Nollywood pays better than Kannywood – Hauwa Maina
When will you cross over to Nollywood? I’m already in Nollywood. Technically, anybody from Kannywood is already in Nollywood. I have acted in a couple of films there and also had various conferences with Nollywood stars. The funny thing is while the roles are fewer, Nollywood movies pay better. In terms of production I would […]
When will you cross over to Nollywood?
I’m already in Nollywood. Technically, anybody from Kannywood is already in Nollywood. I have acted in a couple of films there and also had various conferences with Nollywood stars. The funny thing is while the roles are fewer, Nollywood movies pay better. In terms of production I would say both are easy, because it is the same process.
As an industry, Nollywood is better in terms of equipment, when compared to Kannywood. But Kannywood isn’t left behind either, we’re coming up as can be seen from the quality of films produced these days.
Do you think more Kannywood actresses should be crossing over to Nollywood?
Well I have seen a couple of them, like Rahama Hassan, Binta Yahaya and others. Though there should be more, because I think they have a lot to offer in the Nigerian entertainment industry. I think we should encourage that kind of interactivity because of the unfortunate division in the country today.
Has your profession changed your life?
Basically, I’m regular, vanilla-flavoured Hauwa, but when it comes to acting, I’m a different person. Actors have the luxury of having multiple personalities, as its part of the job. But even so, as an actress I have to be very careful about whatever role I play, as a lot of people are looking up to as a role model.
Your most iconic role is the Queen Amina Zazzau. How was your experience during the production of that movie?
That’s the most difficult role I have ever acted in. Difficult in the sense that it’s not just like the ordinary films we are used to. It’s a period movie on an epic scale and we had to learn horse-riding, sword-fighting and all that. I didn’t find it very easy at all.
The movie had two directors, Salihu Mahmood and Nasir B. Muhammad, who were absolute gentlemen. But the producer, Ben Tomoloji from Lagos, was something else.
What movie are you working on now?
I have just finished two movies. One is ‘Yamtarawala’, which tells the historical background of Biu Emirate in the old Borno Empire. I can’t wait to see the finished version. It’s going to knock your socks off.
How easy or difficult has it been juggling motherhood and your career?
It’s not been so easy, but you know, one has been blessed with the balance to tackle both with the importance they require. But there are a lot of challenges when going about both of them.
Has your daughter had any interest in following your professional footsteps?
No. But she does give me all the support I need. She actually wants to be a doctor.
Kannywood was practically invisible during the recent fuel subsidy removal protests. Why didn’t you and your colleagues take a definite stand?
They were not absent in the protests. Many of them took part. As for me, I was indoors all through, praying for peace.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an actress?
I do other businesses, buying and selling. I’m also an interior decorator and seamstress.
Who is your role model?
I have two, actually. One is in the North and the other is in the South. Mairo Adamu, the actress and broadcaster and Nollywood star Omotola. For Mairo, I love her simple way of life. And for Omotola, it is the same aspect, too.
What was your childhood like?
I was born in Kaduna State. My father was married to three wives and we all lived together. Later I was taken to stay with my grandmother. I started my primary school in Kaduna but later on moved to Geidam in Yobe State. From there to Nguru still in Yobe State that was where I completed my secondary school education. My childhood was pleasant because I was loved by everyone. Maybe because I was named after my grandmother and I was the apple of my father’s eye.