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Tag: Filmmakers

  • Nigerian documentary filmmakers shine at Sunny Side of the Doc 2025

    Nigerian documentary filmmakers shine at Sunny Side of the Doc 2025

    Highlighting the growing global interest in Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly evolving documentary filmmaking scene, seven Nigerian documentary filmmakers are currently attending the prestigious Sunny Side of the Doc marketplace holding in La Rochelle, France.

    The marketplace kicked off on Monday, June 23 and will run to the 26th of June, 2025.

    For the second consecutive year, the French Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with StoryMiAcademy, is supporting the participation of the seven Nigerian filmmakers in Sunny Side of the Doc, one of the world’s leading industry events and international marketplaces dedicated to documentary films.

    Founded in 1990, this renowned event brings together decision-makers, producers, filmmakers, sales agents and investors from around the globe for four days of networking, project financing and international distribution opportunities for documentary films and series.

    As a major date on the international documentary calendar, Sunny Side of the Doc is built around three main goals of Fostering international co-productions and the development of new documentary projects; Facilitating the global circulation of documentary films and Informing and training professionals on current market trends, media economics, and emerging technologies (AI, visual immersion, etc.).

    “This festival represents a major opportunity in the careers of these young directors, who carry powerful stories that deserve to be shared with the world,” said Christophe Pecot, Audiovisual attaché for the French embassy in Nigeria.

    Five of the seven participants are alumni of the StoryMi Academy and were selected based on the strength and originality of their new film projects. Over the past few years, they have already demonstrated remarkable talent, with some achieving notable success during their fellowships. On Your Own by Daniel Itegboje, for instance, was recently nominated for Best African Documentary at the AMVCA Awards.

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    With their upcoming feature-length projects, the selection jury was especially impressed by their professional growth during the fellowship and the compelling nature of their stories each capable of amplifying Nigerian voices, reflecting its society and shedding light on key national and global issues.

    The filmmakers selected for the delegation are Daniel Itegboje (Beyond the Horizon – exploring the brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector); Aima OJ (No Way Home – tracing the history of migration through time); Shedrack Salami, (Beyond Olympic Glory – following the dreams of a Nigerian female boxer); Lateefah Mayaki and Solomon Shaibu (Lost Times – investigating Lagos Island’s colonial history and its contemporary reality).

    They will be accompanied by two prominent mentors and filmmakers, Ike Nnaebue, director and producer whose film, No U-Turn won the Jury Prize at the 2021 Berlin Biennale and received international recognition as well as Chika Oduah, a multidisciplinary storyteller and filmmaker. She is a former Africa correspondent for VICE News, France 24 English, Voice of America and Al Jazeera and currently serves as Content Editor at BIRD, an innovative pan-African news agency.

    As part of a special focus session titled “Africa on Film: Stories From Within”, the five selected filmmakers will pitch their projects to an international audience in hopes of securing co-producers, creative collaborators and distribution opportunities.

     “We are incredibly proud of this delegation, the quality of their projects and the hard work they’ve put in over the past two years to reach this stage,” said Sophie Bouillon, director and founder of StoryMi Academy, a Lagos-based media training initiative for emerging storytellers and media professionals. “These young filmmakers are immensely talented, and our past experience at international festivals has shown a strong appetite for unique and sensitive African stories,” she said.

  • Expert urges Nigeria’s filmmakers to promote national unity, cultural diplomacy

    Expert urges Nigeria’s filmmakers to promote national unity, cultural diplomacy

    An expert and Martin’s Studio Entertainment’s chief executive officer (CEO), Olabode Oluwafemi, has urged Nigeria’s filmmakers to use their craft to promote national unity and cultural diplomacy.

    He said the industry played a critical role in showcasing Nigeria’s diversity, rich cultural heritage, and shared values.

    Oluwafemi noted that filmmakers can help bridge the country’s ethnic and religious divides by telling authentic Nigerian stories, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose.

    Speaking with newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oluwafemi, highlighted the potential of Nollywood to serve as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria, promoting the country’s image and interests abroad.

    According to him, by producing high-quality films that resonate with global audiences, Nigerian filmmakers can help challenge negative stereotypes and promote cross-cultural understanding, which can attract foreign investment, tourism, and cultural exchange, driving economic growth and development.

    He said: “Nollywood can advance Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy by showcasing the country’s rich heritage and diverse stories globally. By participating in international festivals and forming global partnerships, Nollywood can enhance Nigeria’s cultural image and strengthen its global influence.”

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    He however said as a leading figure in Nigeria’s film industry, he hopes to inspire a new generation of Nigerian filmmakers to join him in promoting national unity and cultural diplomacy through the power of film.

    He said to address challenges facing girls in the Nigerian movie industry, there should be mentorship programs, equal access to training, and strict anti-harassment policies.

    “Promoting women in decision-making roles and fostering global partnerships will support their development and enhance Nigeria’s international reputation.”

    He called on the government and private sectors to collaborate and create an enabling environment for the film industry to thrive by offering tax incentives, grants, and streamlined regulations, while the private sector can invest in studios, technology, and training.

    “Public-private partnerships can fund film festivals and international collaborations, creating a supportive environment for industry growth and global competitiveness.

    He therefore urged Nigerian filmmakers to convey messages of resilience, unity, and hope.

    “By highlighting Nigeria’s diverse cultures and shared values, addressing societal issues, and celebrating achievements, filmmakers can inspire positive change and showcase Nigeria’s growth and potential on the global stage.”

  • Bolanle Austen-Peters: Why female filmmakers are rivalling men

    Bolanle Austen-Peters: Why female filmmakers are rivalling men

    Only a few men in Nigeria’s creative landscape could match her talent, grit, and bravery. Bolanle Austen-Peters is a connoisseur of arts with many different hats. She is a lawyer, public speaker, mentor, theatre/film director and producer. Bolanle discussed how she’s navigating in a male-dominated sector, and the importance of hanging onto one’s passion at this year’s NBA Women’s Forum Conference, writes OLAITAN GANIU.

    Olanle’s name has become synonymous with the country’s creative sector, but only a few know that she had a successful career as a lawyer.

    With pressure from her family, she obtained a degree in Law at the University of Lagos and later attended the London School of Economics and Political Science. But despite her academic journey, she was passionate about arts and culture.

    After completing her degrees in the 1990s, her father insisted she work with him at his law firm, Afe Babalola and Co., which Bolanle agreed to. But after some years, she leaped forward to follow her dream.

    “One day, I just said I was done. I was not doing this law anymore. Having a family full of lawyers—my father and sisters—I decided to take a different path,” she said.

    FORGING AHEAD

    It was a make-or-break situation for her but she was determined to forge her identity. In 2003, she decided to grasp the nettle by delving into the creative world, setting up an educational and cultural hub, Terra Kulture.

    She said, “There is only one thing that is important: ‘Know what you want to do, and know what makes you happy, “she emphasized, quoting an American actress and media proprietor, Oprah Winfrey. “Once you know what you want to do, the stars will align behind you.”

    Reminiscing about her humble beginning, she narrated that many people questioned her moves. “When I started, a lot of people came over to me and said ‘Do you know what you are doing?’

    You know, anything you want to start, many people without a clear understanding and some form of ignorance will come up to you and say, ‘What are you doing? You’re selling rice? Because to them, a restaurant is just about selling rice,  just because they can’t see the art behind it.”

    The 55-year-old cultural entrepreneur underscored that the gallery was established to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts, and culture while providing a haven for art practitioners.

    She said, “Having a gallery is about storytelling. I believe that changing the narrative of your country is probably more important than a lot of other jobs. But to a lot of minds, they didn’t get it.”

    Through hard work, persistence, and tenacity, she has surpassed and defied expectations. Her contribution has not only enhanced the creative sector but also changed viewpoints and reshaped storylines.

    For over sixteen years, the centre has produced some globally acclaimed Nigerian stage plays and musicals including, ‘Saro the Musical’, ‘Fela, and the Kalakuta Queens’, etc. It has also organised over 300 art exhibitions, 140 plays, and over 70 book readings while over 30,000 people have visited the art hub on school tours, excursions and attended its Nigerian language classes.

    “10 years ago I dared to dream. It was scary. It wasn’t easy. Nothing is ever easy especially breaking boundaries but ‘Saro the Musical’ was born.

    She added, “When we started, theatre in Nigeria was dead, but today, we have Nigerian Theatres and plays showing across the country, including London, Dubai, South Africa, America, Egypt and others. This is because some of us just kept doing it, till the world took note and we haven’t started. The journey has just started.”

    BREAKING THROUGH THE CELLULOID CEILING

    A decade later, she spread her tentacle as a filmmaker when she launched her audiovisual production, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions) in 2013.

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    She co-produced a thriller film titled, ‘93 Days’ in 2016. The project was nominated for several awards. It got seven categories for the 2017 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), making it the highest-nominated film in the 2017 AMAA.

    Ever since, she has continued to produce and direct many big-budget films including ‘The Blink Lagosians,’ ‘Man Enough,’ ‘Collision Course’ and several others.

    “The same goes for movies, I started movies 2018 and we’ve risen to be one of the top production outfits in Nigeria with our movies recognised by global streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Showmax, and others.”

    Her latest movie titled, ‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti,’ is currently making history as the highest-grossing biopic ever in Nigeria and West Africa. The cinematic project featured an array of actors including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, Patrick Diabuah and others.

    ” We broke the record of highest biopic ever sold in Nigeria n West Africa. A film, “Ayinla” held this record previously. This is a difficult genre to sell but with God nothing is impossible.”

    BALANCING GENDER EQUALITY

    Dating back to the nascent period of the 1990s, the Nigerian film industry was hegemonized and controlled by men. But over the years, the industry has continued to witness a significant rise in female filmmakers.

    Bolanle alongside other creative women including Jade Osiberu, Biodun Stephen, Mo Abudu, and Funke Akindele, are pushing boundaries, dismantling systemic barriers, and creating films that resonate with audiences worldwide.

    “A couple of years ago, the creative sector was dominated by men. Today, women are the biggest directors and producers in Nollywood,” she said.

    Explaining that “In less than 10 years, we changed the narrative. What did we do? We became bolder. I am one of those. Men used to produce a lot of films and a woman will do one film in five years. So I said, is it to produce? Okay, let’s start producing.

    “Today, we have great female directors like Jade Osiberu, Kemi Adetiba, Omoni Oboli including myself, so many women, who just jumped into the ring and make sure that their voices do count just as the male counterparts.”

    While strides have been achieved by these female filmmakers, gender parity remains a goal for Bolanle. “We are rivalling men in that space,” she declared.

    “Having a great number of female producers didn’t happen by accident, women were strategic. We said, no, we don’t want to be actors; we want to be a director and producer.

    “The more people like myself stand up to be counted, the more I impact the women coming after me because they see me and they know that it is possible.”

    A SHINING STAR, LIGHTING OTHERS

    She believed that one of the strategies for reducing unemployment is to invest in the creative industry. This, according to her, informed her decision to establish Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) to empower youth with relevant up-to-date technical and practical skills.

    In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the academy has graduated thousands of young people with film production skills. “Our students have been able to transform their talent into wealth and that is commendable. The courses we offer are completely free of charge, courtesy of Mastercard Foundation.

    “Nigeria needs to invest more in the creative space for us to move on. We need to create a new future for our children to positively promote the brand and grow the economy.”

  • Thespians, filmmakers excited as Husseini emerges NFVCB boss

    Thespians, filmmakers excited as Husseini emerges NFVCB boss

    A number of filmmakers, actors and actresses across the country have expressed delight after Dr. Shaibu Husseini took over the reins of power at the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

     Following Husseini’s appointment, popular filmmakers and thespians have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the appointment, referring to it as a round peg in a round hole.

     British cum Nigerian filmmaker, Egor Kelly described Dr. Husseini’s appointment as truly deserving.

     She said: “You see this particular appointment? Na dis one sweet my bele pass. I cannot explain how ecstatic I am. There is no one truly more deserving of this honour than Shaibu Husseini, PhD. (aka @igalaman ). If you are in the entertainment industry, you already know the privilege it is to be associated with Dr. Shaibu Husseini, who is a veteran journalist, actor, film curator, cultural administrator, PR and media expert.

      “When his appointment was announced in a film group that we both belong to, some people were suggesting that this department or that department would suit him better and at a point, we all became confused because na “all join” matter oh.

    “Anywhere you put him, Doc. will excel because he is so multi-talented that I cannot quantify how his experience spans. Is it journalism? Is it theatre? Who sabi dance pass Doc? Is it film? Apart from being a veteran actor, Doc has been a member of the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) jury for more than a decade. Is it book? Doc graduated with a first class honours degree and holds a PhD. Give the man his flowers, mbok! Please, join me in celebrating this good man. My friend. My brother. Congratulations, Doc. May God continue to bless and lift you in the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen.”

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     In the same vein, Kehinde Bankole noted Dr. Husseini’s appointment was good news. “Congratulations sir, some happy news,” she wrote.

     Husseini was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to take over from Alhaji Adedayo Thomas as the the Director-General of the film body. He is a journalist, performing artist, cultural administrator, PR and media expert, film critic, and film curator.

     He was born on December 4, 1970, and pursued his education at the Lagos State University School of Communication and the University of Lagos, earning a BSc (First Class) in Mass Communication, and an MSc (Distinction) respectively. He later pursued a Doctorate in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos.

     His most recent role was as the Editor-at-large for The Guardian.

     Husseini is a former Secretary of the Governing Board of the National Theatre/National Troupe of Nigeria (2011-2015) and has held roles such as Director of Dance and Music and Head of the Strategic Communication Unit at the National Troupe of Nigeria.

     He also has a 16-year tenure as the Chair of the Selection Committee for  AMAA.

     Furthermore, he served as the chairman of the College of Screeners and has been a longstanding member of the jury board for the AMAA.

     Husseini has also participated in various conferences, workshops, and festivals, contributing to film, theatre, and allied matters.

     Lauded as the “most consistent documentarist” in Nollywood, Husseini wrote a book entitled: “Moviedom” in 2010, offering insights into Nollywood’s developmental stages.

     As an alumnus of the United States International Visitors Leadership Programme and the AIG-Public Leaders Programme at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Governance, he has demonstrated his commitment to leadership and international collaboration.

     In 2014, Husseini received recognition from the Nollywood Film Festival in Germany for his significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry. His involvement extends to serving on the boards and juries of several local and international film-related committees, including those of the Mainframe Film Institute, the International Film Festival, and the Bank of Industry (BoI) Nollywood Fund.

    At the moment, he is a voting member of the International Golden Globes Award and a consultant to the Berlin International Film Festival, utilising his extensive experience in theatre, cultural administration, public relations, advertising, journalism, broadcasting, and film.

  • Filmmakers celebrate Tope Oshin @ 40

    FILMMAKER Tope Oshin who clocked 40 during the week recalled how she was celebrated by young filmmakers at the informal workshop held in giving back to celebrate her birthday.

    “And then came the gifts and good cheer,” she said.

    “Are these ladies just amazing or amazinggggg. Thank you all soooooo much!!!!!!.

    “Life is made of beautiful moments such as this. Today I met with these amazing group of #femalefilmmakers of all levels of experience, in an informal workshop, giving back to celebrate my birthday.

    “I am the blessed one to have their amazing energy all around and spending the whole day with them sharing and giving and laughing together. Especially excited and looking forward to the amazing stories that will come out of this amazing experience and meeting. I love you all!!!!

    “Super thanks to the supporters of the workshop.”

    Tope Oshin Ogun, a multiple award winning motion picture professional, studied Theatre Arts, T.V & Film Production from the Lagos State University, Nigeria, and then studied Filmmaking Techniques and Methodologies at Colorado Film School, USA.

    Tope who describes herself as a “Filmmaker for Change”, owns Sunbow Productions Ltd, and consults for EbonyLife TV and Promocom Ventures, amongst others in Nigeria.

  • Filmmakers urged to send right messages

    A Movie producer, Mr Seun Dania, has urged producers and directors to make movies that send the right messages to the audience, especially the youths.

    Dania, who premiered his debut movie Nimbe, said some Nollywood movies send wrong messages to their audience.

    “As a producer or director of any movie, we must aim that the movies we are directing, entail the right messages for the audience, especially the youth in our country.

    “We must have it in mind that many movies have impact on people, especially the youth; so we must learn how to pass the right messages in our movies.

    “We can’t be encouraging the use of drugs or violence in movies, as this passes the wrong message to the youths who would interpret it in a wrong place.

    “Film makers must learn to use their movies as tools to correct the bad vices in our society,” he said.

    Dania, who is the Executive Producer of Nimbe, noted that the movie was created to curb the rise of drug abuse and hooliganism, among youths.

    “The essence of this movie is to equip the youth with functional knowledge and understanding of consequences of drug abuse, rape and gender based violence.

    “The movie would help to trigger an attitudinal change in their lifestyles which would help them in making the best judgment when required,” he said.

    He said the movie had been endorsed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr Lanre Tejuoso and the National Orientation Agency, who posted the movie in their social media accounts.

    Also, people have sponsored so many students to watch the movies in the cinemas across the nation. He urged Nigerians to watch Nimbe in the cinemas and shun piracy.

  • Access Bank rewards filmmakers with cash prizes

    An its commitment to the arts and entertainment industries in Africa, Access Bank, at the weekend, honoured award winners at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) 2018 Globe Awards which held at Twin Waters, Lekki, Lagos.

    The awards ceremony which wrapped up the festival, recognized the works of filmmakers from across the Africa.

    As official partners to the festival, Access Bank awarded winners across several categories with cash prizes, including Best Female Actor, Best Male Actor, Best Director, Best Animation, Best Short Film, Best Documentary and the Oronto Douglas Memorial Prize for Best Nigerian Film, among others. Scholarships were also awarded to outstanding students from the talent development initiative of AFRIFF 2018.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, said, “Because we as Africans don’t know enough about ourselves, we often don’t trust one another, and it can lead to difficulty in doing business. The film industry allows us to know ourselves so much better, this week, I have met people from Rwanda, Cameroon and South Africa to name a few. There is so much that brings this continent together, and film is a wonderful vehicle for showcasing these things. We are here to empower AFRIFF year after year, because the work they do is important to celebrating works Born in Africa.”

    The event was attended by celebrities from the film industry across the continent, including Chioma Omeruah (Chigul), Lala Akindoju, Dede Michelle, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Kemi Adetiba, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kunle Afolayan, Charles Novia, and Ego Boyo.

    The ceremony featured acts that thrilled the crowd with breath-taking performances.

    Access Bank says it will continue to work with people and organizations who are showcasing the very best of the African continent and championing art and creativity in Africa.

  • AT AIFF, FILMMAKERS TASKED ON PATRIOTISM IN MOVIES

    WITH the theme, ‘Film as a Tool for National Security and Patriotism’, the 14th edition of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) held sway recently at the Federal Capital Territory.
    The event featured screening of movies, awards, exhibitions, talent campus, seminars and workshops.
    According to Temitope Duker, the newly appointed Festival Director of the AIFF, the theme of the festival reflects the mood of the nation at the moment and there is a need for filmmakers to begin to imbibe the notion of patriotism in their films.
    This, she said, can only be achieved by their understanding that film has a potent role to play in the patriotism and security of any nation.
    The festival had in attendance several notable Nollywood Filmmakers. Also from the Diplomatic mission was the Chinese Cultural Attache Mr. Li Xung, Miss Wang, The US Embassy In Abuja Cultural Officer Mr. Lawrence Socha, The Chairman NDDC Senator Victor Ndoma Egba Represented by his Special Adviser Media, The Executive Director National Film and Video Censors Board Mr. Adedayo Thomas, the Managing Director Of Nigerian Film Corporation Mr Chidia Maduekwe Represented by Mrs. Halima Oyelade.
    The Festival ended on Friday 13tth of October with the Award ceremony where the Winning films in fifteen selected categories went home with the awards for the 14th Abuja International Film Festival.
    Special recognition awards were also conferred on some eminent Nigerians who have in one way or the other supported the industry or the nation based on the theme of the festival.
    Among the winning movies were Rose House – China (Best Animation), Remu (Best Experimental), Wolf Totem (Best Feature Film: Foreign), ‘The Women’ (Best Feature: Indigenous) and a host of others.

  • AT AIFF, FILMMAKERS TASKED ON PATRIOTISM IN MOVIES

    With the theme, ‘Film as a Tool for National Security and Patriotism’, the 14th edition of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) held sway recently at the Federal Capital Territory.

    The event featured screening of movies, awards, exhibitions, talent campus, seminars and workshops.

    According to Temitope Duker, the newly appointed Festival Director of the AIFF, the theme of the festival reflects the mood of the nation at the moment and there is a need for filmmakers to begin to imbibe the notion of patriotism in their films.

    This, she said, can only be achieved by their understanding that film has a potent role to play in the patriotism and security of any nation.

    The festival had in attendance several notable Nollywood Filmmakers. Also from the Diplomatic mission was the Chinese Cultural Attache Mr. Li Xung, Miss Wang, The US Embassy In Abuja Cultural Officer Mr. Lawrence Socha, The Chairman NDDC Senator Victor Ndoma Egba Represented by his Special Adviser Media, The Executive Director National Film and Video Censors Board Mr. Adedayo Thomas, the Managing Director Of Nigerian Film Corporation Mr Chidia Maduekwe Represented by Mrs. Halima Oyelade.

    The Festival ended on Friday 13tth of October with the Award ceremony where the Winning films in fifteen selected categories went home with the awards for the 14th Abuja International Film Festival.

    Special recognition awards were also conferred on some eminent Nigerians who have in one way or the other supported the industry or the nation based on the theme of the festival.

    Among the winning movies were Rose House – China (Best Animation), Remu (Best Experimental), Wolf Totem (Best Feature Film: Foreign), ‘The Women’ (Best Feature: Indigenous) and a host of others.

  • Nostalgia as Kasimu Yero takes a bow at 70

    Nostalgia as Kasimu Yero takes a bow at 70

    Fond memories of television dramas of yesteryear have emerged, following the death of foremost Northern Nigerian actor, Kasimu Yero who is dead.

    The veteran actor, according to his eldest son, Mansur Kasimu Yero, died at his residence in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, on Sunday after a protracted illness. He was 70.

    Since the news broke on Sunday, Nigerian filmmakers, and art enthusiasts who are familiar with the deceased heydays have been immersed in discussions regarding the impact of the actor on stage and television, while others have been sending tributes on social media.

    Yero is well noted for his role as ‘Uncle Gaga’ in the ’80s sitcom, ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’, and TV series, ‘Magana Jari Ce’, a TV series by Abubakar Imam.

    ‘’Magana Jari Ce…I remember this, oh my heart!’’, lamented filmmaker Justin Morgan. ‘’He was also a great story teller, alongside Bala Miller, who I recently met…this is our heritage, personified! This man is iconic; his poise, classy disposition was everything!’’ He said.

    For another filmmaker, Uzodinma Okpechi, Yero was ‘’Confident in his abilities even when it was evident that he was in pain.  He delivered. He delivered well,’’ he declared.

    Recalling that ‘Magana Jari Ce’ was adapted from a book of the same title, Kabat Esosa said: ‘’I grew up in Kano watching him on such great series like ‘Magana Jari CE’ which incidentally was part of our literature texts in school those days. He was indeed a colossus. Non like him. May his soul rest in Peace.’’

    In his tribute to the deceased, Northern Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Sani Muazu said, ‘’ I had the pleasure of working with Kasimu Yero on several projects but none brought recognition and rekindled interest in our work like a radio drama we did more than 10 years ago, KARAMBANA – A DAWO LAFIYA, where I featured him as a fun seeking truck driver that had a close shave with HIV.’’

    According to Muazu, ‘’No actor of Northern extraction measures up to Kasimu Yero. None had the versatility to have lasted like him. None established a cross-generational cult following like him.’’

    Continuing, Muazu said, ‘’Kasimu had played serious roles like Uncle Gaga so seriously, just the way he played comic roles like ‘Karambana’ so humorously. He was simply an actors’ actor with a capacity to hold diverse roles in TV series like ‘Magana Jari Ce’ and its English equivalent ‘Wisdom Is An Asset’, keeping these gigs on the front burner for as long as they ran.’’

    He noted that the deceased worked till the last few days of his life doing what he loves doing. ‘’…and doing it well until the stage curtain dropped on him today in a life drama in which the Almighty is the Director. The end. We mourn him. He was loved and will be missed by all his fans and the industry,’’ said Muazu.