Veteran Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has explained why he agreed to feature in Ghanaian actor and filmmaker Kwadwo Nkansah LilWin’s upcoming movie, A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu).
The respected Nigerian actor said his decision to join the project was influenced by the opportunity to contribute to a production that brings together talents from Ghana and Nigeria.
The movie is being led by LilWin, who has built a career in Ghana’s film industry as an actor, comedian and producer. The project is expected to feature a blend of Ghanaian and Nigerian actors as part of its wider African storytelling focus.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, who has featured in numerous Nigerian films throughout his long career, is regarded as one of Nollywood’s veteran performers. His involvement in the project adds another established name to the cast and highlights the continued collaboration between Ghana’s Kumawood industry and Nigeria’s Nollywood.
Explaining his decision to accept the role, Kanayo indicated that he was interested in the creative direction of the production and the opportunity it presented to work with colleagues from Ghana.
His participation also reflects the long-standing relationship between Ghanaian and Nigerian filmmakers. Actors from both countries have regularly appeared in productions across the two industries, helping create opportunities for cross-border collaborations.
A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) takes its inspiration from Nzulezu, the well-known stilt settlement in Ghana’s Western Region. The location is recognised for its distinctive setting on water and has become one of Ghana’s notable cultural and tourism attractions.
The choice of Nzulezu as part of the film’s identity adds a Ghanaian cultural element to the production while providing an opportunity to showcase aspects of the country to audiences beyond its borders.
For LilWin, the project represents another major production as he continues to expand his activities beyond acting and comedy into filmmaking and other aspects of the entertainment industry.
Kanayo’s involvement has also generated interest among movie enthusiasts, particularly because of his status as one of Nollywood’s experienced actors.
The collaboration comes at a time when filmmakers across Africa are increasingly exploring partnerships that bring together performers, producers and creative professionals from different countries.
Such collaborations can give productions access to wider audiences while allowing actors and filmmakers to exchange ideas and experiences from their respective industries.
With Kanayo O. Kanayo joining the cast, attention is now focused on the eventual release of A Journey to Africa (Nzulezu) and how the Ghana-Nigeria collaboration will translate onto the screen.
