Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has reflected on a difficult era in the Nigerian film industry, revealing how the rise of YouTube helped dismantle the long-standing grip of powerful movie marketers over actors’ careers.

Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, the respected actor recounted a time when Nollywood was heavily dominated by influential marketers who doubled as executive producers and wielded enormous control over the industry.

According to him, these figures dictated who worked, who didn’t, and how far an actor could grow.

Kanayo explained that it was common for these marketers to blacklist as many as 10 to 12 actors in a single year.

Those affected were rarely given the opportunity to defend themselves, as suspensions were often justified with vague accusations such as “unholy conduct” or other undefined offences.

He further revealed that actors were deliberately discouraged from building personal brands or venturing into film distribution.

Any performer who attempted to become a marketer was reportedly slammed with a ₦500,000 penalty — a staggering amount at a time when producing an entire movie could cost roughly ₦800,000.

This system, Kanayo noted, left many actors financially stranded and creatively restricted, unable to take control of their own careers or explore new opportunities within the industry.

However, he said the tide began to turn with the emergence of YouTube and other digital platforms. These new channels enabled filmmakers and actors to connect directly with audiences, effectively bypassing the long-standing dominance of traditional marketers.

Also Read: Fresh Cement Price Hike Sparks Fears of Deeper Housing Crisis in Nigeria

According to Kanayo, the digital revolution not only weakened the old power structures but also ushered in a new era of independence, growth, and creative freedom for Nollywood professionals.