A veteran figure in the Nigerian movie industry, Kanayo O Kanayo, has caused a stir on social media with his bold claim of being senior to his esteemed colleague, Pete Edochie.
In a recent interview with Afia TV, Kanayo O Kanayo emphasized the need to acknowledge individuals of his stature, including Pete Edochie, as integral parts of Nollywood history.
Diving into the archives, the 61-year-old actor firmly asserted the significance of legendary filmmaker Kenneth Nnebue’s breakthrough achievements in the 1990s. He highlighted Nnebue’s pivotal role as the first professional producer of home videos in 1992.
Further elaborating his point, Kanayo stressed that he and other actors who featured in the 1992/93 Nigerian two-part drama thriller film, “Living in Bondage,” were among the pioneering professionals who ventured into Nollywood.
Additionally, Kanayo asserted that the acclaimed 1971 Nigerian film “Things Fall Apart,” which starred Pete Edochie, was a theatrical production and not a home video effort.
The veteran actor expressed his willingness to refute any claims, even from his fellow colleagues, suggesting that Pete Edochie founded Nollywood before him.
While acknowledging that Pete initiated his movie career before him, Kanayo highlighted that Edochie entered Nollywood four years later, emphasizing that the distinction is not based on biological age.
He confidently declared his seniority to Pete Edochie in the realm of Nollywood.