Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has spoken out against the ongoing xenophobic tensions and attacks targeting African nationals in South Africa. He made the call while accepting the Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) held yesterday.
A Call for African Unity
During his acceptance speech, Kanayo urged Africans across the globe to break their silence on the issue. He emphasized that it is imperative for people to raise their voices and actively oppose attacks on fellow Africans. The actor stressed that Africans must stand together rather than remain passive and pretend that all is well.
Rejecting Normalization of Violence
According to Kanayo, the continent cannot afford to sit back and act as though the situation is normal. He called for a collective rise against such injustices, insisting that silence only emboldens perpetrators. The veteran actor's remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many applauding his courage to address a sensitive topic on a prominent platform.
The AMVCA Industry Merit Award recognizes Kanayo's decades-long contribution to Nollywood and African cinema. His speech, however, shifted focus from personal achievement to a pressing continental issue, highlighting the role of celebrities in advocating for social change.
