Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR, born March 1, 1962, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, is a Nigerian veteran actor, businessman, and lawyer. He won the 2006 African Movie Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in the film, Family Battle.
Wiki Profile
| Full Name: | Anayo Modestus Onyekwere MFR |
| Date of Birth: | March 1, 1962 |
| Place of Birth: | Mbaise, Imo State |
| State of Origin: | Imo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Actor, Businessman & Lawyer |
| Net Worth: | $3 million |
| Wife/Spouse: | Nneka Onyekwere |
Early Life and Education
Kanayo is an Imo State native and hails from Nru Umueze Oboama Ezinihitte in the Mbaise Local Government Area.
He was born in Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, of the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria where he grew up.
He went to St. Joseph primary school in Aba, Abia State for his primary school education, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate.
Kanayo O. Kanayo attended Secondary Technical School in Aba for his secondary studies.
Upon completing his secondary school, he got admitted into the prestigious University of Lagos and graduated with a degree in philosophy, a diploma in law, and a diploma in mass communication.
Additionally, he earned a master’s in political science. In addition, he graduated from the University of Abuja with a law degree in 2018 and was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 2020.
Career
In 1982, Kanayo began his acting career by appearing in Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) productions.
In the 1992 film Living in Bondage, he made his debut on the big screen and has since appeared in more than 100 movies.
His performance in the film Across the Niger earned him a nomination for the 2008 African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
In 2011, he contested for the position of Speaker of the Imo State House of Representatives which he didn’t win.
He ran for the position of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise representative in the Federal House of Representatives in 2018 on the platform of the APGA political party, but lost.
He has been in a number of Nollywood productions, such as Lion Heart and the sitcom Professor Johnbull, but he is best recognized for playing villains in these works, particularly those that deal with occult rituals.
He holds the designation of MFR and is currently an ambassador for the UN.
Kanayo was one of many Nigerians who received awards from the government in 2014 as part of the centennial commemoration.
Kanayo O. Kanayo Net Worth
The net worth of Kanayo O. Kanayo is an estimated $3 million. He has inked his name among the top influential and richest Nollywood actors.
Films
- 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
Personal Life
Kanayo O. Kanayo is happily married to his beloved wife, Nneka Onyekwere. The couple got married in 19999, ad they have been enjoying a fruitful union.
Kanayo and his wife wife has four children together, namely Uloaku Valerie Onyekwere, Kosisochukwu Montell Onyekwere, Einstein Onyekwere, and Clinton Onyekwere who is also known as the Onye Eze Mbaise.
Social Media
- Instagram: @kanayo.o.kanayo
- Twitter: @KanayoOKanayo
