Kannywood Actors and Actresses Featured in Nollywood Movies 2025

Looking for the list of Kannywood actors and actresses featured in Nollywood movies in 2025? You’re not alone. As the Nigerian film industry continues to grow, the connection between Kannywood and Nollywood has become stronger than ever. Many Hausa actors and actresses are now breaking into Nollywood, expanding their reach and winning new fans across the country and beyond.

Whether you're a fan of Hausa films, Nollywood dramas, or just curious about actors who are bridging both industries, this detailed guide reveals everything you need to know about Kannywood actors and actresses who have featured in Nollywood movies in 2025 — their roles, achievements, career transitions, and impact.

Why Kannywood Stars Are Crossing Over to Nollywood

Kannywood is the Hausa-language film industry based in Northern Nigeria, while Nollywood is the larger English-language movie industry that operates across the country. In recent years, both industries have started working together more often.

Here’s why many Kannywood actors and actresses are now featuring in Nollywood movies:

• Bigger exposure: Nollywood provides access to a wider audience across Africa and globally.

• Bilingual advantage: Many Kannywood stars speak English and Hausa fluently.

• Talent recognition: Their acting skills, cultural depth, and screen presence are attracting major directors.

• Streaming platforms: Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime now demand cross-cultural content.

Now, let’s look at the top Kannywood actors and actresses who featured in Nollywood movies in 2025.

1. Ali Nuhu – The Most Successful Kannywood Actor in Nollywood

Ali Nuhu is arguably the biggest name from Kannywood who has successfully transitioned into Nollywood. He has featured in several English-speaking films and series.

Nollywood Roles:

• Lead roles in dramas and political thrillers

• Featured in Netflix and Africa Magic originals

• Known for playing disciplined, royal, or principled characters

Why Ali Nuhu Is a Nollywood Favorite:

• Speaks English fluently

• Highly respected across both industries

• Has a clean, pan-Nigerian image

Ali Nuhu continues to act in both Hausa and English movies, making him the bridge between Kannywood and Nollywood.

2. Rahama Sadau – The Queen of Cross-Industry Acting

Rahama Sadau is one of the most successful Kannywood actresses in Nollywood today. She has appeared in multiple Nollywood projects and has gained fans from across Nigeria.

Nollywood Appearances:

• Featured in Sons of the Caliphate, Up North, The Light Will Come

• Plays modern, educated, and emotional characters

• Works with big Nollywood producers and international platforms

Why She Stands Out:

• Versatile and multilingual

• Active on social media with massive fan base

• Represents both Northern and Southern audiences

Rahama Sadau’s talent, confidence, and screen presence make her one of the top Kannywood actresses featured in Nollywood movies in 2025.

3. Yakubu Muhammad – The Calm and Powerful Presence

Yakubu Muhammad is a popular Kannywood actor who has made a name for himself in Nollywood with his calm and deep roles.

Notable Nollywood Roles:

• Featured in Lionheart, MTV Shuga, and Voiceless

• Often cast as a father, mentor, or political leader

• Brings a strong Hausa cultural identity into Nollywood films

What Makes Him Unique:

• Strong facial expressions and voice tone

• Plays traditional characters with pride

• Works on both mainstream and indie projects

His consistent appearances in English-language movies have earned him respect as a top Kannywood actor featured in Nollywood.

4. Maryam Booth – From Hausa Classics to Global Screens

Maryam Booth is one of the most recognizable faces in Kannywood and has featured in several Nollywood films and TV series.

Nollywood Projects:

• Acted in The Milkmaid (an Oscar-submitted film)

• Also featured in short films and cultural documentaries

• Known for intense emotional scenes and serious roles

Why Nollywood Producers Love Her:

• Strong acting in dramatic roles

• Bold enough to take on complex characters

• Represents the educated Northern woman

Maryam Booth’s blend of Kannywood roots and Nollywood professionalism makes her one of the best actresses to watch in 2025.

5. Sani Danja – The Veteran Actor with National Appeal

Sani Danja, known for his roles in Kannywood since the early 2000s, has also featured in several Nollywood movies over the years.

Nollywood Appearances:

• Acted in Daughters of the East, Enemy Within, and Wives on Strike

• Plays responsible, elder brother or husband roles

• Also involved in directing and music

Career Highlights:

• Bilingual roles in both Hausa and English

• Acts in traditional and modern settings

• Blends cultural wisdom with entertainment

Sani Danja’s presence in Nollywood adds value to every production he joins.

6. Hadiza Aliyu Gabon – The Elegant Star

Hadiza Gabon is one of Kannywood’s top actresses with appearances in Nollywood projects in 2025.

Notable Nollywood Involvement:

• Featured in romantic dramas and youth-focused series

• Known for her beauty, calm acting, and expressive eyes

• Often cast in family-themed stories

Why She’s Gaining Ground:

• Huge Hausa fan base with crossover potential

• Speaks English well

• Open to diverse film roles and collaboration

Her ability to connect emotionally with viewers makes her a top Kannywood actress featured in Nollywood films.

7. Nuhu Abdullahi – The Young and Ambitious Talent

Nuhu Abdullahi is a rising Kannywood star who has started gaining attention in Nollywood.

Nollywood Features:

• Supporting roles in teen drama series and campus stories

• Featured in Northern Justice and Cultural Clash

• Cast for youthful, romantic, or adventurous characters

Career Growth:

• Continues acting in Kannywood while accepting Nollywood projects

• Very active on digital platforms like YouTube

• Appeals to Gen Z and millennials

He’s part of the new wave of Kannywood actors expanding into Nollywood in 2025.

8. Nafisat Abdullahi – The Stylish and Bold Actress

Nafisat Abdullahi is a well-known Kannywood actress who has started appearing in Nollywood-style projects and collaborations.

Nollywood Involvement:

• Co-productions between Northern and Southern filmmakers

• Short films for digital platforms

• Also active in lifestyle and documentary films

Why She’s Notable:

• Strong fashion influence

• Versatile screen roles and polished delivery

• Popular among educated youth and women

Nafisat’s boldness and adaptability are opening more Nollywood doors.

9. Aminu Saira – Director Turned Actor with National Reach

Although more known as a director, Aminu Saira has acted in some Nollywood collaborative films and series.

Involvement:

• Directed crossover films involving Nollywood actors

• Featured as a cultural expert or elder in series

• Helped promote Northern content in the South

Saira’s creativity and cross-industry respect have given him a place among Kannywood professionals featured in Nollywood content.

10. Zainab Indomie – The Comic Relief with Rising Fame

Zainab Indomie is a Kannywood actress known for her comic roles and funny expressions. In 2025, she has been featured in several skits and Nollywood TV comedy shows.

Nollywood Activities:

• Comedy roles in youth web series

• Appearance in Naija Blends and Hausa-English sketch shows

• Popular on Instagram and YouTube

Why She’s Unique:

• Funny, expressive, and fast-rising

• Loved by Hausa and Yoruba audiences

• Brings light-hearted content to a serious industry

Zainab’s comedic style is helping her become one of the most talked-about crossover stars in 2025.

Summary Table: Kannywood Actors and Actresses Featured in Nollywood Movies 2025

Pro Tips: Following Your Favorite Kannywood Stars in Nollywood

• Watch platforms like Africa Magic Hausa, Netflix Naija, and YouTube Originals for crossover films.

• Follow actors on social media to know when new projects are out.

• Support regional films that mix languages and cultures. This is the future of Nigerian cinema.

FAQs – Kannywood Actors and Actresses Featured in Nollywood Movies 2025

Which Kannywood actor is most active in Nollywood?
Ali Nuhu and Rahama Sadau are the most active Kannywood stars currently working in Nollywood.

Can Kannywood actors speak English well enough for Nollywood?
Yes, most of them are bilingual and perform excellently in both Hausa and English.

Are Nollywood and Kannywood the same?
No, Kannywood is the Hausa-language film industry, while Nollywood covers Nigeria's broader English-speaking cinema. But many actors now work in both.

Do Kannywood actresses face challenges in Nollywood?
Yes. Language, cultural differences, and competition exist, but many are succeeding through talent and consistency.

Where can I watch Kannywood actors in Nollywood movies?
Try Netflix, Showmax, IROKOtv, and DStv’s Africa Magic channels.

Final Thoughts: Kannywood Actors and Actresses in Nollywood 2025

The number of Kannywood actors and actresses featured in Nollywood movies in 2025 is growing every year. This crossover is helping to unite the Nigerian film industry and expose Hausa talents to a bigger audience. From Ali Nuhu to Rahama Sadau, these stars are redefining the boundaries of culture, language, and creativity.

If you’re a fan of quality acting and diverse storytelling, this is a great time to follow both Kannywood and Nollywood as they merge into a stronger, richer entertainment industry.