Hakeem Kae-Kazim trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He also played the title roles of Henry V and Othello for the National Youth Theatre. The Daily Telegraph review described Kae-Kazim's Henry V thus: "The Youth Theatre had its ups and downs after 1956 but proper English has not been lost and there was a high standard in handling the verse on this occasion. The black King Henry, Hakeem Kae-Kazim of Nigerian origin, had a poise and dignity that supported the role. Tall and distinguished in appearance, he possessed diction and a voice that carried easily....The famous patriotic speeches were well done by Mr Kazim - thoughtfully managed without any rant. He portrayed a strong leader though not, of course, the Harry we are used to." (Harold Atkins, Daily Telegraph, 12 September 1986)

From a feature on Othello: "Hakeem Kae-Kazim, 21, born in Nigeria, is one of the best actors the National Youth Theatre has ever had. 'He speaks Shakespeare better than most white actors. He has a feeling for it,' says Michael Croft, director and founder of the company, which is putting on the production at the Shaw Theatre, London....Kae-Kazim moved to London when he was one. He is about to start his final year at the Bristol Old Vic theatre school. Othello was his big chance..."  ~ Michael Imeson and Peter Johnson, "Othello loses audience in the post", Sunday Times, 15 September 1985

His biography in the Theatre Clwyd Othello programme states: "In 1985 Hakeem founded the Bristol Actors Dilemma Theatre Company where he produced Breaking the Ice which won the BP awards for acting and commendation for directing. Earlier this year he formed Wolfpack Productions, recreating the role of Ide in [Heidi Thomas's] Indigo [which he had played in the play's premiere at the RSC in 1987] at the Almeida."

In 1995, Hakeem Kae-Kazim co-directed the National Youth Theatre's production of Othello, with Chiwetel Ejiofor in the title role.