Hakeem Effects Urges Nollywood Artists to Combine AI With Practical Effects. Artificial intelligence may be capable of producing a movie explosion in seconds, but Nigerian special-effects artist Hakeem Onilogbo, popularly known as Hakeem Effects, says filmmakers should not mistake speed for the complete art of filmmaking. In a fresh interview with Saturday Beats, Hakeem argued that AI should complement practical special effects rather than push skilled artists out of the business.
The comments arrive as Nollywood continues to embrace increasingly sophisticated visual technology. Hakeem’s warning is particularly relevant because he believes the rush toward cheaper and faster production could unintentionally discourage young creatives from learning the practical skills behind convincing movie effects.
Hakeem Effects Says AI Should Support, Not Replace, Special Effects Artists
According to Hakeem, AI can produce effects such as explosions remarkably quickly, but the convenience comes with a professional question: what happens when filmmakers stop investing in the people who know how to create effects physically? He argued that young practitioners still need to understand the technical discipline behind practical effects rather than depending entirely on digital shortcuts.
The special-effects artist also pointed to the actor’s performance. His argument is that a performer reacting to an actual explosion happening on set has something tangible to respond to, unlike an actor being told to imagine an explosion that will be inserted later. In other words, Nollywood may eventually have computers capable of creating everything except the actor’s genuine “What was THAT?” moment.
Hakeem Effects Warns AI Could Discourage Young Nigerians From Learning Special Effects
Hakeem is not presenting AI as an enemy. Instead, he suggested that practitioners learn to integrate it into their existing workflow, particularly during pre-production. He said he has used AI for brainstorming ideas, including different scar designs for a tribal-warrior character, before applying professional practical-effects skills to create the finished effect.
His broader position is consistent with his recent comments about the development of Nollywood’s special-effects industry. In June 2026, Hakeem described special effects as a discipline requiring preparation, testing and safety procedures, noting that seemingly simple effects can involve substantial behind-the-scenes work. He has also advocated stronger training, technical infrastructure and professional standards as the industry adopts newer technologies.
For now, the message from Hakeem Effects appears straightforward: AI can assist the artist, but it should not make the artist’s hard-earned skills disappear. As Nollywood experiments with the next generation of filmmaking technology, viewers may want to watch closely to see whether the future brings a practical-effects revival, an AI takeover—or, as Hakeem suggests, a combination of both. OGM News NG will continue to watch the developing story and bring readers further updates.
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