Hakeem Kae-Kazim, born on October 1, 1962, is a skilled actor and producer of Nigerian-British heritage.
He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Georges Rutaganda in the critically acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda (2004) and has garnered praise for his performance in Riding with Sugar (2020), for which he won a SAFTA award.
Additionally, Kae-Kazim demonstrated his producing talents in the film Man on Ground (2011), which earned him two nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
REAL FACTS ABOUT HAKEEM KAE-KAZIM
FULL NAME: Hakeem Kae-Kazim
DATE OF BIRTH: October 1, 1962
PLACE OF BIRTH: Lagos, Nigeria
NATIONALITY: Nigerian
SPOUSE: Bronwyn Kae-Kazim
OCCUPATIONs: Actor, Producer
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and with family ties to Abeokuta in Ogun State, Kae-Kazim relocated to South London during his early childhood.
His fascination with acting began in school productions and at the National Youth Theatre, where he developed a profound love for the stage.
After graduating from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1987, he further refined his skills with the Royal Shakespeare Company, enhancing his classical acting abilities.
CAREER
Kae-Kazim’s acting career gained momentum after collaborating with renowned actors Brian Cox and Ian McKellen at the Royal National Theatre.
He appeared in several British television series, such as The District Nurse, The Bill, Saracen, Screen One, and Love Hurts.
His first recurring role was as Mr. Manyeke in the BBC children’s show Grange Hill, followed by a part in the ITV police drama Trial & Retribution.
At 25, Kae-Kazim moved to South Africa, where he made his feature film debut in Ross Kettle’s After the Rain (1999).
However, it was his performance as Georges Rutaganda in the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda (2004) that brought him international fame.
He also received a Gemini Award nomination for his role in the Canadian miniseries Human Cargo and appeared in the miniseries The Triangle.
Following his remarkable role in Hotel Rwanda, Kae-Kazim continued to engage audiences with performances in films such as Slipstream and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
He also left a lasting impression with guest roles on well-known TV series like Lost and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Shifting into production, he demonstrated his skills with the critically acclaimed film Man on Ground, which garnered him nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Moreover, Kae-Kazim became a key member of the cast in the Starz series Black Sails and appeared in Dominion as well as the miniseries remake of Roots.
His adaptability and talent have established him as a respected figure in the entertainment world.
Kae-Kazim’s versatility was further highlighted in the 2018 BBC fantasy series Troy: Fall of a City, where he played Zeus, the king of the Olympians, before making an impact in season 2 of the Fox series Deep State.
His outstanding performance in the 2020 Netflix film Riding with Sugar earned him the esteemed South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film.
Continuing to broaden his portfolio, Kae-Kazim appeared in various projects, including the BBC America adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s The Watch, the Sky One series Intergalactic, and films such as Black Beauty, The Shuroo Process, and Godzilla vs. Kong.
In 2022, audiences can see him in the Nigerian epic fantasy film *Aníkúlápó* and as Majordome in the Starz adaptation of *Dangerous Liaisons*.
In an exciting development, it was announced in January 2022 that Kae-Kazim would be making his directorial debut with *It’s the Blackness*, a project that holds personal significance for him, set in the London neighborhood where he grew up.
Known for his captivating voice, Kae-Kazim has made a name for himself in the voiceover industry.
His deep voice has been featured in several popular video games, including *Final Fantasy XIV*, *Halo 3 ODST*, and *Guild Wars*, enhancing the richness of these virtual experiences.
Beyond gaming, he has also contributed his vocal talents to films like *Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End* and *The Golden Compass*, demonstrating his versatility.
Kae-Kazim embraces voiceover work as both a creative outlet and a source of enjoyment, consistently captivating audiences with his unique vocal performances.
PERSONAL LIFE
Throughout his career, Kae-Kazim has lived in various countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria.
His family life reflects this diversity, as he is married to a South African woman named Bronwyn and has three daughters.
His journey across continents has enriched his experiences and uniquely influenced both his personal and professional life.
