Sani Mu’azu ranks among Nigeria’s most acclaimed veteran actors and filmmakers, boasting a career exceeding three decades across television, radio, and film. Originating from Jos, Plateau State, he has emerged as a prominent figure and steadfast guardian of Northern Nigeria’s cinematic legacy. His multifaceted talents span acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, and media consultancy, establishing him as a cornerstone in both Kannywood and Nollywood.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sani Mu’azu |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Plateau State |
| Partner | Ladi Mu’azu (married since 1992) |
| Children | Three children: Farouk Mu’azu, Imran Mu’azu, and A’isha Yasmin Mu’azu |
| Occupations | Actor, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Media Consultant, Former MOPPAN National President |
| Net Worth | $300,000 – 800,000 |
Early Life and Education
Sani Mu’azu entered the world on May 15, 1960, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, where he spent his formative years.
He studied Mass Communication at the University of Jos before advancing his expertise at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos, completing his studies in 1985. This robust background in communication and journalism laid the essential foundation for his transition into the creative arts during Nigeria’s nascent visual media era.
Career
Mu’azu launched into the Nigerian film scene amid the country’s budding visual storytelling phase, extending his craft internationally early on through projects like Soweto and Mister Johnson. In 1990, he co-established Nigeria’s inaugural independent film production company, cementing his status as an industry trailblazer.
As a driving creative force, he shaped landmark projects including the soap opera Behind the Clouds, the HIV/AIDS awareness film Hafsah for BBC World Service Trust Abuja, and others like Mountain Blues, Riddles and Hopes, Amina, Tambaree, Shadows, Lynx, and Cock Crow at Dawn.
He has starred in more than 200 projects such as Lionheart, King of Boys, Up North, 4th Republic, Shuga, Dust, Hijack ’93, Sons of the Caliphate, Dan Birni, and his role as Bawa Mai-Kada in the Arewa24 series KWANA CASA’IN, he showcases extraordinary versatility.
Beyond acting and producing, Mu’azu served as past National President of the Motion Picture Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), founding member of the Federal Government’s Motion Picture Council steering committee, consultant for UNICEF and the British Council, and key architect in Arewa24’s development, profoundly impacting emerging talents through his guidance.
Personal Life
Sani Mu’azu shares his life with Ladi Mu’azu; the pair marked their 30th anniversary in 2022 after building their home in Jos.
They raise three children; two sons and a daughter. Remarkably, all were born in June: first son Farouk and daughter A’isha Yasmin on June 21, with second son Imran arriving two weeks prior. The family resides in Jos, Plateau State, where Mu’azu sustains his contributions to the regional arts community.
Sani Muazu Net Worth
Estimates place Sani Mu’azu’s net worth between $300,000 and $800,000 as of 2026, derived from his extensive career in acting, producing, directing, and media consultancy across Nollywood and Kannywood. This figure accounts for earnings from over 200 film and TV projects, production ventures, leadership roles in industry associations, and consulting work with international organizations like UNICEF and the British Council.
Filmography
Selected Film and Television Works
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Dan Birni | Actor | Kannywood production |
| 2016 | Sons of the Caliphate | Actor | TV series |
| 2018 | Lionheart | Actor | Netflix film |
| 2018 | King of Boys | Inspector Shehu | Crime thriller |
| 2018 | Up North | Grand Khadi | Drama |
| 2019 | 4th Republic | Governor Idris Sani | Political thriller |
| 2009- | Shuga | Actor | TV series |
| 2024- | Dust | Actor | TV series |
| 2024 | Hijack ’93 | Actor | Historical drama |
| 2025 | KWANA CASA’IN | Bawa Mai-Kada | Arewa24 series |
Productions (as Producer/Director)
- Behind the Clouds (soap opera)
- Hafsah (BBC World Service Trust production)
- Mountain Blues
- Riddles and Hopes
- Amina
- Tambaree
- Shadows
- Lynx
- Cock Crow at Dawn
Awards and Nominations
Major Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Kannywood Award | Lifetime Achievement Award | Winner |
| 2025 | Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) | Industry Merit Award (Lifetime Achievement) | Winner |
Additional Recognition
- Hafsah garnered three nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
- Overall record includes 1 win and 1 nomination per select databases
The 2025 AMVCA Industry Merit Award, co-received with Nkem Owoh, honors his lifelong excellence and trailblazing for African cinema.
