I’m not quitting Kannywood anytime soon – Maryam Gidado

Weekend Magazine: You’re popularly known as Maryam Babban Yaro. Why? Maryam Jibrin Gidado: I got the name after I was cast as the lead character in the now-classic film ‘Babban Yaro’, which happens to be my first blockbuster movie. I starred with famous actor Adam A. Zango. In the film, I was the daughter of […]

Weekend Magazine: You’re popularly known as Maryam Babban Yaro. Why?

Maryam Jibrin Gidado: I got the name after I was cast as the lead character in the now-classic film ‘Babban Yaro’, which happens to be my first blockbuster movie. I starred with famous actor Adam A. Zango. In the film, I was the daughter of a rich man, so I guess that’s where it began. 

WM: What about the stories that you’ve been married twice before venturing into showbiz?

Maryam: If I say I’m unmarried, people would laugh because I am a Fulani by tribe, and you know in our tradition, ladies are married off very early. The same thing happened to me; I was married off and I had my first baby girl at the age of 14, which was one year after my marriage, and now she is 12-years-old. I also have a son, who is 3-years-old, from my second marriage. What happened to both my marriages is a private matter, so fans will have to bear with me for not discussing details. 

WM: What attracted you to showbiz?

Maryam: I used to simply watch films for fun, thinking that it was just entertainment devoid of lessons. I used to criticize the stars, saying they were just promoting immorality. My perception changed after an incident, and I realised that by venturing into filmmaking, I would be able to impact positively on the lives of people. 

I can’t remember the exact year I ventured into filmmaking, but I can remember I was cast as one of the dancers in a video starring popular Kannywood singer Mahmud Nagudu, an album titled ‘Garin So Nisa’. I was also cast as an extra in my first film, titled ‘Ragowar Yaki’, which was shot in Jos. And that’s how it began, basically. 

I don’t know the total number of the films I have starred in so far, but I know they are more than a hundred. I remember there was a time I used to star in more than three films a month. Some of the films I have starred in so far included ‘Babban Yaro’, ‘Wata Hudu’, ‘Munafikin Mata’, ‘Al’ajabi’, ‘Zawarawa’, ‘Fulani’, ‘Sultan’ and ‘Basaja’. I mentioned these films because I love them; they were blockbuster films that have earned me popularity, awards and honour.

WM: There was a time your films were hot cakes in the market then all of the sudden you stopped appearing in films, prompting a rumour that you had quarrels with most of the producers and directors because of a diva attitude. What’s the truth of the matter?

Maryam: Nothing, really. I just stopped accepting roles. That’s it. I had some personal issues, and drama I was going through, but even then I starred in some popular films. And after I overcame my issues, I went back to school, which cut down my appearances. But as you can see, I am now fully in Kannywood.

WM: You and Adam A. Zango were quite popular as an acting duo, even though now its said that you don’t see eye to eye today. Is this true?

Maryam: It is just a rumour. There’s no way you could separate film industry from rumours, gossip and even scandals. But let me set the record straight, I am not under Zango’s company and the films in which I have starred at his company are few. In any case, most of the films I did under his company were hits, and circulated very well.

WM: Is it true that you’re currently dating?

Maryam: We’re friends, and professional colleagues. He’s just like my big brother, who advises me on so many things, including acting and business. I enjoy working with him.

WM: Most actresses juggle filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Does that ring true for you, too?

Maryam: Yes, apart from acting I am also a businesswoman. I have a big beauty salon where I also sell female clothes, shoes, cosmetics and perfume.

WM: Do you have a time-frame that you would quit filmmaking within?

Maryam: I don’t. But I can say I would quit acting when I married, but only to continue as a producer. 

WM: What would you say are your greatest achievements?

Maryam: My greatest achievements would be my awards and honours. I cherish them all. I also know I impact positively on the lives of so many people, because they have told me so on many occasions. I thank God.