LAGOS — The glitz and glamour of the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) took a somber and politically charged turn yesterday as veteran Nollywood icon, Kanayo O. Kanayo, utilized his moment in the spotlight to deliver a scathing critique of the ongoing xenophobia-related tensions and violent attacks in South Africa. The legendary actor, known for his decades of contribution to the African film industry, made the remarks during his acceptance speech for the prestigious Industry Merit Award, one of the highest honors of the night.
As the star-studded audience at the Eko Hotels and Suites rose to give the actor a standing ovation for his lifetime achievements, Kanayo shifted the narrative from personal celebration to continental crisis. His speech, which has since gone viral across social media platforms, addressed the recurring waves of violence directed at foreign nationals—particularly fellow Africans—in various parts of South Africa.
Kanayo, whose real name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, MFR, did not mince words as he called for a collective continental response to the hostility. He urged Africans across the globe to break their silence on the matter, stressing that the current state of indifference is a betrayal of the Pan-African spirit that once united the continent against colonial rule and apartheid.
"We cannot remain silent while our brothers and sisters are being hounded and attacked," the veteran actor declared, his voice resonating through the hall. "It is an anomaly to stand on a stage celebrating African excellence in film while, elsewhere on the same continent, Africans are being targeted simply because of their country of origin. We must lend our voices and stand firmly against these attacks."
The Industry Merit Award recipient emphasized that the creative industry has a unique responsibility to shape public opinion and advocate for social justice. He challenged his colleagues in the film and music sectors to use their massive platforms to condemn the violence and promote a message of unity. According to him, the "Ubuntu" philosophy—the idea that "I am because we are"—is being systematically eroded by the recent events in South Africa, and it is the duty of the elite and the common man alike to protect that heritage.
Kanayo’s speech comes at a time of heightened diplomatic sensitivity between Nigeria and South Africa. For several weeks, reports of looting, arson, and physical assaults on foreign-owned businesses and individuals have dominated regional headlines, leading to retaliatory threats and a cooling of bilateral relations. By bringing this issue to the AMVCA stage—an event broadcast to millions of homes across the continent—Kanayo ensured that the gravity of the situation could not be ignored by the political class or the general public.
"Africans must rise together," he continued, gesturing to the audience of filmmakers from Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and beyond. "We cannot sit back and act like everything is normal when it is not. Sitting on the fence is not an option when the blood of your brother is being spilled on the streets. We are one people, separated only by colonial borders that we should have outgrown by now."
The actor’s intervention was met with a mixture of solemn silence and sporadic applause from the audience. Many attendees noted that Kanayo’s stance was a refreshing departure from the typical "thank you" speeches that characterize award ceremonies. By choosing to speak on xenophobia, he highlighted the irony of a ceremony that celebrates "African Magic" while African lives are being undervalued in some quarters.
Industry analysts suggest that Kanayo’s remarks may trigger a new wave of celebrity activism regarding intra-African relations. In the past, high-profile figures like Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage have taken similar stands, but Kanayo’s status as an "elder statesman" of Nollywood lends a different weight to the discourse. His appeal was not just to the youth, but to the political leaders of African nations to move beyond "diplomatic talk" and address the root causes of the animosity, which often include economic frustration and misinformation.
As the night progressed, the theme of African unity remained a subtle undertone in subsequent speeches, but none were as direct or as passionate as Kanayo’s. He concluded his address by dedicating his award to the "resilient spirit of the African migrant," who travels in search of a better life only to face hardship from those they consider kin.
"This award is a reminder that our work in the industry is to tell the human story," Kanayo said in his closing remarks. "And the story of Africa right now is one that needs a change in script. Let us rewrite the narrative from one of hate and division to one of shared prosperity and mutual respect."
Outside the award venue, Kanayo’s comments have already sparked intense debate. While many have lauded his courage for addressing a "touchy" subject during a celebration, others have pointed to the complexity of the socio-economic issues in South Africa. Regardless of the various perspectives, the veteran actor has successfully moved the needle on the conversation, proving once again that he is not just a master of the screen, but a significant voice in the quest for a more united Africa.
The AMVCA, now in its tenth year, has grown to become the most recognized platform for African film talent. By injecting such a potent social message into the proceedings, Kanayo O. Kanayo has ensured that the 2026 edition will be remembered not just for the winners and their trophies, but for the call to action that demanded a better, safer Africa for all.
Do you think more celebrities should use international award platforms to address regional political issues, or should these events remain strictly focused on the arts?
