By Chidmma Okapa l May 10, 2026
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has strongly condemned the renewed wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, urging Africans across the continent to unite and defend one another against violence and discrimination.
The respected actor made the remarks on Saturday night while receiving the Industry Merit Award at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos, one of Africa’s biggest entertainment award ceremonies.
Speaking during his acceptance speech, Kanayo expressed deep concern over reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa and called on Africans to collectively reject xenophobia.
“We are not happy about what is happening in South Africa,” he said. “Everybody should lend his or her voice because we, as Africans, cannot be running from Africa.
The comments come amid fresh reports of violence and unrest in parts of South Africa following recent Freedom Day celebrations. According to reports cited by Channels Television, at least two Nigerians and four Ethiopians were reportedly killed, while shops belonging to migrants in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town were looted and destroyed.
Videos circulating on social media have also shown incidents of foreign nationals allegedly being harassed and ordered to “fix their own countries,” sparking outrage across several African nations.
Kanayo used the award platform not only to speak against xenophobia but also to emphasize the importance of African solidarity and unity. He argued that Africans should be able to live freely and safely anywhere on the continent without fear of persecution or violence.
The Nigerian government has already reacted to the developments by summoning South Africa’s acting High Commissioner and announcing support plans for Nigerians wishing to voluntarily return home. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has also condemned the violence while acknowledging concerns surrounding illegal migration and public tensions in affected communities.
Beyond his political comments, Kanayo dedicated his Industry Merit Award to the many actors, producers, and crew members whose sacrifices helped build Nigeria’s film industry over the decades. He paid tribute to several pioneers who, according to him, worked under difficult conditions before Nollywood became globally recognized.
Kanayo, born Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s pioneering actors. He rose to prominence through the classic Igbo-language movie Living in Bondage and has appeared in more than 100 film and television productions throughout his career.