Usman Uzee, a Kannywood actor and producer, reveals that his role in the movie “Anikulapo” was driven by a desire to showcase his Yoruba heritage and proficiency in the language to a wider audience.
In an interview with Sunday Scoop, the actor, known for his roles in films like “Oga Abuja,” “Maja,” “The Voiceless,” and “The Milkmaid,” revealed that he has never visited his home state, Kwara. He explained, “I am half-Yoruba and half-Hausa. My mother is Fulani from Zaria (Kaduna State), and my father is from Kwara State. However, we (children) were all born and raised in the north. In fact, I have never been to my hometown, Kwara State. Nonetheless, I had the opportunity to feature in the movie series ‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’ by Kunle Afolayan, where viewers will see me speaking Yoruba for the first time in a movie.”
Reflecting on his experience working on the blockbuster movie, “A Tribe Called Judah,” the actor expressed gratitude to Funke Akindele, the producer, for offering him the role two years ago.
“While on set, she made sure we (actors) brought the script to life. She assisted all the actors to make sure everything we did on set came out well. I am happy that everybody liked it.”
Usman added that though he was single, he was in a relationship that would lead to marriage. He said, “I am in a serious relationship. She is not based here but in the United States of America. She is a diplomat and wants it (our relationship) out of the media entirely.”
