How we started Kannywood – Dandolo

Muhammadu Nura, popularly known as Dandolo is a comedian and actor in Kannywood. In this interview, he talks about his roles in the TV series ‘Gidan Badamasi’ among other issues. Excerpts:   Weekend Magazine: How did you get into acting? Dandolo: I started acting in my secondary school drama group in Giwa. As I grew […]

Muhammadu Nura, popularly known as Dandolo is a comedian and actor in Kannywood. In this interview, he talks about his roles in the TV series ‘Gidan Badamasi’ among other issues. Excerpts:

 

Weekend Magazine: How did you get into acting?

Dandolo: I started acting in my secondary school drama group in Giwa. As I grew up it became part of me. When I returned to Samaru, my hometown, we formed a drama club called Gaskiya Youth Club and later changed its name to Gamzaki. It still exists today with many young and active members.

I later moved to Wudil to shoot home videos. I am among the pioneers of what is known today as Kannywood. We started with actors like late Ibro, Kulu, Sadi Sidi Ishaq, Danwanzan among others.

I remember how late Alhaji Musa Nasaleh will give N1000 only and we will produce a home video for him and everyone will get paid from that amount. I can say Kannywood began in Wudil before it was moved to the ancient city of Kano.

WM: For how long have you been in Kannywood?

Dandolo: I have been in Kannywood for more than 30 years and have acted in more than 200 films so far.

 

WM: What do you do besides acting?

Dandolo: I am a fisherman as well as a local house builder, which is an inherited profession from my ancestors. These are things I do aside from my acting career. If I am not on set, you will definitely find me either fishing or building.

 

WM: You were famous for using an instrument called Kacakaura. Was that also something you inherited?

Dandolo: No, I didn’t inherit that. I was challenged to learn and practice it. It all happened when I was playing drums and there was a man who played the Kacakaura music instrument. I used to follow him to markets where he goes to play, and one day I picked the instrument and tried to play. He became furious and even insulted me for that.

Right there I decided to learn and play the instrument whatever it takes. I went home and constructed my own Kacakaura and gradually I mastered it. I went to Kano playing it and within a short period I became famous with the kind of outfit and songs I played with the instrument.

After some months I went back home to meet the man who had insulted me for playing his instrument. He was told that someone who plays the Kacakaura more than he does had arrived in the area. He came to meet me and even gave me some money without realizing that I was that boy he insulted. I later went back to him and told him my story.

 

WM: What influences your unique choice of costumes?

Dandolo: Every successful comedian has to be very innovative. I have picked a shirt that looks feminine and used it for my comedy act. I have different stage names depending on the character I play.

WM: How would you compare your new role in ‘Gidan Badamasi’ TV series with others you have played?

Dandolo: Yaya Dankwambo is the role I play in ‘Gidan Badamasi’, which is in its season two. It’s one of the best things that has happened, not only to me, but also to the entire Kannywood. It is a series that entertains as well as educates. It also enjoys large viewership who are allowed to have a say in the show.

To answer your question, what makes it different is the fact that it is a public-oriented series that seeks to entertain and educate. Every cast feels he or she is part of one big family.

 

WM: What would you is your most memorable moment as an actor?

Dandolo: My most memorable moment is when I am able to deliver roles assigned to me effectively and professionally. I have no regrets being a comedian and an actor.