Kanayo whose real name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere is widely known and addressed as Kanayo O Kanayo. He is a popular Nigerian actor, producer, television personality and a rare philanthropist.
He was born on 1st of March 1962 in Ahiara Aboh, a community in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Educational Background
Kanayo had his primary education in St. Joseph primary school in Mbaise, Imo State, in south eastern Nigeria and later Ahiara Boys Secondary school also in Mbaise. He finally completed his secondary education at the famous Technical College, Aba in Abia State. He went further to the University of Lagos to have a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. After graduation, he featured as guest artiste in NTA Enugu drama series, starring in Soap Opera.
His Acting Career
Kanayo joined the Nigerian movie industry in 1992 and made a name for himself. He became prominent starring in a popular hit movie “Living In Bondage”. It was this movie that shot Kanayo to fame and Nollywood to global recognition.
He was one of the very few Nollywood actors who made Nigerians to sit back and watch local movies. Before then, most Nigerians watched foreign movies and relegated our local movies to the background.
Kanayo is exceptionally talented and gifted in acting and interpreting roles in movies. In any character assigned him, he knows what to do and how to do it perfectly well.
He is one of the foremost and strong pillars of Nollywood who has made significant contributions to the growth and development of Nollywood over a decade now.
He is a prolific actor and featured in over 200 Nollywood movies including a few below: Blood Money, Living in Bondage, Billionaires Club, Rituals, Tears of Love, the Coven, Circles of Doom and several others. He is known to feature alongside top Nollywood stars like Pete Edochie, Saint Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo, Genevieve Nnaji, Ngozi Ezeonu, Gloria Young, Eucharia Anunobi and other top stars in the movie industry.
Awards
Kanayo O Kanayo in his years of acting has earned a number of awards including:
· Best actor in a leading role at the African Movie Academy Awards
· Most prominent actor in Nigeria at the African Movie Academy Awards.
· Best actor in Nigeria at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
· A recipient of member of the Federal Republic, an honour bestowed on deserving Nigerians who have excelled in various disciplines and contributed to the growth and development of the nation.
· He is also a designated United Nations Ambassador.
His Personal Life
Kanayo O Kanayo is married to his beautiful wife Nneka Onyekwere and the union is blessed with beautiful children.
His Net Worth
Kanayo O Kanayo is one of the pioneers of Nollywood, rated one of the richest, most influential and strong pillars in the entertainment industry with a net worth of about $3 million dollars.