I’m out to prove a point -Baballe Hayatu

It has been said that you are the only true graduate in the Hausa movie industry; is that true? I don’t understand what you mean by true graduate, but what I know is that I am a graduate of political science and also there are many in the industry that have completed [their studies] or […]

It has been said that you are the only true graduate in the Hausa movie industry; is that true?

I don’t understand what you mean by true graduate, but what I know is that I am a graduate of political science and also there are many in the industry that have completed [their studies] or are still on studies at various institutions across the nation. Therefore, going back to your question, I am not the only graduate in the Hausa movie industry.

You could have taken a government work or better still be with a private firm; why did you chose to remain in the industry?

You see, I am part and parcel of Kannywood and do you think we feel good when we are accused of being ignorant and stupid? I am from Kano and I owe it upon myself to do all I can to protect the integrity and image of my state. I was an actor even before I started my educational pursuits, so why should I leave it now that I have a point to prove to all?

Many of us in the industry are not happy with the way the public is looking at us, and this is what we want to correct. I am not saying we are hundred percent doing the right thing, what I am saying is that people should encourage us rather than castigate us. We are all humans and are bound to make mistakes. I am happy that the level of commitment from the artistes, producers and directors is making the difference in the industry.

However, Kanywood is a very big industry and I thank God for the decision I took of remaining in the industry. It is clear that now the industry is growing beyond our wildest imagination. Most of us are now employers; we have people earning under our companies which I believe is far better than working for either public or private firms.

You have recently shifted attention from acting to producing; what influenced your decision on that?

Let me correct one issue here; having shifted from being an actor to become a producer doesn’t mean I have discarded acting, no! I am still an active actor in the industry. What I did is just a form of diversification of talent and resources. It is an attempt to go further in the industry.

Do you think that the rate Hausa movies are being released into the market is good to the industry?

As a producer, I don’t think it is good for the business, because flooding the market with movies without control is affecting the business badly. It makes our work less appreciated and less valuable. It also makes many producers fall out of favour in the movie industry.

What do you think should be done to remedy the situation?

There should be a regulatory body that will supervise and control the flow of movies in the market. With this, the producers and the movie marketers will have ample time to assess their movies and also monitor, for piracy prevention.

It is actually not good for everyone who is connected to the movie industry, but sadly, we are all out to make profits without giving thoughts on the implications of our actions. I am advocating that such regulatory body be put in place to safeguard our profession and I believe there are many that share the same feelings as I do.

It is true that Baballe can speak and understand Hindi language fluently?

Yes, I can speak Hindi language and I have Indian friends whom I relate with either on the internet or in Kano here. People think that I have been to India before, but the truth here is that I have never been there in my life only that I have plans to visit India in due course.

Why is it that artistes in the movie industry are usually at war with each other?

This is common among artistes in the entertainment world. It is not what people think it is. We are just scrambling for fame which is normal in a business like ours. However, it also borders around individual understanding of life. I have principles and I abide by that principle that is why I am at peace with everyone in the industry.

As an actor do you believe in celebrity marriages?

Yes, I believe in celebrity marriages, at least they all know what their job entails and they can blend their different professional demands.

Are you married?

No I am not, but I will soon be Insha Allah.