Anayo Modestus Onyekwere (born March 1, 1962) is a veteran Nigerian actor, politician, businessman, and lawyer who became famous with Kanayo O. Kanayo.

He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the movie “Family Battle“ in 2006.

Kanayo O. Kanayo is widely recognized for his genre of movies, which sees him representing occultic groups to make money through rituals.

Real Facts About Kanayo O. Kanayo

• Real Name: Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR
• Stage Name: Kanayo O. Kanayo
• Born: 1 March 1962 (age 60 years old)
• Place of Birth: Mbaise, Imo, Nigeria
• State Of Origin: Imo State
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Parents: Donatus Onyekwere, Ezinne Onyekwere
• Siblings: John Onyekwere
• Wife : Nneka Onyekwere
• Children: Uloaku Valerie Onyekwere, Kosisochukwu Montell Onyekwere, Einstein Onyekwere, Clinton “Onye Eze Mbaise” Onyekwere
• Occupation: Actor • Politician
• Net Worth: US$3 million

Kanayo O. Kanayo Early Life & Education

Kanayo O. Kanayo was born on the 1st of March 1962 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Aged 60 years, he was born to Donatus Onyekwere (father) and Ezinne Onyekwere (mother). He has a brother named John Onyekwere.

He had his primary school education at Saint Joseph Primary School in Mbaise, and his secondary education at Boys Secondary School, Mbaise, Imo State. He completed it at Technical College, Aba in Abia State, Nigeria.

Kanayo O. Kanayo proceeded to the University of Lagos. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos.

Kanayo O. Kanayo Career

Kanayo O. Kanayo started as a guest artiste in the NTA Enugu drama series after graduating from the University.

He joined Nollywood in 1982 out of a pure desire to bring smiles to people’s faces, going on to star in the movie ‘Living in Bondage‘ as ‘Chief Omego‘.

The movie brought Nollywood and, by extension, him into the limelight. In 2017, in collaboration with Globacom Communication company, he became involved in the seasonal TV program, ‘Professor Johnbull‘, where he plays The Professor.

Since Kanayo O. Kanayo came into the industry, he has starred in over 250 Nollywood movies including, ‘Circles of Doom‘, ‘Nneka‘, ‘Billionaires Club‘, ‘Rituals‘, ‘Tears for Love‘, ‘Living in Bondage‘, ‘The Coven‘ and ‘Blood Money.’ He has since moved on from just acting to producing, directing, and filmmaking, Kanayo O. Kanayo runs a media consultancy outfit and owns a cyber café in Lagos.

The actor usually associated with acting in ‘Occultist films’ has been on set with other A-list actors like Olu Jacobs, Pete Edochie, Liz Benson, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Genevieve Nnaji, and Justus Esiri.

Kanayo O. Kanayo Awards & Nominations

• • 2005 Most Prominent Actor in Nigeria at the African Movie Academy Awards
  • 2006 Best Actor in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards
  • 2006 Best Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards.
  • The Sun Award Winner 2020

Kanayo O. Kanayo Filmography

• • Nneka the Pretty Serpent Emeka (1994)
  • Festival of Fire Actor (2002)
  • October 1 Okafor (2014)
  • Celebrity Marriage Mr. Gabriel (2017)
  • Actor. Detour (2021)
  • Living in Bondage: Breaking Free
  • Chief Emeka Omego (2019)
  • Up North Chief Otuekong (2018)
  • Lionheart Igwe Pascal (2018)
  • High blood pressure (2010)
  • Sin No More 1&2 (2008)
  • Lost Kingdom
  • Circle Of Doom (1993)
  • Rituals (1997)
  • Fire On The Mountain
  • Billionaires Club
  • Entangled
  • Blood Money
  • The Suitors
  • Across The Niger

Kanayo O. Kanayo Net Worth

Kanayo O. Kanayo‘s net worth is estimated to be about US$3 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors in Nigeria.