Kannywood—the Hausa-language film industry based in Northern Nigeria—has matured significantly. In 2025, actor and actress earnings are becoming more structured and transparent. Below is a breakdown of pay tiers, series rates, allowances, and supplementary revenue sources in Kannywood.

Earnings Breakdown by Tier

Per-Movie Rates

• Top-tier actors like Ali Nuhu, Yakubu Mohammed, and Sadiq Sani Sadiq earn between ₦500K and ₦1M per movie; Ali Nuhu can command ₦2M–₦4M.

• Mid-level performers typically earn ₦200K–₦500K per film.

• Newcomers earn between ₦50K and ₦200K.

• Some veteran actors have occasionally received as low as ₦2K–₦5K per film—an alarming disparity.

Per Episode (Series) Rates

• Series pay scales are lower than movie rates. A-list may earn up to ₦300K per episode, while newcomers start from ₦20K.

• Shockingly, some veteran actors occasionally receive just ₦2K per movie—far under industry norms.

Additional Income Streams & Allowances

Kannywood stars often augment their salaries with:

• Brand Endorsements: A-listers like Ali Nuhu frequently represent major brands (e.g., Globacom, Omo).

• Music & Performances: Actors such as Adam A. Zango and Sani Danja also earn from music careers.

• Producing & Directing: Planning, producing, and directing increases income and creative control.

• Social Media & Influencing: Instagram/TikTok endorsements help supplement income.

• Royalties: Rare in Kannywood, but possible via streaming platforms like IROKOtv or Netflix.

• Appearance & Event Fees: Paid speaking, hosting, or event roles are common for top names.

Factors That Affect Pay

Key determinants of income include:

• Star Power & Popularity

• Production Budget & Distribution Channel

• Role Prominence (lead vs supporting)

• Experience & Negotiation Skills

• Diversified Ventures & Online Presence

On-the-Ground Insight

Regarding extremely low pay for veterans like Ladin Chima:

“I never collected big money… sometimes ₦5,000 or less… even today I leave acting and what I get is just ₦2,000.”
— Ladin Chima, reflecting harsh realities in older roles.

However, industry professionals push back:

• Ali Nuhu stated he recently paid her ₦40,000 for a role.

• Producer Falalu Dorayi confirmed paying between ₦20,000–₦40,000 for roles she performed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What do A-list Kannywood actors earn per movie?
They earn between ₦500,000 and ₦1,000,000, with superstars like Ali Nuhu earning up to ₦4 million.

Q2: What's the per-episode pay for TV series?
A-list actors: ₦100K–₦300K; Mid-level: ₦50K–₦100K; Entry-level: ₦20K–₦50K.

Q3: Are allowances included in pay?
Yes—actors may receive extra for makeup, costumes, travel, appearance fees, and brand endorsements.

Q4: Do actors earn royalties from streaming films?
Rarely, but possible via deals with platforms like IROKOtv or Netflix.

Q5: Why do some veteran actors earn so little?
This reflects low budgets, weak contract enforcement, and irregular pay structures within segments of the industry.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Kannywood compensation landscape is diverse:

• A-list stars can command substantial fees (up to ₦4 million per film), plus lucrative side income.

• Mid-level actors earn solid mid-range wages and often leverage additional ventures.

• Newcomers work modestly, but have clear pathways to grow their earnings.

• Unfortunately, some veteran actors still receive minimal pay despite years of service—a sobering gap that the industry needs to address.