Kannywood actor Uzee Usman has attributed the slow growth of the Hausa-language film industry to insufficient investment and sponsorship. Although the industry has produced hundreds of films and cultivated a loyal audience across northern Nigeria and parts of West Africa, it has yet to secure the corporate financial support that Nollywood enjoys.
Speaking about the industry’s development on The Morayo Show this Wednesday, Usman acknowledged Kannywood’s progress, including its international recognition. However, he maintained that its expansion remains hindered by a lack of backing.
“I’m one of the people who really pushed it out there to the global world with my movie Voiceless, the movie about Boko Haram… I think it’s a growing industry. They’re coming up gradually,” the 39-year-old said. “On what’s stalling Kannywood, I think it’s more of sponsorship. It’s more of an investment. The core Northerners who are the millionaires, the politicians, they really don’t believe in entertainment the way most people in the South do.”
Career origins
Reflecting on his entry into the industry, the actor—who has successfully navigated both Nollywood and Kannywood—revealed that he faced significant rejection early in his career.
