Kanayo O. Kanayo

Anayo Modestus Onyekwere (born 1 March 1962), known professionally as Kanayo O. Kanayo , is a Nigerian actor and lawyer. In 2006, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Family Battle.

Early life and education Kanayo was born on 1 March 1962. He is a native of Nru Umueze Oboama Ezinihitte in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. He obtained diplomas in mass communication and law, as well as a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Lagos.

Career Kanayo began his acting career in 1982 with productions by the Nigerian Television Authority, appearing in the 1987 television series Things Fall Apart and Checkmate. He made his film debut in 1992 with Living in Bondage. He is known for portraying villainous characters, particularly in occult-themed films.

He has also been a president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Politics In 2011, Kanayo contested the seat for the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency of Imo State in the Nigerian House of Representatives under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), but was unsuccessful.

In 2013, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan appointed him to the board of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies.

In 2022, Kanayo announced that he would not contest for any political office, stating that his decision was to "work for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction."

Personal life Kanayo married Nneka Onyekwere in 1999. They have four children: Oloaku Valerie, Clinton (also known as Onye Eze Mbaise), Einstein, and Kassochukwu Montell.

Accolades In 2006, Kanayo won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Family Battle. and was among the Nigerians honoured by the government in 2014 during the country's centenary celebration.

Filmography

Films

TV shows

Awards and nominations