Meet Kannywood stars transitioning to Nollywood film industry

Many Kannywood stars have made a successful transition into Nollywood, bringing their talent and unique styles to the wider Nigerian film audience.

Building on their fame in Northern Nigeria, these Kannywood actors are now making significant strides in Nollywood, taking on roles that highlight their versatility and appeal.

This crossover not only boosts their individual careers but also strengthens the connection between the two vibrant film industries in Nigeria.

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1. Ali Nuhu

Born on March 15th, 1974, is a towering figure in Hausa cinema. A graduate of the University of Jos with a career spanning over two decades, has appeared in more than 160 Hausa films and over 110 English-language films, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Often hailed as one of the most influential actors in Hausa movie history, Nuhu’s impact is undeniable. Raised in Jos and Kano, though born in Maiduguri, he polished his craft by studying film production and cinematic arts at the University of Southern California.

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Nuhu first appeared on screen in the 1999 film Abin Sirri ne, but his breakthrough came with Sangaya, a film that remains one of the highest-grossing in Hausa cinema.

Expanding into Nollywood, he has featured in prominent films such as Banana Island Ghost, Diamond in the Sky (a Netflix production), and Zero Hour.

He is currently the managing director of the Nigerian Film Corporation

2. Paul Sambo

 Born January 27, 1976, in Bauchi, is both an actor and filmmaker who has graced both Kannywood and Nollywood. In 2012, he played Mr. Brown in the romantic drama Mr. & Mrs., acting alongside Joseph Benjamin and Nse Ikpe-Etim.

His career in Nollywood soared when he starred as Duke in the 2017 film The Patient, and again in 2018 with his role as Nurudeen Gobir in Kemi Adetiba’s crime drama King of Boys.

Other notable projects include Sons of the Caliphate, Life or Death, and Lagos to Abuja Coach.

3. Sani Danja

Sani Musa Abdullahi is another Kannywood veteran born on April 20, 1973. He has successfully transitioned to Nollywood. Also a singer and dancer, he earned the honorary title of Zakin Arewa from the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar.

Danja debuted in Kannywood with Dalibai in 1999 and went on to direct and produce several Hausa films. His Nollywood breakthrough came in 2012 with Daughter of the River, followed by roles in Nimbe, Gold Statue, and Dark Closet.

His success extends beyond acting, as he also secured a high-profile endorsement with Globacom, a major Nigerian telecommunications company.

4. Rahama Ibrahim Sadau

Born on December 7, 1997, in Kaduna, is a multi-talented performer who excels not only in acting but also in singing and dancing. Rahama, a graduate of Eastern Mediterranean University in Northern Cyprus, entered Kannywood in 2013, with her first role in Gani ga Wane, and was mentored by Ali Nuhu.

By 2016, she had become the face of Kannywood, gaining nationwide recognition.

Her Nollywood crossover began with a role in a TV series on EbonyLife TV, and she has since appeared in films like Up North, Zero Hour, and Sons of the Caliphate.

She has been appointed by the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima to serve on the Technical Committee of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise programme (iDICE).

5. Sani Mu’azu

Sani Mu’azu is a veteran actor and filmmaker born on May 2, 1960, in Jos. He holds degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Jos and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos.

He became famous and rose to prominence in the Arewa 24-channel film program called KWANA CASA’IN, where he appeared as Bawa Mai Kada, the governor of Alfawa state. His films made him shine in the eyes of the world.

Known for his award-winning performances, Mu’azu is one of the most recognizable faces in Kannywood.