Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco Biography
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco, born around 1981 in Fagge, Kano State, is a renowned Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and pioneer in the Kannywood film industry.
He began his artistic journey with the Kano History and Culture Bureau before earning a certificate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Rising through Hausa stage drama, Lilisco made a name for himself by collaborating with legends like Kasimu Yero and became famous for playing law enforcement roles in major Hausa films.
Notable among his works are Gwaska (2015), Umar Sanda (2016), and Komai Nisan Dare (2019), with Gwaska being his most challenging role, taking almost a year to shoot in Lagos and Kaduna under the production of Adam A. Zango.
He was married to Zulaihat Dalhat, also a Kannywood actress, whom he met on a movie set; they spent over 20 years together before her passing in October 2024.
After her death, Lilisco publicly vowed to care for their children.
Beyond acting, he is a choreographer, producer, and co-founder of a production company with Sani Mai-iska, and has served as vice chairman of both the Arewa Filmmakers Association and the Arewa Editors Guild, solidifying his legacy in the northern Nigerian film industry.
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco |
| Date of Birth | Circa 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Fagge Quarters, Kano State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Actor, Filmmaker, Choreographer |
| Years Active | Since the early 2000s |
| Education | Certificate course in Drama and Performance from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria |
| Notable Works | Gwaska (2015), Umar Sanda (2016), Komai Nisan Dare (2019) |
| Awards | Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Arewa Music and Movie Awards (AMMA) for Gwaska |
| Marital Status | Was married to late actress Zulaihat Dalhat for over 20 years until her passing in October 2024 |
| Children | Yes |
| Industry Roles | Co-founder of a production company with Sani Mai-iska; served as Vice Chairman of the Arewa Filmmakers Association and the Arewa Editors Guild |
| Signature Roles | Often portrays law enforcement officers in films |
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco’s Early Life and Background
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco was born around 1981 in the historic Fagge Quarters of Kano State, Nigeria.
Raised in a culturally rich environment, Lilisco grew up immersed in Hausa traditions, which greatly influenced his passion for drama and storytelling.
His early exposure to local stage plays and traditional performances sparked his interest in acting from a young age.
He began his formal journey into the arts at the Kano History and Culture Bureau, where he was involved in cultural preservation and theatrical performances.
This foundation not only shaped his discipline as a performer but also introduced him to veteran actors and dramatists who mentored him.
Determined to enhance his skills, Lilisco pursued further education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he completed a certificate course in drama and performance.
His academic background, combined with hands-on experience in traditional and modern theater, gave him a strong footing to enter the burgeoning Hausa-language film industry, later known as Kannywood.
Check Out: Zulaihat Dalhat (Zulai Lilisco) Biography, Wikipedia, Age, Career, Movies, Husband, Family, Legacy
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco Career
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco began his professional acting career in the early 2000s after gaining experience at the Kano History and Culture Bureau and furthering his training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His deep understanding of Hausa culture and traditional storytelling gave him a unique edge as he transitioned into the film industry.
Lilisco quickly became known for his versatility, often portraying law enforcement officers and disciplined authority figures.
His breakout role came with the film Gwaska (2015), a Kannywood action movie produced by Adam A. Zango, in which he played a police officer.
The film was physically demanding and took almost a year to complete, with shooting locations in Kaduna and Lagos.
This role not only showcased his talent but also solidified his place as a leading actor in Kannywood.
He continued to star in several hit films, including Umar Sanda (2016) and Komai Nisan Dare (2019), earning a reputation for delivering powerful and realistic performances.
Apart from acting, Lilisco is also a film choreographer and producer, contributing behind the scenes to the success of many projects.
In collaboration with his colleague Sani Mai-iska, he co-founded a production company, helping nurture young talents in the industry.
His leadership skills were recognized when he served as the Vice Chairman of the Arewa Filmmakers Association and later the Arewa Editors Guild, reflecting his influence beyond the screen.
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Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco’s Personal Life and Family
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco shared a long and devoted marriage with his late wife, Zulaihat Dalhat, who was also a former Kannywood actress.
The couple met on a film set and were married for over 20 years until Zulaihat’s passing in October 2024.
Their enduring union was often cited as a shining example within the Hausa entertainment industry, challenging stereotypes about the longevity of marriages involving Kannywood actresses.
Together, they had several children. Following Zulaihat’s death, Lilisco publicly vowed to care for their children, emphasizing his commitment to his family’s well-being.
Beyond his family life, Lilisco is known for his humility and strong moral values.
He has been described as a role model in the Kannywood community, both for his professional achievements and his dedication to his family.
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco Awards
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco has been recognized for his contributions to the Kannywood film industry, notably winning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2016 Arewa Music and Movie Awards (AMMA) for his role in Gwaska
FAQs
1: You often portray police officers in films. Were you ever a policeman in real life?
No, I am a civilian. However, due to the authenticity of my performances, even real police officers commend me.
People sometimes salute me on the streets, thinking I am an actual policeman.
After completing my primary and secondary education, I joined the Kano History and Culture Bureau and later pursued a certificate course at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
My dedication to my craft caught the attention of producers like Kasimu Yero, leading to opportunities in Hausa films when acting wasn’t widely recognized in the North.
2: How did you begin your journey in the film industry?
My involvement in the arts started before the establishment of Kannywood.
I was active in drama and cultural performances, which laid the foundation for my acting career.
My commitment and performance quality led to roles in early Hausa films, contributing to the growth of the industry.
3: What was your experience working on the film ‘Gwaska’?
‘Gwaska’ was one of the most challenging films I’ve worked on. It took nearly a year to shoot, with locations in Lagos, Kaduna, and other places.
The role demanded a lot physically and emotionally, but it was rewarding. The film’s success brought me significant recognition and awards.
4: You’ve been married to a fellow Kannywood actress for over 20 years. How have you maintained a successful marriage in the industry?
Many believe that actresses struggle to maintain long-term marriages, but my wife and I have proven otherwise.
We’ve been together for over two decades, supporting each other through the highs and lows of the industry.
Our mutual respect and understanding have been key to our enduring relationship.
5: Beyond acting, what other roles have you played in the film industry?
In addition to acting, I have worked as a choreographer and producer.
I co-founded a production company with Sani Mai-iska and have held leadership positions, such as Vice Chairman of the Arewa Filmmakers Association and the Arewa Editors Guild.
These roles have allowed me to contribute to the industry’s development and mentor upcoming talents.
Check Out: Shehu Hassan Kano Biography, Age, Early Life, Education, Career, Awards, Family, Legacy
In conclusion
Shu’aibu Idris Lilisco stands as a respected and influential figure in the Kannywood film industry.
With a career spanning over two decades, he has distinguished himself not only as a talented actor known for his compelling portrayals of law enforcement roles but also as a dedicated filmmaker and choreographer.
His commitment to his craft, leadership within industry associations, and personal integrity have made him a role model for many aspiring actors.
Despite personal challenges, including the loss of his wife, Lilisco’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and shape the Hausa-language film landscape in Nigeria.
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