Genevieve Nanji Is A Sweet Girl- Hakeem Kae Kazim

Born October 1, 1962, Hakeem Kae-Kazim is a British Nigerian actor British who is best known for playing the character, of Georges Rutangada in the 2004 blockbuster movie, Hotel Rwanda.

He also starred as Colonel Iké Dubaku in season 7 of 24 and the TV film tie-in 24: Redemption.

Coming to Nollywood, he’s starred in movies like Last Flight To Abuja and Half Of A Yellow Sun. Hakeem Kae Kzim talks about growing up, career, family and other issues.

What’s it like growing up outside Nigeria?

Well it’s great, feels normal. Nothing really specially anyway and as you know, I am a Nigerian and I bear our name. But I don’t think I missed anything actually because until the last two years I always spent my Christmas here in Nigeria, I love local dishes, I love our traditional wears too.

So you come to see your family during Christmas?

Yes I come here to see my mum because I was almost two years when my parents took my elder brother and I to the UK and we’ve been there ever since. But my dad is late now and my mum shuffles between here and the UK but my elder brother is based there with his family. I’m from Abeokuta so I always go there to see my mum.

How did acting start for you?

I started off studying drama and from there I was doing a lot of stage plays and theater in the UK. From the UK, I moved to South Africa and did a lot of films and commercials on South African Television. From South Africa, I moved to the US where I am now, still doing what I have always loved to do-acting.

You’ve taken part in a lot of blockbuster movies like Hotel Rwander, 24, which one of the movies was your big break?

Each one of them is unique is their own way. ’24′ was quite awesome and then, ‘Hotel Rwanda’ which I was very glad to be part of. Then I have done ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.


I’m sure it wasn’t all rosy. What were the challenges you faced as an African breaking into Hollywood?

Yes it wasn’t all sweet at the beginning because there were times when I was broke and was hard to put food on my table. Getting movie roles was also a challenge because here in Nigeria you’re sure to keep getting scripts but it’s not like that in the UK, if you get a movie role today, you might not get another until like 2-3 months time. But all in all, it’s been good experiences.

You came into Nigeria few days ago and you already shot the Etisalat advert with Genevieve Nanji. What is it like being on set with her?

Yeah, Genevieve is a sweet girl and she’s quite good at whatever she does. So, it was awesome working with her.

If she’s that good, do you think she stands a chance getting into Hollywood?

It depends on the kind of opportunity that comes and way and how prepared she is to grab it. If she gets a good and international standard movie role and she rises up to the expectation then, she’ll definitely be recognised.

What other reason brought you to Nigeria?

Aside the Etisalat advert, I’m also working on partnering with some Nollywood movie directors on how to raise the standard of Nollywood movies to meet international taste. So I’m working on setting up a movie academy where our people can be trained.

So you’re not planning to star in any Nollywood movie soon?

No.

Why, are our scripts not good enough for you?

Nollywood is still growing and is yet to meet international standard in terms of directing and production. But there are few Nollywood directors who have my kind of mind set and I’ve worked with them in the past. I’ve worked with the likes of Tunde Babalola in Last Flight To Abuja produced in the UK and he’s a great guy with a great mind. I also acted in Half Of A Yellow Sun. So if I get more people like him with good scripts, why not? It’s time we start doing movies that tell our stories and history. We don’t have to wait for others to tell our story for us because they’ll end up telling it wrongly. We have the likes of great people like Sango, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awolowo and others- we need to do historical movies like that.
Actors are always moving from one place to another. How do you make out time for your family?

I have a very understanding wife and three lovely kids. She understands the kind of job I do and helps out most of the time.

Doesn’t she complain?

Yes she does because I’m away most of the time. She’s from South Africa and that’s where I met her. We got married and I took her to the US. Funny enough I now shoot more in South Africa and my last kid is not even two yet. But I get to see her and speak with her on Skype whenever I’m not home.

I’m sure you’d have loads of female fans. How do you cope with them?

Yes I have loads of them but there’s time for everything. I have spaces for my friends, family and fans in my heart so I don’t let anyone of them interfere with the other. I always let my female fans know that I’m married and so, I don’t bring them closer than necessary.

Have you had any embarrassing moment with a female fan before?

Yes, there was one when I got into a train and a lady saw me. She started screaming and shouting my name, she almost passed out letting everyone know I was Hakeem and acted in so so and so movie. It was quite embarrassing.

Souce Dailytimes

Kefee’s Branama Kitchen Celebrates Two Years Anniversary

Weeks back, it was said that Kefee’s Branama Kitchen was shut down but it was only undergoing maintenance and repairs, the food center is already two and Kefee celebrated the anniversary on February 6th, Branama Kitchen which is located at Mende Maryland, Lagos was opened on January 5 and served free meals to all customers during the anniversary.

She said.``I am grateful to God for bringing us this far. I opened Branama Kitchen on my birthday two years ago, so I am also celebrating my birthday and I thank God for all he has done for me,’’ She equally addressed why the Kitchen was shut down

``Yes, the restaurant was closed but it was just for maintenance purposes. If you visit the restaurant you will see some of the changes that have taken place there,’’

On Valentine’s Day, the Kitchen would giving out a food bonanza to couples on Valentine’s Day. She said that “all couples who visit the restaurant on Feb. 14 can eat two plates of food and pay for just one.”

FINALLY OLUMAINTAIN OPENS UP ON SECRET WEDDING PHOTO

The pictures suggesting a marriage vow between Nigerian artiste, Olu Maintain and a Brazilian beauty were leaked(or so we are made to believe).

With such wedding photos going viral, Nigerianfilms.com decided to speak with the numerous hit wonder," If Olumaintain is married or not, the right time will tell. However, I will be honest to you in the light that so many things has happened upon my visit to Brazil. I will tell you that the visit to Brazil has blessed my life and the emotions are beyond imaginations. Stay focus there's no smoke without fire...every thing will be made known to the public soon" he said.

This is not the first time, artistes will go the extra mile to create publicity stunts. Time will tell if this is another staged stunt, a behind-the-scene clips of an upcoming music video or a secret wedding.
News From NFC

Chidinma Acquires New Ride

The first female winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa, Chidinma Emile has acquired a new car for herself. The singer is presently signed unto Capital Hills Records, which has Clarence Peters as one of its owners.

Chidinma, who was recently in the news for an alleged sex scandal, announced the acquisition of her new automobile on a social media platform.

She wrote, "I love this new ride, bigger and better. Hardwork pays, my sweat, not a gift. Hello 2014, glory be to God, not man. More work to be done. God is faithful, e don do."

General Pype May Relocate To America Soon

General Pype is popular, a reggae/dancehall artist whose style of music has stood him out, he has been one of those artistes who grace an event and the place is lit with excitement around the country, however, it is reported that the artiste may be leaving the shores of Africa to the United States of America to reside with the mother of his child, Zee. According to sources, Zee is not happy that General Pype is staying in Nigeria while she is in America and would want him to cross over and be with his family.

A close source said “ The singer have started the process but still remain reluctant about it. We heard his white American girlfriend is not happy about the distance between them and she is currently telling him to come and be a father to his son and not a visitor.”

Even the mother of General Pype is in support that he leaves but he might not live in America permanently because of his music, with his album almost ready , he may end up working with some international stars according to sources

Davido Releases New Video, Aye

Davido has just released the official music video of Aye, which is his fourth single off his forthcoming sophomore album. This is directed by Clarence Peters and it was set in the rural setting where Davido played a poor farmer who fell in love
 

OMOTOLA MARKS BIRTHDAY WITH AN INTERNATIONAL MOUTH-WATERING DEAL

In her usual style and class, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde dazzles all with a multi-million naira deal on her day of birth. The birthday girl was accompanied by her manager Micheal Djaba as they put pen to paper at the Protea Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Ghana based brand, Ghandour cosmetics, has carved a niche for itself in the African woman's hair and beauty industry. Ali Jihami, Marketing manager of the cosmetic company says the international star will be the face of BO-16, a successful hair relaxer and hair care range.

Photos:Daniel Sync/ i Factory