How I started acting in Kannywood -Sakna Gadaz

Can you tell us a little about yourself? My name is Sakna Gadaz Abdullahi I was born 26 years ago in Sharada Estate of  Kano State. I attended Badar Nursery and Primary School, from there I preceded to Kano Capital Secondary School and due to some reasons I did not complete my secondary education in […]

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Sakna Gadaz Abdullahi I was born 26 years ago in Sharada Estate of  Kano State. I attended Badar Nursery and Primary School, from there I preceded to Kano Capital Secondary School and due to some reasons I did not complete my secondary education in Kano Capital. I later went to Delapel, where I finished my secondary education. From there, I went to Kano State College of Arts and Science (CAS) for my Interim Joint Matriculation Board course. After my course, I went to Kano State Polytechnic for my National Diploma and later went back for my Higher National diploma at the same polytechnic; and right now I am waiting for my National Youth Service posting.

The name Sakna Gadaz sounds Arabian; does the name have a meaning?

(Laughs)No! Actually many people have been asking questions about my name; Sakna stands for Sakina. Gadaz is my mother’s name and Abdullahi is my father’s name I am a Nigerian contrary to what some people are thinking.

As a graduate, what really influenced your decision to join the movie industry?

Well!, I was  a girl with a passion for acting, though the opportunity did not come to me straight. I could remember vividly how it all started. We went to record our Islamic song in a studio when someone suggested that I will be a good asset to the Hausa film industry. I went home with the thought of how people could recognize the potentiality of an actress in  me. So I went to seek my mother’s approval on the issue. That was when the trouble began.

My mother told me that with the stories she had been hearing about the Hausa film actresses, there is no way she would allow me, as her daughter, be part of that ungodly affair. That nearly killed the zeal in me. I kept praying for my mother’s understanding on the whole issue. Luckily for me, the next time I went to see my mother with the issue, she succumbed after a long and elaborate explanation. Late Director Tijjani Ibrahim gave me my breakthrough in the movie industry after confirming from my parents that I am doing it with their consent.

My first movie in Mujadala was the one I starred as a passerby, and the movie was done when I was in SS 3. After that, I was so anxious to watch the movie and see myself in it, but as God will have it, before the film was released in the market, I was given roles in some other films. That was how I started.

When you finally got into the industry, did you confirm your mother’s fear?

In every profession there are those whose actions and inactions differs with that of the majority, and the Hausa movie industry is not an exception.

Similarly, there is also this issue of one playing the role of a hypocrite, that does not mean he or she is one in real life. Acting is all about make-belief, but due to some unforeseen reasons many have chosen not to view it from that perspective.

How many movies have you starred in so far?

They are many really; I can’t say precisely how many I have featured in.

Recently, the Hausa film industry celebrated its 20th anniversary. Do you believe there is anything to write home about the industry in the last 20 years?

One has to be very realistic; there are lots of achievements in the industry in the last 20 years. We have experienced a drastic change in terms of the equipment we are using. Before we were using ordinary cameras then we shifted to the use of mini and then HD. When you compare the quality of pictures obtainable this days with that of before you will find out that there is indeed an improvement. Actually we have achieved a lot in term of lights and editing. In fact, the industry has outgrown the challenges it has faced in the last 20 years. That is why the industry is recording an increase in patronage and acceptability among other non-Hausa speaking communities.

Judging from the way you are explaining things, it seems you did not stop at acting alone. Are you involved in other aspects in the movie industry?

Yes, of course, I am involved in producing, I have also directed two films and I sing also. In fact, I have an album called Yanayi Sauyi right now in the market.

The industry was involved in a feud with the state government over the issue of restructuring the industry. What did you make of it?

To me, I believe every profession ought to be guided by rules and regulations set by either the supervisory body or by a recognized institution set aside for that purpose. And in some instances, one needs to disagree to agree. So the film industry and the censorship board situation was not an exception.

Moreover, the effect of the positive changes brought by the government can be  seen everywhere in terms of our mode of dressing, dialogue and other activities that may harm the norms and values of our societies or even our religion. And these positive changes are what is giving the industry its new identity and also determining its acceptability worldwide.

What are your greatest moments in the industry?

My greatest moment in the industry was when my parents gave me the go ahead to get involved in the industry. I love my parents dearly for since childhood, they never denied me my rights as their child. I am what I am today because they were behind me with prayers and good wishes.

Is Sakna Gadaz Maried?

No, she is not.

Do you have someone you plan to marry?

Yes.

Can we know him?

Not now, it is my guarded secret.

What are your last words to your fans?

To my fans I say thank you all for the support and keep it up.