The making of a Nollywood special effects superstar

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Nollywood special effects artist Hakeem Onilogbo - aka Hakeem Effect – had a privileged early life. But when his dad lost his job, the family fell on hard times and Hakeem had to hawk goods on the street to survive. It was a loss of status that Hakeem found hard to stomach. So when some older boys – supposed friends – turned up promising him a job and good money in Lagos, the temptation to restore his family’s fortunes proved too much. But instead of a job, he found himself facing the brutal reality of broken promises, poverty and sharing a single room flat with 15 drug dealers. In despair he turned to religion, and soon afterwards was visited by a white-robed figure in his dreams. He taught Hakeem how to create severed hands and mould plaster on to human faces, which made little sense, until he was unexpectedly asked to take charge of special effects for his church theatre group. His creations created a sensation and started him on a path that ended in Nollywood fame and fortune. Presenter: Asya Fouks Producer: Anna Lacey Get in touch: [email protected] or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: Hakeem Onilogbo applying fake fur and make up to an actor's face. Credit: Hakeem Onilogbo)