G, was also asked about her own payment for the Ghanaian project.
She chose not to disclose the amount she received.
However, Mama G noted that payment differences can work in both directions.
She pointed out that some Ghanaian actors have reportedly earned as much as $10,000 in Nigeria.
Her comment suggests that cross-border film work can offer high-paying opportunities to actors from both countries.
The Ghana-Nigeria actor pay dispute reflects a wider conversation about how performers negotiate their fees.
