Hakeem Effect Opens Up About His Special Effect Career: “I Have No Formal Training”
- Special effects expert, Hakeem Effect, is regarded as one of the most sought-after names in the movie industry because of his skill and unique craft
- He has collaborated with A-list stars in Nollywood and is the creative mind behind many of the special effects seen in blockbuster cinema productions.
- Legit.ng had an exclusive chat with him about his career, his experience working with some of the finest producers in the industry, and much more
Actor turned special effects artist, Hakeem Onilogbo, better known as Hakeem Effect, began his career as an actor before transitioning into makeup artistry and, eventually, special effects.
Despite not having formal education in his field, he has dominated the industry with his exceptional talent and unique touch, contributing to award-winning Netflix movies such as Jagunjagun 1 & 2, Abanisete, Iyalode, and many others. Hakeem shared his insights with Legit.ng about his career and his collaborations with top figures in the film industry.
Source: Instagram
Winning AMVCA multiple times, a blessing - Hakeem Effect
Hakeem's skill has earned him numerous accolades, including consecutive wins at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) over the past six years in various categories. Reflecting on his success, he explained what sets him apart from others in the industry:
“I have been winning AMVCA for the past five or six years back to back. There is a saying that persistence breaks down resistance. Anything you know how to do, do it well. Something worth doing is worth doing well. If you are pursuing something, and you haven’t reached it, keep pushing until you get there."
No formal education in special effects - Hakeem
Hakeem opened up about his lack of formal education in special effects, attributing his success to talent and divine guidance:
"I didn’t go to school to learn this. There’s a passage in the Bible that says, ‘A man’s gift makes room for him and makes him dine with kings.’ This is my calling. Going to school to learn more is not a bad idea. People I’ve met are always surprised that I didn’t attend a formal school for special effects. God has backed me up, and all my work is glorified through Him. If you look at the world’s most successful entertainers, many didn’t attend school before becoming successful, proving that even without formal education, one can achieve greatness."
How I get Inspirations for special effects - Hakeem Shares
Hakeem attributes his creativity to his dreams, saying that he often foresees events before they happen:
"I am a dreamer. Anything that will happen to me or anyone close to me, I see it before it happens. The same process applies to special effects. When I started, I dreamt of someone teaching me how to do special effects. Though I’ve developed myself, I draw a lot of inspiration from my dreams. God is the source of all talents and inspiration. Some people may turn to substances for creativity, but all inspiration comes from Him. I place everything a director envisions before God, and he gives me a clearer vision."
Femi Adebayo’s Jagunjagun gave Me tough time - Hakeem
When discussing his most challenging work, Hakeem cited Jagunjagun 2, directed by Femi Adebayo. He shared the tough experiences he faced while working on the film:
"The most challenging effect I’ve ever done was Jagunjagun 2. I was so exhausted that I felt like running away from the location. Some people collapsed, and some of my barbers ran away, and we had to search for them. Femi Adebayo called me, gave me the script, and asked for my input. I fell in love with the movie, but it was tough. The things I did were things I’d never done before—creating special props and costumes. After Jagunjagun, he gave me another project, Seven Doors, which also proved challenging, but I overcame it with God’s help. Femi is a producer who thinks outside the box, and that’s why I love working with him."
I started as an actor - Hakeem Effect reflects
"I started as an actor, but I cannot be in an environment where everything is too comfortable. I love solving problems, and I realized special effects needed more people, so I decided to bridge that gap."
Hakeem also trains people in special effects, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who didn’t have the opportunity to attend formal education.
"I have about 30 people working under me, learning and earning," he shared.
Source: Instagram
I transitioned from makeup to special effects - Hakeem Effect
Hakeem revealed that he transitioned from makeup to special effects years ago:
"Yes, I used to do makeup years ago, but I’ve stopped. I now employ professionals who handle makeup on my team. We specialize in special effects, props, and costumes. I still do makeup for my wife when she’s going out, but I no longer do it for movies."
Hakeem effect escapes from kidnappers
Meanwhile, Hakeem Effect shared a clip of what suspected kidnappers did to his bus while he was travelling with his staff.
Sharing his ordeal, the specialist said stated that gunmen attacked people on the road around Ikenne, and some people were killed.
He added that some others were taken away while his driver was shot. However, they were able to escape, but bullets damaged the bus they travelled in.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
