Uzee Usman: From Northern Roots to National Spotlight, Telling Stories That Matter

Uzee Usman is one of the few actors seamlessly bridging the worlds of Kannywood and Nollywood, earning respect for his versatility, depth, and commitment to authentic storytelling.

From his early days rooted in northern cinema to making waves on broader national screens, he has grown into a dynamic actor and producer.

His acting has led him to feature in several movies, including Voiceless, Mustapha, Anikulapo, Oga Abuja, and A Tribe Called Juda.

His latest project, Makarfi, has yet to be released to the public.

The actor noted in an interview that his acting started out of 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,” says Uzee.

Uzee noted in the interview that growing up in Kaduna and being bilingual have helped him showcase his talent in the Kannywood and Nollywood sectors, which require different approaches.

”Being bilingual makes 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 tell stories that feel local but connect globally.”

Having delved into filmmaking in 2013, Uzee Usman says Kannywood can become a major contributor to that global expansion of storytelling from Nigeria if the right steps are taken.

”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 keep improving quality and making our stories accessible through subtitles and wider distribution.”

In 2024, YNaija listed Uzee among the 100 most influential Nollywood actors who have made a mark in the industry in the past