Actor and producer Uzee Usman has spoken about the need for stronger collaboration between Kannywood and Nollywood as he continues to build a career across both industries.
In an interview with Leadership, the actor said his journey into film started from a love for storytelling and grew into a passion for making meaningful impact through cinema.
“Honestly, it started from pure passion. Growing up, I was fascinated by storytelling, how a simple story could move people, make them laugh, cry, or even change their perspective. Kannywood was my first home; it felt close to my roots, my language, my culture. Nollywood came later, and it opened my eyes to a broader audience and stronger possibilities. Over time, my love has matured. It’s no longer just about acting; it’s about impact, legacy, and telling stories that matter,” he said.
Speaking on working in both industries, Uzee said he understands the different demands of Kannywood and Nollywood and adapts accordingly.
“It’s like being bilingual; you learn to switch naturally. Kannywood requires a certain cultural sensitivity and storytelling style, while Nollywood is more diverse and experimental. I respect both spaces deeply. When I’m on set, I fully immerse myself in that world. As a producer, I also try to create content that can travel, stories that feel local but connect globally.”
The actor also spoke about his latest project MAFARKI, which he described as a story about ambition and resilience.
“MAFARKI, which means ‘dreams,’ came from a very personal place. It’s about ambition, struggle, and the reality of chasing your dreams in a society that doesn’t always support you. I wanted to tell a story that young people can see themselves in. The message is simple: your dreams are valid, but they require sacrifice, patience, and resilience.”
On the challenges of producing the project, he said limited resources tested the production team.
“Plenty of challenges, funding, logistics, and even weather at some point. But the biggest one was balancing quality with limited resources. We had a vision, and we didn’t want to compromise it. What helped was having a dedicated team that believed in the project as much as I did. We got creative, stayed disciplined, and pushed through every obstacle.”
Uzee also reflected on the growth of Kannywood, saying the industry has improved in storytelling and technical quality over the years.
“The growth has been impressive. We’ve moved from very traditional storytelling to more dynamic, layered narratives. Production quality has improved with better cameras, better editing, and better sound. There’s still room for growth, but the industry is evolving, and people are starting to pay attention beyond the North,” he said.
According to him, Kannywood has the potential to play a bigger role in Nollywood’s growing international recognition.
“Kannywood has a unique voice, and that’s our strength. The world is curious about authentic stories, and we have plenty of them. I see Kannywood becoming a major contributor to that global expansion, especially if we continue to improve quality and make our stories accessible through subtitles and wider distribution.”
The A Tribe Called Judah actor stressed the importance of collaboration between filmmakers from both industries.
“More intentional collaboration. Not just actors crossing over, but joint productions, shared investments, and creative partnerships. There’s so much we can learn from each other. When we combine our strengths, we can create something truly powerful that represents Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Uzee also called on governments in northern Nigeria to support the film sector through funding, infrastructure and training.
“The government, especially the northern governors, has a huge role to play in funding, infrastructure, training, and policies that protect intellectual property. The film industry is a goldmine for job creation and cultural export. If properly supported, especially in northern Nigeria, it can empower thousands of young people and boost the economy.”
Advising upcoming actors, he urged them to stay disciplined and committed to learning.
“Stay consistent and keep learning. Talent is important, but discipline and patience are what will keep you going. Don’t rush fame, focus on your craft. Also, be professional. Your attitude can open doors just as much as your talent.”
Speaking about his future plans, Uzee said he hopes to leave a lasting impact beyond acting.
“I want to build a legacy that goes beyond acting, producing impactful films, mentoring young talents, and creating platforms for new voices. I also want to tell African stories on a global scale. For me, it’s about leaving the industry better than I found it.”
Born in Kaduna and originally from Kwara State, Uzee began his entertainment career as a make up artist before moving into acting and film production. Over the years, he has featured in projects including Voiceless, Anikulapo, Oga Abuja and A Tribe Called Judah, where he played Adamu Judah alongside Funke Akindele.
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Uzee Usman calls for stronger Kannywood, Nollywood collaboration
Actor and producer Uzee Usman has spoken about the need for stronger collaboration between Kannywood and Nollywood as he continues to build a career across both industries.
In an interview with Leadership, the actor said his journey into film started from a love for storytelling and grew into a passion for making meaningful impact through cinema.
“Honestly, it started from pure passion. Growing up, I was fascinated by storytelling, how a simple story could move people, make them laugh, cry, or even change their perspective. Kannywood was my first home; it felt close to my roots, my language, my culture. Nollywood came later, and it opened my eyes to a broader audience and stronger possibilities. Over time, my love has matured. It’s no longer just about acting; it’s about impact, legacy, and telling stories that matter,” he said.
Speaking on working in both industries, Uzee said he understands the different demands of Kannywood and Nollywood and adapts accordingly.
“It’s like being bilingual; you learn to switch naturally. Kannywood requires a certain cultural sensitivity and storytelling style, while Nollywood is more diverse and experimental. I respect both spaces deeply. When I’m on set, I fully immerse myself in that world. As a producer, I also try to create content that can travel, stories that feel local but connect globally.”
The actor also spoke about his latest project MAFARKI, which he described as a story about ambition and resilience.
“MAFARKI, which means ‘dreams,’ came from a very personal place. It’s about ambition, struggle, and the reality of chasing your dreams in a society that doesn’t always support you. I wanted to tell a story that young people can see themselves in. The message is simple: your dreams are valid, but they require sacrifice, patience, and resilience.”
On the challenges of producing the project, he said limited resources tested the production team.
“Plenty of challenges, funding, logistics, and even weather at some point. But the biggest one was balancing quality with limited resources. We had a vision, and we didn’t want to compromise it. What helped was having a dedicated team that believed in the project as much as I did. We got creative, stayed disciplined, and pushed through every obstacle.”
Uzee also reflected on the growth of Kannywood, saying the industry has improved in storytelling and technical quality over the years.
“The growth has been impressive. We’ve moved from very traditional storytelling to more dynamic, layered narratives. Production quality has improved with better cameras, better editing, and better sound. There’s still room for growth, but the industry is evolving, and people are starting to pay attention beyond the North,” he said.
According to him, Kannywood has the potential to play a bigger role in Nollywood’s growing international recognition.
“Kannywood has a unique voice, and that’s our strength. The world is curious about authentic stories, and we have plenty of them. I see Kannywood becoming a major contributor to that global expansion, especially if we continue to improve quality and make our stories accessible through subtitles and wider distribution.”
The A Tribe Called Judah actor stressed the importance of collaboration between filmmakers from both industries.
“More intentional collaboration. Not just actors crossing over, but joint productions, shared investments, and creative partnerships. There’s so much we can learn from each other. When we combine our strengths, we can create something truly powerful that represents Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Uzee also called on governments in northern Nigeria to support the film sector through funding, infrastructure and training.
“The government, especially the northern governors, has a huge role to play in funding, infrastructure, training, and policies that protect intellectual property. The film industry is a goldmine for job creation and cultural export. If properly supported, especially in northern Nigeria, it can empower thousands of young people and boost the economy.”
Advising upcoming actors, he urged them to stay disciplined and committed to learning.
“Stay consistent and keep learning. Talent is important, but discipline and patience are what will keep you going. Don’t rush fame, focus on your craft. Also, be professional. Your attitude can open doors just as much as your talent.”
Speaking about his future plans, Uzee said he hopes to leave a lasting impact beyond acting.
“I want to build a legacy that goes beyond acting, producing impactful films, mentoring young talents, and creating platforms for new voices. I also want to tell African stories on a global scale. For me, it’s about leaving the industry better than I found it.”
Born in Kaduna and originally from Kwara State, Uzee began his entertainment career as a make up artist before moving into acting and film production. Over the years, he has featured in projects including Voiceless, Anikulapo, Oga Abuja and A Tribe Called Judah, where he played Adamu Judah alongside Funke Akindele.
