Kanayo Kanayo speaks on challenges faced as lead actor in movie on Igala language

Top Nollywood actors and filmmakers have revived cultural storytelling with the new movie Ohioma, a full-scale Igala-language film that recently premiered in Abuja. Speaking at the premiere, veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo shared insights into the preparation and challenges he faced portraying a culturally significant character in the film produced by Kogi-born Nollywood actor, Thompson […]

Top Nollywood actors and filmmakers have revived cultural storytelling with the new movie Ohioma, a full-scale Igala-language film that recently premiered in Abuja.

Speaking at the premiere, veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo shared insights into the preparation and challenges he faced portraying a culturally significant character in the film produced by Kogi-born Nollywood actor, Thompson Makolo Jnr.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Kanayo explained that he was approached by the producers, who expressed their intent to create a story deeply rooted in Nigerian heritage. After reviewing the script, he was convinced of its cultural importance and committed himself to authentically bringing the vision to life.

He revealed that embodying the role of Atah Igala was no small feat, noting that he requested detailed insights about the character’s mannerisms to ensure a true-to-life portrayal.

“In the course of the movie, I discovered that when an Oba or Sultan wants to rise from his chair, attendants move to cover him,” he said. “That showed me that there are specific cultural practices and mannerisms I needed to learn to portray the character accurately.”

Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, he added, “One of the greatest challenges is for the audience to say, ‘This is not how our people behave.’ So I had to be very careful to get it right.”

Meanwhile, filmmaker Aquila Njamah, after a hiatus, returned strongly with the movie.

“Besides, a lot of my fans had been reaching out, saying I was missing — not as a person, but missing creatively,” he said.

Ohioma, he noted, is just one of several projects he has underway, but it is the first to be completed and ready for release.

The film, featuring talents like Ugezu Ugezu, Emma Umeh, Adim Christian, and Ajanigo Simeon, also marked a memorable reunion between Njamah and Kanayo O. Kanayo after nearly three decades.