Veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, calling on Africans across the continent to unite and defend one another against violence and discrimination.
The actor made the remarks while receiving the Industry Merit Award at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, one of Africa’s biggest film and television awards platforms.
Speaking during his acceptance speech, Kanayo expressed deep concern over reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, insisting that Africans must collectively reject xenophobia.
“I’m not happy about what is going on in South Africa today. Our voices must rise against the xenophobic attacks on every African. There must be somewhere Africans will call their home,” he said.
He further stressed that Africans should not be forced to flee from their own continent due to violence and intolerance.
“We are not happy about what is happening in South Africa, and everybody should lend his or her voice because we, as Africans, cannot be running from Africa,” the veteran actor added.
Kanayo’s comments come amid renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa following the country’s Freedom Day celebrations. Reports indicate that at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians were killed, while several migrant-owned shops in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town were looted and set ablaze.
Videos circulating online have also shown foreign nationals being harassed and ordered to “fix their own countries,” sparking outrage across Africa.
The Nigerian government has since summoned South Africa’s High Commissioner and announced plans to support citizens willing to return home. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks, even as security agencies intensify operations in affected communities.
Authorities are also coordinating the voluntary evacuation of more than 130 Nigerians following the latest violence.
Beyond speaking on xenophobia, Kanayo dedicated his Industry Merit Award to actors and crew members whose sacrifices laid the foundation for Nigeria’s film industry.
“I am very delighted to receive this Industry Merit Award. This is for Africa, for everyone who works as cast or crew,” he said.
Reflecting on the early years of Nollywood, the actor noted that many pioneers of the industry had endured hardship and personal sacrifices.
Widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s pioneering figures, Kanayo rose to prominence after starring in the classic film Living in Bondage, widely credited with launching Nigeria’s modern home-video industry.
In addition to acting, Kanayo is also a trained lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2020 and is a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
