Nollywood veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo, took to Instagram to share a word of caution for filmmakers regarding misleading costumes in movies. He advised the industry to portray rich characters more accurately by dressing them in comfortable and appropriate outfits rather than always depicting them in Agbada or Senegal regalia.
Kanayo expressed concern that some filmmakers fail to align with authentic movie costumes. He highlighted that in real life, wealthy individuals are often recognized by their expensive wristwatches, footwear, and T-shirts, not necessarily by wearing traditional Agbada.
He also criticized the portrayal of female characters in movies, where they are shown sleeping with wigs and full makeup on, which doesn’t reflect reality. He stressed that as filmmakers, they should be mindful of the messages they convey through their movies, as filmmaking plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms and values.
Kanayo emphasized the importance of accurately representing characters’ costumes to align with their status and background, suggesting that Nollywood can learn from the music industry’s successful portrayal of Afrobeat and strive for authenticity in their work.
