Emmanuel Kanayo Interview.

Emmanuel Kanayo 

Nollywood fast rising actor, Emmanuel Kanayo, grants his first ever career interview exclusively to MyNeiggaFworld. It is a " tell it all " interview as he walks down the memory lane recounting his various ordeals, journey so far and many more. He has really come a long way., you won't believe some of the things he has gone through. 

Scroll down for the full interview below.

Excerpts: 

MNFW: Good day Sir, it's a pleasure to have you on our platform today., 

 

ECK: Thank you.

Q. 

Can you please tell us, our readers and your fans your real names? 

A. 

My names are Emmanuel Chibueze Kanayo, formerly Idam. 

Simply call me Emmanuel Kanayo.  

My nicknames are N-FIZZY, Neigga F and CEO. 

Q. 

Where are you from?

A.  

I'm from Atani, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra state, with an ancestral history with Afikpo, Ebonyi state, all in eastern Nigeria. 

Q. 

Where were you born and where did you grow up? 

A. 

I was born in Atani, Ogbaru  LGA, Anambra state, grew up in various areas of Lagos, like Ajegunle, Ojuelegba, Shomolu, Gbagada, Mafoluku Oshodi, but mostly Ikoyi, on the island, Lagos state. 

Q. 

How about your educational background Sir? 

A. 

I had my primary School Education at Community Primary school Umunankwo, CPS Ogbakuba and Central School Atani all in Ogbaru LGA, Anambra state, then my secondary school education at Victory Comprehensive Apapa, Gbagada Junior high school and Joef Dynamic College Obalende, Ikoyi, all in Lagos, and then studied Political Science at University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos, but dropped out after my 200 level. 

Q. 

Any reason you didn't finish Sir?

A. 

My British financier at the time couldn't sponsor me again as a result of negative effects of fuel subsidy removal by the federal government and I wasn't finding things easy. I even had to leave Nigeria to Ghana, Togo, Cotonou and FCT Abuja all in search of greener pastures as the country's economy was so bad at the time.

 

Emmanuel Kanayo

Q. 

What's life like after school Sir? 

A. 

Life was never easy from my birth and after school didn't make much difference. It's been a life of struggle all the way. Though, due to experiences I garnered from my British boss Sir Raymond Herrington in accounting, financial analysis, Stock Analysis, and procurement activities, and through his connections, was able to land a  blue collar job as a  Stocks Analyst at Wings Restaurant of Evergreen Apples Aviation Nigeria (EAN), a private jet firm at hanger jet centre of Muritala Muhammad International  Airport, Ikeja Lagos and later on worked also as Head of administrations at Pitstop global services, Lekki, Lagos before delving into betting business in late 2016. 

Q. 

What's growing up like for you Sir? 

A. 

I come from a very poor and wretched family. My parents are farmers and I lived working with them in the farm from birth and also helps my dad in his trained occupation of carpentry few times till I got to nearly 15yrs of age, when I left for Lagos to learn trade in auto spare parts business the traditional Igbo way known as Igba-boy (apprenticeship) in the hand of Sir Osita Nwaobi in mid 2005 at Ojuelegba.  So growing up for me isn't something you would want to hear cos you may not believe the truth in it. My kid brother Emeka and I are known wheel barrow pushers in afor Atani market even as primary school pupils.

I was going to secondary school and doing least of menial jobs to feed and pay my school fees. At that age I worked at bread bakeries, local food canteens, printing press, security jobs and countless others just to keep body and soul together. You can imagine all of that at that tender age. 

So my growing up isn't a joke., its a tough struggle. I call myself a child of grace. Nwanne afuro onye akoolu. (My brother, no one to tell).

Actor Emmanuel Kanayo on the streets of Lagos.

Q. 

When did you join Nollywood? 

A. 

I joined Nollywood precisely in October 2019 when my betting business in Lagos was suffering from bankruptcy due to excessive debts owed me by my customers, associates and stakeholders. So I left all in Lagos down to Asaba, Delta state strictly to pursue  my childhood dream of acting. 

Q. 

Did you join in as an actor or crew?

A. 

I joined as an actor. In fact I landed my first movie role the following day through the help of elder Canice Okpara and has remained an actor ever since.

Q. 

How easy or hard was starting for you?

A. 

Entrance was very easy and fast for me, but then very hard surviving especially here in Asaba as up comers are not been paid or placed much value on especially when you don't have money to buy your way through or a body to give like some females do. So it's another tough struggle on its own. Imagine an ex  employer of labour as me, at my age,  living a life of not earning any kobo day in day out except by the special grace of God. It's not easy I must tell you.

Q. 

Have you been consistent or taken breaks at any time since you joined?

A. 

Yes I have been consistent except for the Covid_19 lockdown, the brief moment I worked as personal assistant to Nonso Diobi as well as the End SARS protest periods. After the End SARS protest period, I've been consistent and has no plan of taking any break.

Yul Edochie and Emmanuel Kanayo 

Q. 

How many movies have you acted? 

A.

  I've acted well over 34 movies and played several roles ranging from Palace guard, gate man, okada man, son, farmer, thief, ghetto child, villager, rich kid, pastor, police officer, student, drummer boy and many others. Some of my films includes Weird Tradition, Oyi of Oyi, Death of Kamso, Python Goddess, Daughters of Python, Beauty of Love, When the heart calls, The true healer, Crocodile War, Utam, Between worlds, American Bingo (Okija Dance ) etc. 

Q. 

Which was your first and what's the experience like? 

A. 

My first was "Uta m" (my regret). It's an Igbo film directed by Ebuka Onuma and I acted the role of a rich kid called Jay-Boy, a son to Nelson Wealth popularly know as "Igwe Abuja". And I got the role with the assistance of Sir Canice Okpara who took me to the location at Bonsaac, Asaba, Delta state. It was a great motivation for me., coming into the industry the previous day and landing my first role the next day. It was more than a motivation for me and the rest they say, is history.

Q. 

Any awards or special recognition? 

A. 

Non for now., but am optimistic for the future.

Q. 

Any other job or business you do asides acting? 

A. 

I'm a full time actor and could not do another job asides it as it is a time consuming job. I only do my other online businesses like blogging, song writing and poetry which I can do directly from my phone. 

Emmanuel Kanayo as a CEO before Nollywood venture

Q. 

Who are the Notable artistes you have worked with? 

A. 

I've worked with  several A-list actors and can't count to be very honest. I've worked with Chief Obi Okoli, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Emeka Ani, Yul Edochie, Zubby Michael, Mercy Johnson, Ngozi Ezeonu, China MacCollins, Seun Akindele, Frederick Leonard, Destiny Etiko, Ebelle Okaro, Harry B, Don Brymo, Emma Ehumadu (Labista), Kelvin Books Ikeduba, Prince Iyke Olisa, Stephen Odimgbe (Flashboy), Chizzy Alichi, Victor Osuagwu, Steven Alaejemba, Nonso Diobi, Angela Okorie, Diamond Okechi, Gentle Jack, Jerry Williams, Jerry Amilo, Princess Njideka Okeke, Chikamso Ozonigbo and several others.

Q. 

How would you rate the industry 10 years ago, presently and in the future? 

A.

It's simple, we've come a long way and it can only get better.

Q. 

Are you married or Single?  

A. 

I'm partially married and expecting my first child.

Q. 

Any advice for the up comers  

A. 

Believe, Focus, Perseverance and  Grace of God does the unimaginable. Talent alone is not enough and money is not a guarantee for excellence in the industry. If you have money and talent, then the sky can only be your starting point. Lastly, there are high, hard and hard prices to pay in various ways before the fame. So it's not a child's play. First you need to know between money and fame, which one you want.  If you need money, forget about fame, if you need fame, forget about Money. It's as simple as that.

Q. 

Special gratitude and shout outs? 

A. 

My greatest gratitude goes to God almighty, Sir Raymond Edward Herrington, Sir Canice Okpara, Nelly Esther Kanayo, Mrs Juliana Okoronkwo, my Mom, Mr and Mrs Godwin Igbakuba, and Mr Kelvin Ovbiye. 

Q. 

Official social media handles? 

Nollywood actor, Emmanuel Kanayo 

A. 

Twitter is @Emma_Kanayo 

 Instagram is @Realemmanuelkanayo 

While Facebook are #N-Fizzy_Kanayo and Emmanuel N-Fizzy Kanayo. 

MNFW : 

Thanks a whole lot for your time and all the gist, it's a great moment having you in our midst today., we wish you the very best in your career as you forge ahead and hope to see you again. 

ECK: Thanks. 

Signed: Emmanuel Chibueze Kanayo.