Hakeem Kae-Kazim enters a room with the quiet authority of a man who has lived a dozen lives—each under a different name, on a different continent. From Lagos’ dusty streets to Hollywood’s bright lights and London’s West End stages, the Nigerian-British actor has reinvented himself time and again, emerging as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable global citizens.
To some he is Colonel Ike Dubaku in 24: Redemption, to others George Rutagunda in the Oscar-nominated Hotel Rwanda, and to millions Captain Adebayo in Netflix’s Queen Sono. His name shifts with the role, but his Nigerian essence remains constant.
Lagos roots, global wings
Born in Lagos to an Abeokuta family from Ogun State, Kae-Kazim’s early years were shaped by migration. His family relocated to the UK, where he discovered acting. Trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (graduating 1987), he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and later worked with Brian Cox and Ian McKellen at the Royal National Theatre. British TV followed—The Bill, Grange Hill (as Mr. Manyeke), Trial & Retribution—before stage acclaim cemented his versatility.
Speaking to this writer at Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Air Peace wing on November 10, 2024—during a week-long AFRIFF visit—Kae-Kazim declared: “I’m proud to be Nigerian, but a world citizen with Nigerian heritage. No matter where I am, that part speaks first. Abeokuta is home; Lagos is where I was born.”
Hollywood breakthrough
His global leap came in 2004 with Hotel Rwanda, playing militia leader George Rutagunda at age 25—a chilling, unforgettable turn. That year also brought a Gemini nomination for CBC’s Human Cargo and roles in The Triangle. Leading parts followed: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Black Sails (as Mr. Scott), Dynasty, Gotham, Strike Back. Guest spots on Lost, Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, and NCIS showcased his range. “I wanted African actors to play any story—not just stereotypes,” he said.
Nollywood homecoming
Kae-Kazim’s heart never left Nigeria. Over the past decade, he starred in Inale (2010), produced and led Man on Ground (2011)—earning AMAA nods for Best Film and Actor—Last Flight to Abuja (2012), Half of a Yellow Sun, God Calling, and Black November with Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger. “Nollywood has come of age,” he told AFRIFF. “We’re telling African stories with confidence—globally resonant, not just local. That’s exciting.”His voice echoes in games like Halo, Call of Duty, and The Bourne Conspiracy. Recent credits: Zeus in BBC/Netflix’s Troy: Fall of a City, Krogan in Disney’s How to Train Your Dragon, Mugabe in MUGABE, and Admiral Wilcox in King Kong vs Godzilla.
Advocate and mentor
Kae-Kazim champions African representation: “Young actors can play Shakespeare, superheroes, historical figures—we have the talent, we need the opportunity.” At Durban Film Festival, he urged authentic storytelling led by Africans. Colleagues call him “humble excellence”—proud without arrogance.
Philanthropy and vision
Supporting the African Wildlife Foundation and empowerment causes, he says: “I want Africans to stand independently—with a voice.” On roles: “I need depth, truth, something that feeds my soul.” Reflecting on Hotel Rwanda: “I researched inhumanity—how do you justify slaughter? I found his truth.”
Call to action
Kae-Kazim urges government and corporates to invest in Nollywood infrastructure: “Ease access for filmmakers. The industry creates jobs—costumes, catering, transport. On a huge scale, it’s massive employment.” At 62, he splits time between continents, switching accents and cultures effortlessly. “Acting reveals truth through another face,” he says. For Nigeria’s global son, every role is a mirror—reflecting home, wherever he stands. Expand on Hotel Rwanda role John Kani’s career Make more engaging