I sat down with actor Abubakar Salim to talk about one of the most impactful roles of his career: Bayek of Siwa in Assassin’s Creed Origins. What became clear very quickly was that this wasn’t just another job for him—it was a role rooted in responsibility, representation, and emotional truth.

Our conversation moved naturally from gaming into performance, identity, and the long road of building a meaningful career.

Becoming Bayek of Siwa

For Abubakar, stepping into the world of Assassin’s Creed Origins was both exciting and daunting.

“Bayek isn’t just a protagonist,” he explained. “He’s a man carrying grief, love, anger, and hope all at once.”

He spoke about how deeply he connected with Bayek’s emotional journey, particularly the character’s sense of loss and moral conflict.

“I approached him like I would any dramatic role,” Abubakar said. “You have to find the humanity first—everything else comes after.”

That commitment paid off. Bayek quickly became one of the most beloved characters in the franchise, praised for his emotional depth and authenticity.

Voice Acting as Performance

One of the most interesting parts of our discussion was Abubakar’s approach to voice acting—something he never saw as separate from screen performance.

“Voice acting is acting,” he said plainly. “Your voice carries everything: intention, vulnerability, strength.”

He described the physicality involved in recording sessions and how emotion had to be fully committed, even without a camera present.

“You can’t fake it,” he added. “Players feel it immediately.”

Representation and Responsibility

We also spoke about what it meant to portray a character like Bayek—a North African hero at the centre of a major global franchise.

“That representation matters,” Abubakar said. “But it comes with responsibility. You want to honour the culture, the history, and the people.”

Rather than feeling pressure, he embraced the opportunity to help redefine what a video game protagonist could be.

“If someone sees themselves in Bayek,” he reflected, “that’s powerful.”

A Career Built on Craft

Beyond Assassin’s Creed, Abubakar talked candidly about his career path, emphasising patience and preparation over instant success.

“There’s no shortcut,” he said. “You build it role by role.”

He spoke about training, discipline, and the importance of staying curious—always looking for projects that challenge rather than repeat.

“I want to keep growing,” he explained. “That’s the goal.”

Looking Ahead

Even in 2018, it was clear that Abubakar Salim was thinking long-term—about storytelling, impact, and legacy.

“I want to be part of stories that mean something,” he told me. “Stories that stay with people.”

Final Thoughts

Revisiting this interview, it’s easy to see why Abubakar Salim’s performance as Bayek resonated so strongly. His thoughtful approach to acting, deep respect for character, and awareness of the bigger picture set him apart.

It was a conversation not just about a game, but about purpose, representation, and the power of storytelling—on any platform.

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