My encounters with sugar mummies —Uzee Usman

 You started as a makeup artiste then to a movie producer. How did you do it?
I began my movie career in 2003. I started as a make-up artiste which earned me an award at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2008. I also won the Best Makeup Artiste for the movie, ‘London Boy,’ and gained experience and contacts that launched me into stardom. I then started acting, after which I tried presenting before upgrading to a movie maker and entrepreneur.

No Python Dance, no elections in Niger Delta

I soon became very famous in Kannywood movies and even produced some of the movies. I am now the CEO of Uzee Concept. Over the years, I have produced more than 20 movies in Nollywood and Kannywood, which earned me multiple awards, including the United Nations Peace Achievers Award.  I’ve also been Best Film African Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner in 2014, Best Producer, B.U.K, Best Film Maker (North), Actors Screen Award, Best Movie Producer, Afro-Hollywood Awards London 2016, and lots more. My movies so far include: ‘Maja,’ ‘Oga Abuja,’ ‘Under,’ ‘Red Line,’ ‘Hassana Da Hussaina,’ ‘Thorny,’ ‘Power Of Tomorrow,’ ‘Almost Perfect,’ ‘Dark Closet,’ ;If I Am President’ and ‘Makeroom. I also host the most talked about talk show in northern Nigeria called, ‘Taurarin Zamani,’ which airs every Saturday and Sunday on African Magic Hausa at 5:30pm, Arewa24, and AIT, at different times.

 

Your popularity is mainly in the North, was it your decision to take the north or what occasioned your continued influence there?

First, because I was also born there and grew up there in Kaduna. I lived  in Lagos also but, for a while. In 2008, someone advised me that since I was from the north that I needed to go back and give back to my people, which I did, almost immediately. It is northern movies that really brought me fame. I am the producer that started the merger that is bringing people from the Kannywood to work with Nollywood stars.

 

Why did you decide to become a movie producer, not a makeup artiste?

It’s all about the passion. I have a passion for entertainment, movie making, especially acting. That passion has driven me to where I am today and to the glory of God, I have achieved a lot doing it.

What are the challenges of making movies in Kannywood?

There wasn’t really any big challenge that I had to deal with because when I returned, the top actors in the industry were open to my ideas, they let me take any position I deemed fit. The only thing I will say was a bit of a challenge was the lack of competition, the presence of which is healthy in every profession. But in the north, there isn’t a lot of competition because there’s just a few of us. I can say that there is just about five of us that can take the industry from the north to the south successfully and be accepted immediately, especially when you consider language barrier, education and a host of others. Most fans do not care where you come from as long as you give them what they really want.

 

So, would you say you are where you ought to be?

No I’m not, but I thank the Almighty God for the level He has brought me so far. I can proudly say that I am a United Nations ambassador on SDGs, Nigerian ambassador to Mac- Arthur Foundation Global, among others.

 

I mean, are you were you ought to be in terms of place?

Let me say this; in Nollywood there are branches. Kannywood is the one that is most reckoned with branch of Nollywood. We have stars that have emerged from Kannywood and are in a competitive circle with those in the southern part of the country. Kannywood has the largest branch in terms of fame and sales so much that  it has generated huge revenue for the government.

 When you say there is only one Nollywood, what do you mean?

In spite of the springing up of other names like Kannywood and Yorubawood and more, I believe they are all branches of Nollywood. So, we have only one body Nollywood with many sister groups. And among them I believe that Kannywood, specifically, stands out because, at some point, that branch was not associated with southern movie makers until people like me came in from somewhere to effect the merger and make sure it works. In movies, language is not a barrier. We watch Indian movies; we watch Latin and American movies and some of these languages we do not understand. I believe we all are still under Nollywood. Like it is in Bollywood, Indian movie industry also has the series part and some of the top artistes in the series do not even appear in the movies section.

 

How do you cope with the challenges of movie production?

I am the kind of person that never allows anything to bother me. I am a staunch believer in the phrase: ‘everything will be alright.’ So, basically, I sleep over things and then let it go. I am a very simple human being and I know that no matter what, I will sleep and when I wake up the next morning, all the worries will go.

 

How do you balance work and leisure?

These days, out of the 12 months in a year, 11 months for me is totally for work. I take a break in December every year but lately, since I started appearing on television shows, December has become one of the  busiest periods for me because of the events of the year. I can’t say I have a love life because I’m totally dedicated to my job.

 

Talking about your fashion decisions, some would like to know how you achieve your urbane looks?

One of the main secrets of my urbane looks is that I’m a free-minded person. I go to bed every night with no ill feelings towards anyone. If I must sleep, I sleep like a baby. I wake up every morning and I look fresher than I was the night before.

 

What does fashion and style mean to you?

It means a lot to me, half of my earnings go to fashion. I wear almost all the top designers in Abuja and Lagos. I am an ambassador to a very top brand designer. I like fashion; you cannot be in the entertainment circle and not be topnotch in terms of fashion. Fashion opens the doors for me, it’s a must for anybody that is in the limelight. I can proudly say that I am the most fashionable celerity in the North.

 

What fashion accessories would you not be caught without?

Rings, wristwatches, belt.

 

What are your most memorable moments?

One of my memorable moments while growing up was when I got the call that my first visa to travel to London had been approved. That was some years ago. I could not sleep till the next day but just held onto my passport all through the night.

 

What is your philosophy in life?

Everybody will be all right, don’t take things too serious. Always remember that you will die one day.

 

You talk about work a lot, are you single?

I’m single and searching at the moment. I suffered a tremendous heartbreak that really affected my love life. I am not ready for marriage right now. In fact, I’m too busy to think about relationships or marriage. My job is taking much of my time and I’m enjoying it.

 

When do you think it’d be right to settle down?

Well, for now, I can’t say. I’m too preoccupied to think about marriage. Filmmaking is sweeter than sex. So, I’d rather enjoy my work now. Women and other relationship issues can come later. I like dark tall girls a lot though.

 

It is possibly a rumour, but also a claim that some male actors do not want to marry because of sugar mummies. Would you even admit any personal experience?

Well, yes, I have had several encounters with sugar mummies and their mouth-watering promises. I’m a man of principle. Even on social media, they send all kinds of messages to me. I resist all forms of their temptations.

 

How long can you stay without sex?

Right now, I can stay for over three months without getting intimate with any woman. I have trained myself to be like that. I’m not a sex freak.