In May 2025, veteran Nollywood actor and lawyer Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, sparked a global conversation by publicly criticizing the Catholic Church’s centuries-old tradition of using black smoke to signify an unsuccessful papal election. In a video posted on his Instagram page on May 8, 2025, Kanayo expressed deep concern over the symbolic implications of associating the color black with failure, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about Black people and Africans. His remarks, made during the conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, have ignited debates about cultural sensitivity, racial bias, and the need for reform in longstanding religious traditions. This article delves into Kanayo’s critique, the historical context of the Catholic Church’s smoke signals, the cultural implications of color symbolism, and the broader discourse surrounding his statements.
Kanayo O. Kanayo: A Voice of Influence
Kanayo O. Kanayo, born on March 1, 1962, in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, is a renowned figure in Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has appeared in numerous films and television series, earning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2006 for his performance in Family Battle. Beyond acting, Kanayo is a lawyer, having obtained a law degree from the University of Abuja in 2018 and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2020. His multifaceted career and public persona as a cultural commentator give weight to his opinions, particularly on issues affecting African identity and representation.
Kanayo’s critique of the Catholic Church’s use of black smoke is not his first foray into social commentary. In 2023, he publicly condemned individuals who used the illness of fellow actor John Ikechukwu Okafor (Mr. Ibu) to gain social media traction, demonstrating his commitment to addressing issues he perceives as unjust. His May 2025 statement, however, marks a significant moment, as it challenges a global institution—the Catholic Church—and its symbolic practices, resonating with audiences far beyond Nigeria.
The Catholic Church’s Smoke Signal Tradition
The Catholic Church’s use of smoke signals during papal conclaves is a tradition rooted in centuries of history. When a pope dies or resigns, cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel for a conclave to elect a new pontiff. The process, which dates back to the 13th century, is shrouded in secrecy, with cardinals locked inside until a decision is reached. To communicate the outcome of each voting round to the outside world, the ballots are burned, producing smoke that billows from a chimney installed on the Sistine Chapel’s roof.
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Black Smoke (Fumata Nera): Indicates an unsuccessful vote, meaning no candidate has secured the required two-thirds majority.
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White Smoke (Fumata Bianca): Signals the successful election of a new pope.
The smoke’s color is achieved through chemical mixtures. According to a 2017 McGill University report, black smoke is created using potassium perchlorate, sulfur, and anthracene, while white smoke involves potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine resin. This practice, formalized in the 18th century, ensures that the results are visible to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square and broadcast globally.
The tradition is not merely functional but deeply symbolic, reflecting the Church’s emphasis on ritual and continuity. However, Kanayo O. Kanayo argues that this symbolism carries unintended consequences, particularly for Black people, by reinforcing negative associations with the color black.
Kanayo’s Critique: A Call for Cultural Sensitivity
In his Instagram video, Kanayo articulated his discomfort with the Church’s use of black smoke, stating, “When they fail, it’s black smoke. When they succeed, it’s white smoke… This has been ingrained in the minds of the world that black is failure.” He argued that this symbolism perpetuates a subconscious racial bias, vilifying Black people and Africans by associating the color black with failure and negativity. Kanayo proposed an alternative: “Let blue smoke mean a new pope has not been elected, and let white smoke mean he has. Remove the black. It’s not good for us.”
Kanayo’s critique is grounded in the broader context of color symbolism and its cultural implications. In many societies, colors carry specific meanings. In Western traditions, black is often associated with mourning, death, or negativity, while white symbolizes purity, success, or celebration. In African cultures, however, color symbolism can differ significantly. For example, in some African traditions, white is associated with death and mourning, while black may symbolize strength, fertility, or spirituality. Kanayo’s argument highlights the tension between the Catholic Church’s Eurocentric traditions and the global diversity of its 1.4 billion members, many of whom come from Africa and the African diaspora.
Historical Context: The 2025 Papal Conclave
Kanayo’s comments were made during the conclave following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025. The conclave, which began on May 7, 2025, saw 133 voting cardinals gather to elect a new pope. On the first day, black smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating that no candidate had secured the necessary majority. This event prompted Kanayo’s video, posted the following day, in which he expressed his concerns.
On May 8, 2025, the conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American from the Augustinian Order, as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election, marked by white smoke, was historic, as he became the first American pope and the first from an English-speaking country since the 12th century. Pope Leo XIV’s progressive agenda, emphasizing social justice and outreach to marginalized communities, aligns with the legacy of Pope Francis, but the controversy over the smoke signals overshadowed some of the initial discourse surrounding his election.
Cultural Implications of Color Symbolism
Kanayo’s critique raises important questions about the cultural implications of color symbolism in global institutions. The association of black with failure and white with success is not unique to the Catholic Church but is prevalent in many Western traditions. For example:
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Language and Idioms: Phrases like “black sheep” (an outcast) or “black mark” (a negative record) reinforce negative connotations of black, while “white knight” or “whiter than white” suggest heroism or purity.
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Media and Literature: Black is often used to depict villainy or danger, while white represents goodness or salvation.
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Fashion and Design: Black is associated with formality or mourning, while white is linked to weddings and purity in Western contexts.
These associations, while often subconscious, can shape perceptions and reinforce stereotypes. For Kanayo, the Catholic Church’s use of black smoke perpetuates a narrative that marginalizes Black people, particularly in a global context where Africans make up a significant portion of the Church’s membership. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 230 million Catholics, representing a growing segment of the global Church. Kanayo’s call for change reflects a desire for the Church to acknowledge the cultural diversity of its followers and adapt its symbols accordingly.
Public Reactions to Kanayo’s Statements
Kanayo’s video sparked a range of reactions on social media, reflecting the complexity of the issue. Supporters praised his courage in challenging a powerful institution and raising awareness about racial bias. One commenter on Instagram wrote, “Very thoughtful of him. That is another reason why the white sees us as inferior. Many things have to change for the better.” Others echoed his call for alternative symbolism, with some suggesting that the Church adopt neutral colors like blue or green to avoid racial connotations.
However, not all reactions were supportive. Some critics argued that Kanayo was overinterpreting the tradition, emphasizing that the smoke’s color is a practical choice based on chemical properties rather than a deliberate racial statement. One commenter on Linda Ikeji’s blog stated, “Personally, the colour of smoke depends on what is being burnt… I do not know why we like to give meaningless interpretation to some things.” Others accused Kanayo of sensationalism, with one user writing, “Kanayo, please face your dead acting career and leave the Catholic Church alone.”
The polarized reactions highlight the challenge of addressing cultural sensitivity in global traditions. For some, Kanayo’s critique is a necessary call to action; for others, it is an overreach into a tradition that predates modern racial discourse. The debate also underscores the power of social media in amplifying voices like Kanayo’s, allowing a Nollywood actor to influence a global conversation about a religious institution.
The Catholic Church’s Perspective
The Catholic Church has not officially responded to Kanayo’s critique, but its stance on the smoke signal tradition is rooted in historical and practical considerations. The use of black and white smoke dates back to the 18th century, when a chimney was first installed to make the conclave’s outcomes visible. The choice of colors was likely influenced by the chemical means available at the time, with black and white being the most distinguishable contrasts.
From the Church’s perspective, the smoke signals are a functional and symbolic part of a sacred ritual, not intended to convey racial messages. The burning of ballots ensures secrecy, while the smoke communicates the outcome to the faithful waiting outside. Changing the tradition, as Kanayo suggests, would require significant deliberation, as the Church is known for its slow adaptation to change. For example, the conclave process has remained largely unchanged for centuries, despite technological advancements that could make smoke signals obsolete.
However, the Church has shown some willingness to adapt to cultural sensitivities in other areas. For instance, Pope Francis’s papacy emphasized inclusivity, social justice, and outreach to marginalized communities, including those in Africa. Pope Leo XIV, elected in 2025, is expected to continue this progressive agenda. Kanayo’s critique could prompt the Church to consider alternative symbols, such as blue smoke, to align with its global mission of unity and inclusion.
Kanayo’s Proposal: Blue Smoke as an Alternative
Kanayo’s suggestion to replace black smoke with blue smoke is both practical and symbolic. Blue, often associated with neutrality, peace, or contemplation, could serve as a less contentious signal for an unsuccessful vote. Chemically, producing blue smoke is feasible, though it would require adjusting the current mixture of potassium perchlorate, sulfur, and anthracene used for black smoke. The Church’s existing infrastructure, with two stoves feeding into a single copper flue, could likely accommodate such a change without significant disruption.
Symbolically, blue smoke could neutralize the racial connotations Kanayo highlights, aligning with the Church’s mission to foster unity. However, implementing this change would require balancing tradition with modern sensibilities, a challenge the Church has faced in other areas, such as liturgical reforms or the inclusion of women in leadership roles.
Broader Implications for Global Institutions
Kanayo’s critique extends beyond the Catholic Church, raising questions about how global institutions navigate cultural sensitivity in an increasingly diverse world. As globalization brings different cultures into closer contact, symbols and traditions once considered neutral may be reexamined for their impact on marginalized groups. For example:
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Corporate Branding: Companies have faced scrutiny for logos or campaigns that unintentionally offend cultural or racial groups.
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Sports and Entertainment: Mascots, team names, and media representations have been revised to address stereotypes.
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Religious Practices: Other faiths, such as Islam and Hinduism, have grappled with adapting rituals to diverse congregations.
Kanayo’s call for change challenges institutions to reflect on the unintended consequences of their traditions and consider reforms that reflect the diversity of their stakeholders. In the case of the Catholic Church, with its global reach, such reflection is particularly relevant.
Kanayo’s Role as a Cultural Advocate
Kanayo’s critique positions him as a cultural advocate, using his platform to address issues of representation and identity. His status as a Nollywood icon gives him a unique voice, as African cinema often serves as a medium for exploring social and cultural issues. By challenging the Catholic Church, Kanayo is not only addressing a specific tradition but also contributing to a broader discourse on how Africa and Africans are perceived globally.
His suggestion to replace black smoke with blue smoke is a practical step toward cultural sensitivity, but it also reflects a deeper call for African voices to be heard in global institutions. As a lawyer and actor, Kanayo brings both intellectual rigor and cultural influence to his advocacy, making his critique a significant moment in the intersection of culture, religion, and race.
Conclusion
Kanayo O. Kanayo’s condemnation of the Catholic Church’s use of black smoke during papal conclaves has sparked a vital conversation about cultural sensitivity, racial bias, and the power of symbols in global institutions. His critique, rooted in a desire to challenge negative stereotypes about Black people, highlights the tension between tradition and modernity in a diverse world. The Catholic Church’s smoke signal tradition, while steeped in history, carries unintended connotations that resonate differently across cultures. Kanayo’s proposal for blue smoke offers a practical alternative, but it also underscores the need for institutions to listen to diverse voices and adapt to changing sensibilities.
The polarized reactions to Kanayo’s statements reflect the complexity of addressing cultural issues in a global context. While some see his critique as a necessary call for change, others view it as an overinterpretation of a neutral tradition. Regardless, his intervention has brought attention to the power of symbols and their impact on marginalized communities. As the Catholic Church navigates its future under Pope Leo XIV, it may consider Kanayo’s call as part of its broader mission to foster unity and inclusion.
