Nollywood Veteran Kanayo O. Kanayo Urges Filmmakers to Prioritize Realism in Dressing and Makeup

Nollywood veteran, Kanayo O. Kanayo, has raised concerns about the misleading representation of dressing and makeup in movies, cautioning filmmakers to align with movie costumiers for more accurate depictions.

In a video posted on his Instagram page, Kanayo emphasized that many Nollywood producers often prioritize aesthetics over authenticity, creating a false impression through misleading visuals.

Captioning the video, he wrote, “Many Nollywood Producers paint the wrong picture of dressing/Makeup in the movies, all in the name of the fine picture. It’s misleading.”

Kanayo highlighted the role of filmmaking as an influential platform for shaping national development, particularly in preserving the culture and traditions of the people. He pointed out that the reality is that wealthy individuals often dress casually, with emphasis on their expensive wristwatches, footwear, and T-shirts rather than traditional attire like Agbada.

The veteran actor questioned the unrealistic portrayals in movies, such as a man fully dressed while resting on a sofa at home or a woman wearing full makeup while cooking. He also expressed his astonishment at the practice of women sleeping with wigs and full facial foundation.

Kanayo stressed the importance of realism and authenticity in the images created by filmmakers, noting that part of his PhD dissertation focused on the role of Nollywood in shaping and sustaining Nigerian cultural identity.

He urged the industry to strive for credibility and develop a strong character that cannot be ignored on both national and international agendas. Drawing a parallel with the success of the music industry’s Afrobeat genre, Kanayo emphasized that Nollywood has the potential to surpass their achievements and gain greater recognition and financial rewards.

In conclusion, Kanayo called on his colleagues in the industry to be mindful of the messages conveyed through their films and to prioritize accurate representations that align with Nigerian culture and identity.