We can all agree that Nollywood is a dynamic landscape. Many talents go through, some stand out while others wash out. In this ever wavy sea of talents, ego and personas, Ibrahim Suleiman stands out as a multifaceted talent whose influence continues to grow. We all know him as one of the industry’s leading men, and let’s be honest—it’s impossible not to notice that he’s handsome. We hope his wife, the breathtakingly beautiful Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, won’t mind us pointing that out. But there’s so much more to Ibrahim than just a striking face and a killa smile.
Ibrahim Suleiman is a phenomenal actor who brings warmth and authenticity to every role. But in his latest venture, The Betrayed, he’s taking on a darker challenge, stepping into the shoes of a villain. We sat down with Ibrahim for an exclusive Glazing Hot interview to uncover the man behind the roles, and the artist behind the scenes, and to find out just how he balances his artistic pursuits with personal life—with a little bit of mischief and a lot of charm we think.
Glazing Hot With Ibrahim Suleiman
Glazia: You excel as an artist, actor, and architect. How do you balance these diverse roles without feeling overwhelmed, and how do you ensure each gets the attention it deserves?
Ibrahim Suleiman: Oh, we are starting with compliments! I like this. Thank you for being kind. To be fair, all three are fun and exciting creative avenues to express myself, so it never really feels like work. I spend the bigger part of my time being an actor. Architecture takes up the least of my time because my partners and I have a system that has me function more as a concept developer and brief “breakdown-er”, so I do less draughting than the other three. As an artist, I can sketch wherever I am. So even during downtime on set, I outline ideas for my next painting on my iPad or smartphone and finish it up when I get a day or two off.
G: As the co-founder of Nollydata, what inspired its creation, and how do you envision it transforming the Nollywood industry?
I. S.: My partner Chidinma Igbokweuche and I had a hard time finding certain resources and talents for on and offscreen roles for a project. That ordeal had us sit down and think, “Surely, someone has to see that Nollywood needs this BADLY”, so we decided to take it on and create an interactive database where every talent can be accessed directly by producers, etc. In future, we want to be able to provide more than just a glossary. We want archives, templates, marketing support, and everything from location recce to post-production supervision. Access is everything.
G: In your new movie, The Betrayed, you portray Batista, a character quite different from your usual roles. How did this role challenge you, and do you believe it will showcase your versatility to directors and producers?
I. S.: When Zulu called to discuss the project and the character, I immediately said, “I’m in!” Batista is the type of character I want to explore more of right now. I’ve spent 6 years in Nollywood playing the sweet, kind, gentleman who is loyal and a good lover. Okay, that’s nice. I can play those in my sleep because it is Ibrahim but with a different name and wardrobe. No makeup sef. But the villain is more fun because I get to explore being other people. I’ve played an uneducated criminal who can’t speak proper English, a scheming, ruthless law firm partner, an ambitious, vindictive, vengeful usurper, and now Batista, a conflicted person who tries to cover up mistakes by making more mistakes. I guess proof of versatility will become more apparent over time. I am a patient man.
G: The Betrayed explores complex themes. What drew you to this project, and what do you hope audiences take away from it?
I. S.: I was drawn to it primarily by the dilemma each character faced in resolving their “why”. If we are being honest, none of the main characters were saints. Everybody made selfish decisions or paid for something they did wrong in some way or another. Above all, the fact that Amara knew her husband enough to know that he would never kill anyone and used that conviction to fuel her resolve to prove his innocence. I think audiences will walk away with the age-old belief that love indeed conquers all.
G: Being married to a renowned actress, how does sharing the same industry impact your careers, and how do you support each other’s artistic journeys?
I. S.: It makes things very convenient. We know the deal so we make life as easy for each other as possible, without explaining too much. For example, when she has films all day (and often late into the night), I know what it takes. So she comes home to a nice meal, a hot bath and zero demands on her time and attention. That way she can unwind and get some actual rest before heading out early the next day. She does the same for me. And if we are both busy at the same time, it is easy to extend grace to each other. Plus we are each other’s biggest fans and critics. We push each other and back each other up with gusto.
G: Given your extensive experience in various artistic fields, what advice would you give aspiring artists who want to diversify their talents?
I. S.: Spend as much time as possible learning and experimenting. Over time, you will find your unique voice. That is what people are more likely to pay for.
Rapid-Fire Questions
G: What’s your favourite art medium to work with?
I. S.: As a digital artist, Procreate and Artrage
G: Name one actor or director you’d love to collaborate with.
I. S.: Nollywood – Chidi Mokeme and Kate Henshaw (actors). Kayode Kasum (director)
Hollywood – Ryan Reynolds and Christoph Waltz (actors). Guy Ritchie (director)
G: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I. S.: You represent God, your family and your values at all times. Represent them well.
G: Describe The Betrayed in three words.
I. S.: Intense. Relatable. Performances.
G: Give us two reasons why everyone should watch The Betrayed.
I. S.: 1. The superb talent behind the cameras worked hard to deliver a riveting story.
2. The performances!
P.S: Hi, Captain Quest, did you think we’d forget? Here’s to wishing a fantastic 2024 birthday celebration from all of us at Glazia!!!