Hakeem Kae-Kazim, born on October 1, 1962, is a talented actor and producer of Nigerian-British descent. He is best known for his role as Georges Rutaganda in the acclaimed movie Hotel Rwanda (2004) and has received recognition for his performance in Riding with Sugar (2020), including winning a SAFTA award. Kae-Kazim also showcased his producing skills in the film Man on Ground (2011), which earned him two nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Hakeem Kae-Kazim |
| Date Of Birth: | October 1, 1962 |
| Place Of Birth: | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Spouse: | Bronwyn Kae-Kazim |
| Children: | 3 |
| Occupation(s): | Actor, Producer |
| Net Worth: | $8 million |
Early Life And Education
Hailing from Lagos in Nigeria to a family with roots in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Kae-Kazim shifted base to South London during infancy.
Acting captivated him early through school productions and the National Youth Theatre, instilling a deep passion for the stage.
A graduate of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1987, he honed his craft further with the Royal Shakespeare Company, enriching his classical acting repertoire.
Career
Hakeem Kae-Kazim’s acting career took off after his time working with the esteemed actors Brian Cox and Ian McKellen at the Royal National Theatre.
He made appearances on various British television shows, including The District Nurse, The Bill, Saracen, Screen One, and Love Hurts.
His first recurring role was as Mr. Manyeke in the BBC children’s series Grange Hill, followed by a role on the ITV police procedural Trial & Retribution.
At the age of 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 portrayal of Georges Rutaganda in the critically acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda (2004) that gained him international recognition.
He also received a Gemini Award nomination for his role in the Canadian miniseries Human Cargo, and appeared in The Triangle miniseries.
After his standout performance in Hotel Rwanda, Kae-Kazim continued to captivate audiences in various films, including Slipstream and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
He also impressed viewers with guest appearances on popular TV shows like Lost and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Transitioning into production, he showcased his talents with the acclaimed film Man on Ground, which earned him nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Additionally, Kae-Kazim joined the main cast of the Starz series Black Sails and made appearances in Dominion and the miniseries remake of Roots. His versatility and range have solidified his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Kae-Kazim’s versatility shone through in the 2018 BBC fantasy series Troy: Fall of a City, where he portrayed Zeus, the king of the Olympians, before making his mark in season 2 of the Fox series Deep State.
His exceptional performance in the 2020 Netflix film Riding with Sugar earned him the prestigious South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film.
Further expanding his repertoire, Kae-Kazim made appearances in various projects, including the BBC America adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s The Watch, the Sky One series Intergalactic, and films like Black Beauty, The Shuroo Process, and Godzilla vs. Kong.
In 2022, audiences can catch him in the Nigerian epic fantasy film Aníkúlápó and as Majordome in the Starz adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons.
Excitingly, news broke in January 2022 that Kae-Kazim would direct his debut feature film, It’s the Blackness, a project close to his heart set in the London neighborhood where he grew up.
Voiceovers
Revered for his captivating vocal talents, Kae-Kazim has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of voiceover work.
His rich voice has graced numerous popular video games, such as Final Fantasy XIV, Halo 3 ODST, and Guild Wars, adding depth and character to these virtual worlds.
In addition to video games, he has lent his vocal prowess to projects like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and The Golden Compass, showcasing his versatile range.
Embracing voiceover work as both a creative outlet and a source of enjoyment, Kae-Kazim continues to delight audiences with his distinctive vocal performances.
Personal Life
Throughout his career, Kae-Kazim has traveled far and wide, calling South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigeria home at various points.
His family life is equally diverse, with a South African wife named Bronwyn and three daughters by his side. The actor’s journey has taken him across continents, enriching his experiences and shaping his personal and professional life in unique ways.
Hakeem Kae-Kazim Net Worth
Currently, Hakeem Kae-Kazim his net worth is estimated to be $8 million. His versatile acting skills, compelling portrayals, and entrepreneurial ventures have all contributed to his impressive financial standing, further solidifying his position as a respected figure in the world of cinema.
Awards And Nominations
- 2004 Gemini Awards
Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series
Work: Human Cargo
Result: Nominated
- 2012 Africa Movie Academy Awards
Best Film
Work: Man on Ground
Result: Nominated
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Result: Nominated
- 2021 South African Film and Television Awards
Best Supporting Actor – Feature Film
Work: Riding with Sugar
Result: Won
Filmography
Here are some of the movies that Hakeem Kae-Kazim stared in:
- Hotel Rwanda (2004)
- Black Gold (2011)
- Man on Ground (2011)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
- Black November (2012)
- Four Corners (2013)
- Last Flight to Abuja (2012)
- Slipstream (2005)
- Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017)
- Black Sails (2014-2016, TV Series)
- The Fourth Kind (2009)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- Concussion (2015)
- The Taking of Pelham (2009)
- Aníkúlápó (2022)
