Kanayo O. Kanayo says Nollywood was built with tears, sweat, and blood, comparing its struggles to Hollywood’s comfort

Kanayo O. Kanayo has made a bold statement about the foundation of the Nigerian film industry, claiming Nollywood was built with “tears, sweat, and blood.”

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The veteran actor shared this powerful message via Instagram, drawing a sharp contrast between Nollywood’s harsh realities and the polished image of Hollywood.

Referencing award-winning American actor Denzel Washington, Kanayo said, “If Denzel Washington puts in the number of hours I put in the production here, his color will change to charcoal the next day.”

Kanayo O. Kanayo emphasized the exhausting conditions early actors faced in their pursuit of storytelling yet remained proud of their resilience and the legacy they’ve built. “We built this industry with tears, sweat, and blood,” he added passionately.

Despite the tough beginnings, the Nollywood icon noted that many of his colleagues have managed to maintain their health and spirit. “Some of us are lucky to still have our health in good place. We started this industry at a time when there was a light called 2K. If they bring one 2K on you, they will remove from your name.”

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His comments have sparked both nostalgia and reflection within the industry and among fans, shedding light on the gritty, behind-the-scenes reality that shaped what is now Africa’s largest film industry.