Nuhu Abdullahi: ‘I never knew my work would go international’

Weekend Magazine: Few weeks back you were in Ghana. What were you there for? Nuhu Abdullahi: I was in Ghana for filmmaking. Pan Africa Production invited me because I was cast in their film titled ‘Yellow Paper.’ The company actually invited actors from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Mali, Cameroun and Mali among […]

Weekend Magazine: Few weeks back you were in Ghana. What were you there for?

Nuhu Abdullahi: I was in Ghana for filmmaking. Pan Africa Production invited me because I was cast in their film titled ‘Yellow Paper.’ The company actually invited actors from Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Mali, Cameroun and Mali among others. I was lucky to be among those invited. We were brought together to play one role or the other and I enjoyed working with them.

WM: How did it go and what was the experience like?

Abdullahi: It was a success because apart from their reaction, which confirmed to me that they were satisfied with my acting, they also commended me verbally. They told me I did exceptionally well and that they would continue working with me. Secondly, they treated me well. They provided me with basic and necessary things I needed while in Ghana. Thirdly, I have also garnered more experience because I have worked with versatile, resourceful and experienced actors when it comes to acting in Africa.

WM: How did you feel when you received the invitation by Pan Africa Production?

Abdullahi: Honestly, I was elated. I had never thought that the films I have been doing would attract an invitation from outside Nigeria, but I was proven wrong. This shows that if you are a hard-working, creative and innovative actor you would definitely be rewarded. 

WM: Were you the only actor invited from Nigeria?

Abdullahi: I wasn’t the only one from Nigeria, but I was the only actor from Kannywood (Hausa film industry). From Nollywood, Ade Laoye – a former Ebony Life TV presenter who is currently on the MNET-sponsored Africa Magic popular TV series, ‘Hush’ was also invited.

WM: What role did you play in the film?

Abdullahi: I played the role of a young man who became a victim of circumstances. I will not divulge so much of the storyline but I want to tell the public that the film will attract accolades and commendation when it finally comes out.

It has a strong storyline and consists of several A-list actors from African countries. Modern high-tech equipment was used in shooting the film, while the setting and location were also special and beautiful.

WM: Last year, you earmarked N10 million for your new film, ‘Gudun Tsira.’ We were aware that shooting commenced. What is the situation and when would the film be released?

Abdullahi: We are still shooting the film. I am not in a hurry so I am taking my time. Remember the sum of N10m was budgeted for the film, so there’s no need to rush. However, I am assuring viewers that when the film is out they would see a good film.

WM: When do you think you would finish shooting the film?

Abdullahi: I don’t want the shooting to go beyond six to seven months but I want viewers to be patient with me because I want to produce a blockbuster movie that would make waves not only in Nigeria and Africa, but internationally.

WM: Can you tell us more about the film?

Abdullahi: Yes, the film ‘Gudun Tsira’ would gulp about N10m from pre to post-production. The central theme of the film is the danger of reckless driving. The film is directed by Falalu Dorayi and parades famous Kannywood actor, Ali Nuhu as the lead character, supported by Hadiza Gabon, Nuhu Abdullahi and Jamila Nagudu among others.

WM: It is being rumoured that you are having an affair with Kannywod actress Hajara Isa. What is your reaction to that?

Abdullahi: To be honest with you, we aren’t lovers. We just acted in three Kannywood English movies – ‘There is a Way,’ ‘This is a Way’ and ‘Light and Darkness.’ In the films we were lovers and I think that’s the reason people were peddling that rumor.  I see her like my sister and a professional colleague in the industry and she takes me as her brother and nothing more.

WM: Is it true that you have ventured into politics and would contest for a seat at the Kano State House of Assembly?

Abdullahi: It is also a rumour though in future, I would join politics. I want to be a member of parliament, be it at the state or national level, but for now, I am not into politics.

WM: Despite the success recorded so far in Kannywood, what are the challenges you are facing as an actor?

Abdullahi: Personally, I don’t have challenges. The collective challenges Kannywood has been facing for over a decade is the challenge I have been facing too. The biggest challenge our industry is facing is piracy and as an actor, producer and managing director of GG Film Production, I am also facing serious challenges as a result of piracy.

The pirates are increasing and waxing stronger by the day. Their activities are thwarting the growth of Kannywood because it has reduced the filmmakers’ source of income. Some filmmakers have dumped filmmaking for farming and other businesses. 

WM: From your perspective, why has piracy been difficult to curtail?

Abdullahi: There is a commission in Nigeria with the sole responsibility of protecting copyright and fighting piracy but the commission is not doing its job. It is just collecting money from filmmakers and not doing anything else.

There is also the Censors Board, which has been collecting heavy amounts from filmmakers. These organisations aren’t doing their jobs. Don’t also forget that we played a vital role during the 2015 elections in bringing All Progressives Congress (APC) into power with the hope that they will help us fight piracy, assist us with soft loans and provide us with equipment that would enhance our work. So far nothing has been done, things keep on deteriorating.

We really want government, Copyrights Commission and Censors Board to do something in order to save Kannywood from collapse.