Kanayo O. Kanayo has called for an end to xenophobic attacks in South Africa. He made the appeal on Saturday while delivering his acceptance speech at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, where he received the Industry Merit Award. The veteran Nollywood actor dedicated the award to African film practitioners, acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices of industry veterans. "This is for Africa, for everyone who works as cast and crew. Even before 1992, many of us are no longer in good health, many have returned to their villages, and many have passed on," he said.
Reflecting on his survival and longevity in the industry, Kanayo questioned what he had done to still be alive, attributing his endurance to personal sacrifice. He also urged Canal+ to continue supporting the African entertainment industry. "I want to extend a hand of friendship to Canal+, please keep this going. This is one thing that unites the whole of Africa," he said.
Kanayo used the platform to express his dismay over the ongoing xenophobic violence in South Africa. He called on Africans to speak out against the attacks targeting fellow Africans. "On this note, I am not happy about what is going on in South Africa today. Let us lend our voices against xenophobia in South Africa. We are not happy. As Africans, we cannot continue running from Africa," he said.
Sola Sobowale, another veteran actor, also received the Industry Merit Award. She thanked her fans and colleagues for their continuous support throughout her career.
Kanayo O. Kanayo condemns xenophobia in South Africa while accepting an award partly sponsored by a French multinational, raising questions about the consistency of targeting African-on-African violence without addressing broader structural influences in the continent's creative economy. His call for unity through African storytelling contrasts with the reality that major backing for such platforms comes from external corporate interests. If African industry leaders continue to rely on foreign funding while calling for pan-African solidarity, the message risks sounding symbolic rather than transformative. The speech highlights a growing tension between cultural pride and economic dependency in Nollywood's public narratives.
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