Does the name Anayo Modestus
Onyekwere mean anything to you? Nothing or just a little may be. What
about Kanayo O Kanayo? Now I can hear you scream wow. But the two names
belong to the same person, who undoubtedly is one of the biggest
practitioners in Nigeria’s movie industry.
Born on 1st March 1962 in Mbaise Imo State, Kanayo O Kanayo who is
fondly called KOK by his friends has invested an unbroken 33years in
acting with 20 of the years in Nollywood, an enigma he played frontal
role in creating. Alumni of the University of Lagos, KOK who holds a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy and Masters Degree in Political
Science from the same institution rose to national stardom when he
acted Chief Omego in the pioneer buck buster movie ‘Living In Bondage’
an instant hit that marked the beginning of Nollywood. This was followed
later by another chat- buster called ‘Circle of Doom’. Although he was
paid a miserly N1,500 for his role in Living in Bondage in 1992, KOK who
has appeared in over 250 movies has become so priceless in the industry
that he now pockets millions of Naira to make appearance in any movie
or anchor a big event. Before Nollywood, KOK worked with NTA as Guest
Artist where he played roles in the New Masquerade alongside veterans
like Zebrudaya, Giringory, Prince Jegede Shokoya and Ovuleria.
He was part of the Village Headmaster, featured on Television Play
House, At Your Service and later in some popular Soap Operas like
Checkmate and Ripples. For his outstanding performances he has received
several professional and service awards both from Nigeria and from
abroad including Afro Hollywood Award London 2000, African Actor of the
Year 2006, Ambassador Award New York 2009 and Nollywood Award of
Excellence among many others. In exclusive interview with Daily Times,
KOK who once described himself as the oldest man standing in Nollywwod
explains why he now combines acting with active politics, why PDP is his
preferred Platform as well as revelation on some family matters. He
spoke with Bonaventure Melah
DT: You have spent so many years as an actor, in fact 33
years in all, 20 years of which you spent in Nollywood. Why the sudden
deviation? What are you looking for in Nigerian politics?
KOK: What do you call deviation? Is it a departure from a norm or
standard? Please explain to me, what is the norm or standard for
engaging in service, especially service to one’s fatherland? If a
Medical Doctor, Architect, Engineer etc aspires for a political office;
is that Deviation? So you call Arnold Swazznegger’s venture and
Governorship of the State of California a deviation? What about Ronald
Reagan?
I think it’s wrong to assume that the National Assembly is meant for
lawyers only, for instance. The Assembly would always need individuals
with diverse background and varied experience.
So for me, I think the second part of your question will suffice
with the answer: to contribute further to national development through
the socio-political, academic and technical knowledge I have accessed.
DT: Certainly Sir, you have paid your dues as an actor
having featured in many plays like The New Masquerade, The Village
Headmaster and Soap Operas like Checkmate and Ripples and then in some
of the most successful Nollywood movies like Living in Bondage, Circle
of Doom and the rest. Do you think you are prepared for politics? Do you
have the requisite experience in Human Management?
KOK: I have been in several areas in the private sector managing men
and resources. My understanding so far has been very intriguing. It’s
fascinating. Human capacity development and what you refer to as human
management are essentially related.
To develop human capacity, people must be given platforms to express
their talents in a very friendly environment. That way the inner
capabilities will surface. No individual is without a talent. I have
allowed men, women, boys and girls who have worked under me as PR
practitioner, actor etc to express themselves without limitations, and
to those I have mentored it has been a rewarding and worthwhile
experience. When I am confronted with such statement as ‘Do you think
you are prepared to play Politics’ it elicits the feeling of treachery.
As a Masters Degree holder in Political Science from the revered
University of Lagos, I feel somehow offended by that street definition
of politics as simply characterized by thuggery, arson, ballot box
snatching, killing, maiming etc. That statement makes me remember what
Shirley Maclane said “It is useless to hold a man to anything he says
while he is in love, drunk or running for office”. “I do not know how to
play politics, I know how to serve”.
DT: Specifically Sir, what do you want to achieve in politics, first for yourself and then for the community, the nation?
KOK: To be part of the restoration of the dignity of man. It is self
evident that politics offers a wider opportunity for effecting change,
access to government and the governed, show the light and the people
will find the way. For my community, I want to be continuously seen as
an asset to its people, development, and standards for measurement of
values and creative enterprise. And for this great country, that has
offered me access to harnessing my other talent, I want to be one of the
ideological dispatch riders of this nation by imposition of ideological
supremacy on the psyche of our people – what the former Senate
President, the late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, would refer to as Quotable
Quotes. With my varied talents, I do not want to be a passerby nor an on
looker to the events that shape our nation.
DT: You have made a first attempt in elective politics. Tell
us your experience in Nigerian Politics based on your earlier outing.
KOK: With my aspiration to represent the good people of
Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency at the House of
Representatives in 2011, I have very mixed experiences. What an aspirant
goes through is a reflection of a sad reminder why some people win and
do little or forget their constituents. The impact of money in our
politics is a very challenging expedition. The ship of state cannot be
steered with our kind of politics. Every constituent mounts a toll gate
in front of his or her house, office or any location of meeting and
would gladly extol the virtues of the visitor but will be quick to add
that “The children’s school fees have to be paid”. What an aspirant goes
through to be elected to any position is somewhat reflective of how
much corruption has become monstrous.
If we must succeed to building a preferred Nigeria, Money Politics
must be de – emphasized. The question should be; What are you bringing
to the table, what values have you created, how ready are you to defend
the people and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria etc.
Aside this, money bags will keep on hijacking our common wealth and
common sense.
DT: What then is your plan for 2015? What platform would be considering?
KOK: The year 2015 looks far, yet very near. My people will decide. I
am in constant touch with my constituency and in regular consultation
with the needs, challenges and aspirations of my zone. My membership of
the PDP is by choice, political prostitution is not an option to
effective representation. The year 2015 is the bridge, when we get to
the bridge we will cross it. We crawl, walk or run, but surely we will
cross it.
DT: Let us now go to acting and Nollywood. You were there in
Nollywood from the beginning. You featured as one of the lead actors in
the pioneer movies that birthed Nollwoood and has been there all
through, what can you say about Nollywood? Has it been a success story?
What are the challenges and necessary interventions that would move the
industry to its destination?
KOK: Nollywood is a sure, definite success story; the only industry
in Nigeria that came from nothing to something; never enjoyed any
government patronage yet became a brand. However, Nollywood as presently
constituted got to its peak before it started.
I recall with nostalgia the days in Lagos, Enugu etc when production
buses moved in different directions for shoot. We were at work,
producers generated employment, directors developed technical know-how
to those who understudied them, fledging actors emerged. There was
passion and practitioners were committed.
What you watch on DSTV now is what I would describe creatively as
“Operation was successful, but the patient died”. This was how good we
were ten years ago. The grass is no longer green. The days and years of
passion, commitment, creative engineering has dissipated. I feel very
bad to be reporting this very sad commentary.
For a clearer understanding of those outside the precincts of
Nollywood, the industry was nurtured by the benevolence of traders who
did their best to produce movies in video cassette format. There was no
design to build an industry. Till date also, no design has been made to
build an industry, hence, the industry is largely unstructured.
The marketers/distributors as designated also doubled as executive
producers (sponsors) did utmost “miracle” of turning around this video
market to a world brand of film making. They took all the risks but
failed to employ the services of experts who could help it transit to
the level of sustenance it needed for new trends and challenges that
evolved. There is a lot to say but for another day.
By intervention, government must buy into the industry and bail it
out. If those who laboured and made Nollywood an international brand are
finding it difficult to appropriate from the $200m facility, it is the
duty of government to remove whatever obstacles there are so that
resources can be ploughed into the art and entertainment industry to
strengthen it. There has been absence of institutional funding
mechanism.
For the survival of Nollywood, the following points are critical:
a. Establishment of enabling law for enhancement of professional practice.
b. Creation of synergy between various parastatals for greater efficiency.
c. Promotion of foreign and local investment in the industry; favourable tax laws in form of tax rebates and tax holidays.
d. Practitioners especially actors should be sponsored to international festivals.
DT: Can you tell us the most passionate roles you have
played in different movies that give you sense of satisfaction and those
you really wouldn’t have taken if you had choice?
KOK: I do not romanticize over passionate roles or dispassionate
ideas. Every role represents a gap between a character and its linkage
to other characters. But suffice it to, say that
“Lost Kingdom” produced by Infinity Merchants in 1999 presented a
glimpse of how people graduate from one crime to the other. It was
exhilarating to lead one of the largest casts in a Nigerian movie set to
achieve that standard of movie production in 1999.
I would not have taken those that did not put Nigeria first, those
that lacked social relevance to the labours of our heroes pasts, those
that had strong dictates from executive producers who only thought about
profit and not about creative enterprise.
DT: In most movies, you play the roles that portray you as
prominent and reputable, sometimes as a chief, rich businessman, top
politician, king maker and at other times, godfather. Is it by design
that you get these roles? Do the roles you are given have anything to do
with what you think of yourself, your aspirations, your dreams?
KOK: Not by design but by casting. The casting directors or panel
decide who plays what. The actor has no contribution to this, only his
flexibility does.
DT: Also, how does your role in movies affect your relation
with the public? We ask because you always take up roles that depict you
as shrewd, arrogant, dangerous, conniving businessman, dangerous
politician and notorious godfather? How do people see you?
KOK: I am at home with the roles I play. I am at peace with the
Almighty God for giving me the talent to exhibit what he implanted in
me. My fans see my role as close to nature and are proud of me, as I am
of them in their millions. God bless Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike. I
say this with every sense of modesty, I am one of the most beloved
actors of this generation. I do not know why people love me this much.
DT: You are one of the most eloquent speakers in Nollywood.
People say they study English through your movies. What did you study
and where?
KOK: I give God almighty praise and thanksgiving for the gift you
described but I’m challenged to be better than that off screen, and I
must confess that I have received accolades and commendations from
various quarters. This is where I challenge those who lack respect and
decorum for those who appear on TV, to be wary. Some of us are imbued
with both native and academic intelligence. I have a diploma in mass
communication, BA Philosophy, diploma in Law, M.Sc Political Science all
from the University of Lagos.
DT: 33 years as an actor, 20 years in Nollywood, are you
satisfied with what life has offered you with regards to fame and
fortune?
KOK: This is one area I may not have wanted to comment on. I am
constrained for the reasons of evaluation of the years gone by,
especially for posterity sake to say that God has been most benevolent
with life and talent. If not for artistic and intellectual contentment, I
would have left a long time ago. The actor in Nigeria is loved but not
respected. My contemporaries in other disciplines have better stories to
tell than I do. My children are expected to go to the best schools,
fame has smiled on me but fortune frowns constantly and threatens my
retirement.
DT: If you were not an actor, what would you have been doing?
KOK: A mouth and eye for those who murmur and voice for those who are voiceless – a lawyer.
DT: Would you like to tell us about yourself? Who is Anayo
Modestus Onyekwere? Who is Kanayo O. Kanayo? What’s the difference
between the two personalities?
KOK: I was christened Anayo Modestus Onyekwere on the 1st of March,
1962 to Mr and Mrs. Donatus and Isabella Onyekwere of Nru Umueze, Oboama
Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State. I had a Spartan upbringing under the
watchful eyes of my elder brother, John Onyekwere in Enugu. My parents
as Christians were very strict in discipline and never spared the rod.
My father was soft spoken, I never heard him in fierce discussion with
anybody, my mother was deeply religious and taught me the best religion
on earth – humility. A good singer and local dancer, both have passed
on, I am the light they have left behind. KOK is my professional name
and the brand Anayo leverages on without differences. One and same; no
more, no less. My philosophy of life has had to change a few times.
Presently, it is that “He who holds what belongs to a child will
definitely release it when the hands begin to ache”. My fortune and that
of Nollywood is being held by people who don’t value entertainers;
those who have refused to quantify our contributions to national
development.
DT: On a final note, can you offer an insight into your private life, age, family, passion, love life, anything?
I am married to Nneka Onyekwere and we have a family of four. A girl
( Uloaku Valerie -12 years) and 3 boys (Clinton “Onye Eze Mbaise” – 10
years, Kosisochukwu Montell – 8 years, Einstein – 4 years). They all
live with me happily in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos.
