Political, showbiz career mix is easy – Maishinku

  Weekend Magazine: For years the face of Maishinku has been absent from the Hausa movie industry. Where have you been? Ibrahim Maishinku: It’s true, but that doesn’t mean I quit the industry. I have been on and off and this is because life is dynamic and as an actor I have got a lot […]

 

Weekend Magazine: For years the face of Maishinku has been absent from the Hausa movie industry. Where have you been?

Ibrahim Maishinku: It’s true, but that doesn’t mean I quit the industry. I have been on and off and this is because life is dynamic and as an actor I have got a lot of things going besides acting. I came back full time into the Hausa movie industry in January 2016, since then I have done a lot of new movies that are presently making waves in the market. Since my full return to the industry, I have done about 30 movies so far.

 

WM: You have been doing things differently since your return. Why?

Maishinku: It’s apparent that he who believes in change always makes it to the peak of issues. When I came back, i found out that there are a lot of changes in the Hausa movie industry, ranging from story lines, equipment and a lot more. These, I must say, are positive changes and as an actor, the only way to fit in is to adapt these and move along. Perhaps this is why many people were saying Maishinku came back playing a new role different from what he was known for. However, let me state here that as an actor I have the leverage to play any kind of role. It is the same Maishinku in the same improved movie industry, so to me, it’s just a continuation of what I have started.

WM: What changes have you noticed so far in Kannywood?

Maishinku: We now have more constructive story lines, more experienced directors and above all, positively focussed producers whose focus go beyond the monetary aspect of movie making. Our producers have become more attached to making movies that address issues rather than those that only bring out issues.

WM: Is it true that you were on and off the industry because you ventured into politics?

Maishinku: Virtually every Nigerian is involved in politics, directly or indirectly. However, if you are referring to the individual that is constantly being heard in most of the political programs in local radio stations in Kano who goes by the name Ibrahim Maishinku; that wasn’t me. In fact, I had to go public and disassociate myself with him. Thank God he now has an additional name to his. That notwithstanding, as a Nigerian and an actor, I believe I have a stake in ensuring that my people, our people and Nigerian citizens as a whole, have what they deserve. That was why I took sides with APC as a political party with the change agenda, a political party I believe Nigerians will vote for. No doubt about it, I have campaigned for APC and I am still in support of the party.

Let me share an incident that shaped my decision to participate in politics. One day I was in traffic when a young cripple came to me and said ‘Oga Maishinku, I have obtained my voters card and I want to inform you that whatever party you decide to vote for will be the party I will vote for. The irony here is that, most of the people around that place at that time repeated the same thing. That was when it dawned on me that I have an obligation to lead my fans to make the right decision.

To answer your question, politics wasn’t what made me elude the Hausa movie industry at the initial stage. I went into politics to make a contribution to my country.

 

WM: Which do you consider your favourite movie so far?

Maishinku: My favourite movie is ‘Jamila Da Jamilu’ which is very interesting and has for a long time been one of the Kannywood movies topping the charts. I was the principal character in the film. However, recently I was lucky to be part of a movie produced by Mubarak Abba, titled Al’ummarmu, and as I speak to you this movie is another favourite movie so far, including those like ‘Siyasa ko Kabilanci’, ‘Biki Budiri Ahmad’ among others. To be honest, I’m so proud to be associated with this (‘Jamila Da Jamilu’) movie, even though it is yet to be released, the response we have been receiving from the movie trailer alone is an indication that we have done our best. It’s a movie that addresses social issues and i want to use this opportunity to call on government officials and other security agencies to acquire this movie and distribute to the public and see the difference it will make. Take for instance the recent and past happenings in some parts of northern Nigeria where lives and properties have been wasted for no justifiable reason. Look at what is happening in Kafanchan in Kaduna State and places like Taraba. These are avoidable instances that are uncalled for. We have to educate our people on the need for peaceful coexistence and that is what this movie is aiming to achieve.

 

WM: What is your view on the recent crisis of suspension and expulsion of artists in the industry?

Maishinku: These are serious issues that need a holistic approach. As an artist, I wouldn’t say I’m happy with what is happening or what has happened. My only advice here is that we all bear in mind that we are one big family and should try to be each other’s keepers and not the other way round. We should always try to be objective and not subjective in all matters.

 

WM: How are you feeling now that you are back full time?

Maishinku: Bear in mind that I came into this industry in 2007; my fans can attest that I am now stronger and more determined than I was years back. Maishinku has been a name that signifies dignity and respect. I am reaffirming this to my fans that they will see more of that now. I feel good and elated that the public still finds me worthy of the industry and I thank them all.

WM: Are you fulfilled being an actor?

Maishunku: Sure, I feel very much fulfilled. It is a great achievement for me to be where I am today. The movie industry is one sector where once you are involved, you are in it for life. The industry has afforded me opportunity to travel far and wide and also to access much favours in life. Kannywood has opened many closed doors for me and I thank God for that.