Leading figure in Nollywood’s special effects space (SFX), Onilogbo Hakeem, popularly known as Hakeem Effects, has shared an unusual account of how his career began, claiming that his expertise was revealed to him through recurring dreams.
The acclaimed artist explained that his journey into special effects was not learned through conventional training but was instead guided by a mysterious figure who appeared to him while he slept.
According to him, these experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his skills and eventually establishing him as a top professional in the industry.
Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Hakeem Effects recounted how the dreams first began with an encounter involving a tall, faceless figure dressed in white, who beckoned him to follow. He said the figure questioned him about his talents and encouraged him to embrace his creative ability, promising to elevate him to global recognition.
At the time, Hakeem said he only knew how to draw, but the repeated dream encounters gradually introduced him to the concept and techniques of special effects.
He further revealed that the guidance he received in his dreams later manifested in real-life opportunities. After joining a church choir and later becoming part of a drama group, he was unexpectedly assigned the role of handling special effects, despite having no prior knowledge of the field. While struggling to understand the responsibility, he experienced another dream in which the same figure demonstrated how to execute the effects.
Remarkably, he said the instructions translated perfectly into reality when he attempted them.
Hakeem Effects’ account highlights an unconventional pathway into a highly technical aspect of filmmaking, sparking curiosity about the role of intuition, spirituality, and subconscious learning in creative professions. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most innovative special effects artists in Nigeria’s film industry, contributing to numerous productions and helping to elevate visual storytelling standards.
Beyond his mysterious introduction to the craft, Hakeem also acknowledged the influence of late Nollywood actor and producer Murphy Afolabi, who gave him the nickname “Hakeem Effects.” The name has since become synonymous with high-quality visual effects in Nigerian cinema, further cementing his reputation in the entertainment sector.
His story adds to a growing list of creatives who attribute their breakthroughs to unconventional sources of inspiration. While some may view his experience with skepticism, others see it as a testament to the unpredictable nature of talent discovery and artistic growth.
In an industry where formal training and digital tools often dominate, Hakeem Effects’ journey stands out as both unique and thought-provoking.
