Popular Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo, whose birth name is Anayo Modestus Onyekwere has shared a touching story about how he got his name and the profound significance it held for his family.
In his narrative, he revealed that he was named “Modestus” by his father, and “Anayo” by his mother. This act of dual naming stemmed from the deep sense of gratitude and hope that his birth brought to his parents.
They had experienced the heartbreaking loss of two or three sons who did not live beyond the age of three. With the arrival of Kanayo, his parents celebrated and expressed their determination to please God for this precious gift of a son.
So this was why the actor was named “Kanayochukwu ma nkea, oganota” when he was born, and it translates to “Let’s pray to God that this one stays.”
Kanayo O Kanayo also disclosed that the circumstance explains the 17-year age gap between him and his only brother.
He wrote, “Do you know why I am called Kanayo OR Anayo? Two or three born before me all died before getting to three years of age. My parents were unsure if any other born after would live longer. When I came, my parents, Donatus & Isabella Onyekwere, said ” Kanayochukwu ma nkea, oganota.”
“Let’s pray to God that this one stays. Explaining the 17 year gap between me and my only brother. I came, I stayed, I am still here. No plans of checking out anytime soon.”
The actor further dropped an advice to all, stating that people should stay in their lane and play their own role based on how they came to the world, just as he is doing.
“I am on my lane playing my role, not in any race with anyone because of how I came. Stay in your lane, play your own role because of how you came. Since we didn’t come together, please respect my trade. I will respect yours. Let the eagle perch. Let the kite perch.”
