Kanayo O. Kanayo says Nollywood was built with tears and blood, reflecting on sacrifices veterans made to shape Nigeria’s film industry

Nollywood built with tears and blood is how veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has described the origins of Nigeria’s film industry.

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Taking to Instagram on Monday, the celebrated actor reflected on the struggles endured by pioneers who laid the foundation of Nollywood. He compared their sacrifices to Hollywood, citing Denzel Washington as a reference point.

“If Denzel Washington puts in the number of hours I put in production here, his color will change to charcoal the next day. Because we built this industry with tears, sweat, and blood,” Kanayo said.

He explained that the passion of Nollywood veterans often came at a cost, with grueling work hours and physical strain. Despite the hardships, some have remained healthy over the years, a reality he described as a stroke of fortune.

“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,” he added.

Kanayo’s reflection highlights the resilience and sacrifice that powered Nollywood’s rise into one of the world’s most vibrant film industries.

His words serve as both a reminder of the past and a call to honor the contributions of those who carried the industry through its toughest beginnings.

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Signing off, the veteran actor urged Nigerians to recognize that today’s thriving Nollywood was built not on glamour, but on sheer determination and sacrifice.