Makeup and special effects have, over the years, evolved in the Nollywood industry. Through makeup artistry, stories are brought to life as artists create amazing visuals. In this exclusive interview, Nigerian talented makeup artist, Hakeem Onilogbo popularly known as 'HAKEEM EFFECTS' shared his journey, highlighting his passion for art, perfectionism, and efforts to bridge gaps in the industry.
He recently emerged as the best makeup artist at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2025, after bagging three nominations with different movies in the same category. EGUNGWU CHUKWUKA BENJAMIN brings excerpts.
Congratulations on winning the Best Makeup Artist category at the 2025 AMVCA with your work in the movie 'Lisabi'. you got three nominations in the same category, can you share with us how you feel about that?
What I have to say about the three nominations in one category is that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. So, it was a lot of preparation and hard work. I knew from the onset that those films were going to be nominated, but I wasn't sure how many, because I put in a lot of effort into the movie.
What inspired you to pursue a career in makeup artistry, and how did you get started?
What actually inspired me to venture into special effects makeup was my flair for art and problem-solving. I saw that in the industry, in special effects makeup, the pioneers really tried, and they laid the foundation which we are building upon. I decided to take it to another level. I discovered a lot of gaps between the Western world and West Africa in terms of special effects, so I decided to bridge the gap.
I started as an actor before crossing over to special effects makeup. I did not go to school to learn it; it was a talent that I nurtured. I was a painter before, so I think from that experience, I was able to switch into special effects.
What inspires your creativity when designing makeup looks and how do you ensure the makeup looks translate well on camera?
Uhmm! Because I am a perfectionist and a melancholic, it was easier for me. If I want to do something, and it is not eighty to ninety percent, I will not be satisfied. I do not settle for less. That is why you can see my beautiful works of art. I love perfection in everything I do. As a perfectionist and creative person who does not settle for less, I go miles and miles to ensure I achieve my conceived idea and beat my previous record.
Can you share with us about your perception on Nollywood industry evolvement in terms of makeup artistry, and where do you see it heading?
My perception of the Nollywood industry in terms of makeup artistry, back in the days, like twenty years ago when I started, was not like this. I met some pioneers who have really worked hard in terms of special effects, like Dagogo, Dabazini, Periwinkle, Angelique Touch, and others. They were pioneers, many legends in the field. During my own time, I had to first look at where they stopped and decided to take it up from there. I did not like to be seen as incompetent or a local champion in things I do. I had to stand out.
I started engaging in research to make myself and my work better. The pioneers really did well. Now, I can see that good special effects makeup artists have emerged, both male and female, and they are doing fantastically well. The Nollywood special effects will be more advanced in years to come. Even if we do not meet up with the Western world, the gap will not be much.
What's the biggest misconception people have about makeup artist?
The misconception many people have about makeup artistry is that they think it is all about applying powder, but it is bigger than that. I used to tell people that in the movie industry, makeup artistry is the engine room of production. Without makeup, be it commercial, documentary, music video, or general entertainment at large, you cannot do without a makeup artist on set, because they are the engine room of film production. You will definitely want to appear good in videos.
Can you tell us about a project that allowed you to push the boundaries of makeup artistry?
There are a lot of projects that made me push boundaries in makeup artistry, but let me pick "Seven Doors" because I did a lot of wonders I never expected I could do, like the transformation of Kola Ajeyemi from someone in his forties to a one hundred and seventy-five-year-old man, and even the accident in the scene that involves us building timbers with logs of wood. Another project is "Jagun Jagun," but I will go with "Seven Doors."