Uzee Usman Biography: Age, Movies & Net Worth
Read the full biography of Uzee Usman — Nigerian actor, film producer, and Nollywood-Kannywood crossover star. Discover his age, movies, net worth, and career journey.
Dr. Uzee Usman Adeyemi is one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers — an actor, film producer, TV host, and entrepreneur who has successfully bridged the gap between Nollywood and Kannywood. Born and raised in Kaduna, he built his career from humble beginnings as a makeup artist into a celebrated film personality with international recognition. His name is now synonymous with quality storytelling that transcends regional and cultural boundaries in Nigerian cinema.
From his breakout productions in the early 2010s to his memorable roles in global hits like Anikulapo and A Tribe Called Judah, Uzee Usman has consistently proven that talent, discipline, and cultural fluency can open doors that others never imagined. In 2024, YNaija listed him among the 100 most influential Nollywood actors of the year — a fitting testament to a career two decades in the making.
Quick Facts About Uzee Usman
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Uzee Usman Adeyemi |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 39 years old |
| Place of Birth | Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria |
| State of Origin | Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Half-Yoruba, Half-Hausa-Fulani |
| Religion | Islam |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer, TV Host, Entrepreneur |
| Education | University of Abuja, University of Jos; Special Effects (South Africa) |
| Honorary Degree | Doctorate in Media & Communications — Iheris University, Togo (2021) |
| Notable Movies | Voiceless, Anikulapo, A Tribe Called Judah, Oga Abuja, Mustapha |
| Net Worth | Estimated $350,000–$450,000 USD |
| Marital Status | Single |
Early Life and Family Background
Uzee Usman Adeyemi was born on November 11, 1986, in Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State in northern Nigeria. Though he grew up in the north, his roots span two rich Nigerian cultures — his father is a Yoruba man from Kwara State, while his mother is Fulani from Zaria, Kaduna State. This dual heritage gave him a unique cultural lens that would later define his approach to storytelling across Nigeria’s diverse film industries.
In an interview with Punch, Uzee described his upbringing: “I am half-Yoruba and half-Hausa. My mum is Fulani from Zaria, and my dad is from Kwara State. We were all born and brought up in the north. I have never been to my hometown, Kwara State.” He was raised in a Muslim household, a faith he continues to practice. Growing up in Kaduna exposed him to northern Nigerian culture, language, and traditions that would later become central assets in his Kannywood career.
Education
Uzee Usman pursued academics with the same dedication he brought to entertainment. He earned two bachelor’s degrees — one in Political Science from the University of Abuja and another in English Language from the University of Jos. These disciplines sharpened his communication and analytical skills, both of which are visible in the quality of his film productions.
He later travelled to South Africa to study Special Effects, equipping himself with technical filmmaking skills that elevated his work above the average. In 2021, his contributions to the Nigerian media and film industry were formally recognised when Iheris University in Togo awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Communications Studies — earning him the widely used title “Dr. Uzee Usman.
Career Beginnings: From Makeup Artist to Movie Maker
Uzee Usman launched his entertainment career in 2003 as a makeup artist. He quickly distinguished himself in the craft, winning the Best Makeup Artist award at the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for his work on the film London Boy. This early recognition confirmed that he had both talent and an eye for the details that make cinema come alive.
By 2013, Uzee had transitioned fully into acting and film production. He channelled his years of behind-the-scenes experience into telling compelling stories, and the results were immediate. His debut production phase yielded award-winning films in both Nollywood and Kannywood, establishing him as a rare crossover figure in Nigerian film. He has since produced over 20 movies across both industries.
Nollywood and Kannywood: Building a Crossover Legacy
What truly sets Uzee Usman apart is his ability to operate fluently in both Nollywood and Kannywood. His first major breakthrough came with Oga Abuja, which won Best Hausa Movie of the Year at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards. He followed that with Maja, which claimed Best Film of the Year (Kannywood) at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards and earned a nomination at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
His filmography grew steadily, including Voiceless, Mustapha, Fantastic Numbers (2018), Farin Jini (2021), and If I Am President — a film he both produced and starred in. His biggest mainstream moment came with Anikulapo (2022), Kunle Afolayan’s critically acclaimed series, where audiences heard Uzee speak Yoruba on screen for the very first time. He followed that with A Tribe Called Judah (2023), playing Adamu Judah in one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films of the year.
Beyond acting, Uzee is the CEO of Uzee Concept, his production and creative enterprise, and has hosted the acclaimed Taurarin Zamani Show, recognised as one of the best Hausa TV programmes in Africa.
Awards and Recognition
- Best Makeup Artist — 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), for London Boy
- Best Hausa Movie of the Year — 2013 City People Entertainment Awards, for Oga Abuja
- Best Film of the Year (Kannywood) — 2014 City People Entertainment Awards, for Maja
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year — 2016 National Heritage Award
- Peace Achievers International Award — Excellence in Community Development
- Honorary Doctorate — Iheris University, Togo, 2021
- TAJBank Brand Ambassador — appointed May 2023
- 100 Most Influential Nollywood Actors — YNaija, 2024
- 100 Most Notable African Peace Icons — 2023 and 2024
Personal Life
Uzee Usman keeps his personal life deliberately private. As of 2025, he remains unmarried. In a 2018 interview with ThisDay, he stated: “Not ready for marriage for now. In fact, right now, I’m too busy to think about relationships or marriage.” A viral set of photos from the TV series Farin Jini briefly confused fans into believing he had wed co-star Miwa Olorunfemi — but these were confirmed to be wedding scene stills, not a real ceremony. He continues to focus entirely on building his career and brand.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Uzee Usman’s net worth is estimated at between $350,000 and $450,000 USD, reflecting his earnings from acting, film production, TV hosting, brand endorsements, and Uzee Concept. His appointment as brand ambassador for TAJBank in May 2023 added a significant corporate dimension to his income. As one of Nigeria’s most sought-after crossover actors, his market value continues to grow with each new production.
Final Thoughts
Uzee Usman’s story is one of deliberate, patient growth. He did not arrive at the top of Nigerian cinema overnight — he earned his place through years of craft, starting with a makeup brush and building all the way to Kunle Afolayan productions and international peace honours. His dual cultural identity, academic grounding, and technical training in South Africa gave him a toolkit that few Nigerian entertainers can match.
As he steps deeper into his career with an Honorary Doctorate, a thriving production company, and a permanent seat at Nollywood’s high table, Uzee Usman represents the very best of what Nigerian entertainment can produce — a storyteller who refuses to be boxed in by region, language, or expectation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Uzee Usman?
Uzee Usman Adeyemi is a Nigerian actor, film producer, TV host, and entrepreneur born on November 11, 1986, in Kaduna State. He is widely known for bridging Nollywood and Kannywood and for his roles in Anikulapo and A Tribe Called Judah. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Iheris University, Togo.
Q2: How old is Uzee Usman?
Uzee Usman was born on November 11, 1986, making him 39 years old as of 2025. He celebrates his birthday every November 11.
Q3: What is Uzee Usman’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at between $350,000 and $450,000 USD as of 2025. His wealth comes from acting, film production, TV hosting, and brand endorsements, including his role as TAJBank ambassador.
Q4: Is Uzee Usman married?
No, Uzee Usman is not married as of 2025. He has stated in interviews that he prefers to focus on his career. Viral wedding photos from his TV series Farin Jini were from a film scene, not a real wedding.
Q5: What movies has Uzee Usman featured in?
His notable films and series include Oga Abuja, Maja, Voiceless, Mustapha, Fantastic Numbers, Farin Jini, Anikulapo, A Tribe Called Judah, and Ejiro’s Wish. He has produced over 20 films across Nollywood and Kannywood.
Q6: What is Uzee Usman’s religion?
Uzee Usman is a Muslim. He was born and raised in a Muslim family and remains a practicing Muslim.
Q7: What awards has Uzee Usman won?
He has won Best Makeup Artist at AMAA, Best Hausa Movie of the Year at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards, Best Film of the Year (Kannywood) in 2014, Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2016 National Heritage Award, and was listed among YNaija’s 100 Most Influential Nollywood Actors in 2024, among other honours.
