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The making of a Nollywood special effects superstar

Hakeem Onilogbo – aka Hakeem Effect – used a passion for drawing and inspiration from a mysterious figure in his dreams to find fame and fortune in Nollywood.

Nollywood special effects artist Hakeem Onilogbo - aka Hakeem Effect – had a privileged early life. But when his dad lost his job, the family fell on hard times and Hakeem had to hawk goods on the street to survive. It was a loss of status that Hakeem found hard to stomach. So when some older boys – supposed friends – turned up promising him a job and good money in Lagos, the temptation to restore his family’s fortunes proved too much. But instead of a job, he found himself facing the brutal reality of broken promises, poverty and sharing a single room flat with 15 drug dealers. In despair he turned to religion, and soon afterwards was visited by a white-robed figure in his dreams. He taught Hakeem how to create severed hands and mould plaster on to human faces, which made little sense, until he was unexpectedly asked to take charge of special effects for his church theatre group. His creations created a sensation and started him on a path that ended in Nollywood fame and fortune.

Presenter: Asya Fouks
Producer: Anna Lacey

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Photo: Hakeem Onilogbo applying fake fur and make up to an actor's face. Credit: Hakeem Onilogbo)

Available now

41 minutes

Last on

Fri 14 Feb 2025 03:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 13 Feb 2025 12:06GMT
  • Thu 13 Feb 2025 18:06GMT
  • Thu 13 Feb 2025 23:06GMT
  • Fri 14 Feb 2025 03:06GMT

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