By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Kanayo O Kanayo Introduces Sons to Family Tradition at Parents’ Graves
Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Kanayo O Kanayo, has stirred conversations online after sharing a personal moment from his hometown involving his late parents and his children.
On Saturday, January 3, the respected actor, who hails from Imo State, posted a video capturing his visit to his parents’ graves alongside his two sons.
The visit, though quiet and reflective, quickly became a talking point across social media platforms.
In the video, Kanayo is seen pouring water gently on the graves while offering prayers aloud in English.
The act, commonly recognised in Igbo culture as igo mmuo, a traditional way of paying respect to ancestors, sparked mixed reactions, especially given the actor’s long-standing association with intense ritual roles in movies.
Aware of the public scrutiny, Kanayo addressed the issue directly. Speaking to his sons and others present, he made it clear that the moment had nothing to do with rituals or occult practices.
According to him, the visit was simply an act of remembrance and gratitude.
He explained that he came to honour his parents for their sacrifices and for giving him life, which he said had enabled him to make an impact far beyond his roots. He also revealed that it was the first time he was bringing his children along, a decision he said was intentional.
For Kanayo, the visit was about teaching his sons the importance of heritage, respect, and continuity.
He added that whenever he returns to his place of birth, stopping by his parents’ graves is a personal tradition, one rooted in prayer and reflection. Taking his children along this time, he said, was his way of passing down values he hopes they will one day uphold.
In the caption accompanying the video, the actor expressed hope that his sons would one day honour him in the same way, describing the moment as cultural, not mystical.
Despite his clarification, reactions online were divided.
While some applauded him for preserving tradition and blending it with faith, others criticised the act, citing religious beliefs and concerns about ancestral practices.
Supporters praised the balance between culture and modern belief, describing it as a respectful nod to heritage. Critics, however, argued that such practices conflict with Christian teachings, while a few dismissed the act entirely.
The conversation highlights a familiar tension in Nigerian society—where culture, religion, and personal conviction often intersect.
Kanayo O Kanayo has never shied away from cultural conversations.
In recent times, he has also spoken out about changes within Nollywood, especially the growing preference for physical appearance over talent in film casting, particularly on YouTube-driven productions.
Once again, the actor finds himself at the centre of a national conversation—this time, not through a movie role, but through a deeply personal act rooted in family and tradition.
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