What Nigerian showbiz stars think of Rahama Sadau’s ban

When fast-rising Kannywood star Rahama Sadau sparked controversy over a feature in a music video, she probably did not know it would snowball to the hot button topic it seems to be today. The Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) expelled the actress, citing her “recent violation of code of ethics governing the Hausa […]

When fast-rising Kannywood star Rahama Sadau sparked controversy over a feature in a music video, she probably did not know it would snowball to the hot button topic it seems to be today. The Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) expelled the actress, citing her “recent violation of code of ethics governing the Hausa film industry, Kannywood”.
A part of the statement released by the umbrella body, signed by its Secretary, Salisu Mohammed, reads: “Sequel to the recent meeting in which a resolution was reached by all guilds and associations under the unified body of MOPPAN, Rahama Sadau is being expelled from the Hausa indigenous film industry, popularly known as Kannywood. This is as a result of her recent immoral appearance in a certain music video where she appeared in a series of visuals hugging and cuddling the music artiste Classiq. The leadership of the industry has taken this decision for her violation of its code of ethics known to all its practitioners. By this resolution, the leadership of the industry will no longer tolerate behaviours that are against conducts and ethics laid down by the constitution governing the unified leadership of the industry.”
It also appears that the expulsion will affect others, as the final part reads: “Furthermore, a committee is being set to receive and deal with reactions and feedback to this resolution in respect to the affected actress, especially those producers who have currently engaged her in their projects.”
For days the furore brewed, dividing people and their opinions. Rahama went Social Media Age, and addressed fans straight from Twitter: “Thanks for your unwavering support. To those I have offended in any way, shape or form and whom I have caused any anxiety by featuring in the said video, I sincerely apologise. I have lines that I will never cross and indeed I live and stand by the tenets ‘Actions are judged according to intentions.’”
Rahama rounded up: “I make no excuses for my actions and I take full responsibility.” 
The media latched onto the story, even as foreign news portals also followed closely. Daily Trust sought the opinions of prominent showbiz personalities from across the entertainment industry, some of them colleagues of Rahama’s. Herewith, are the divergent views.

Sani Mu’azu (Actor/Director/Producer)
Rahama’s is an unfortunate case, coming after the very disturbing reactions of the Kano populace regarding the Film Village proposal, and how people rejected it citing immoral behaviour by some key showbiz people. Shortly after, a meeting was held in Kano and the collective decision then was that we as practitioners and stakeholders need to put ourselves in check for our own benefit. Male or female, it doesn’t matter. But with this issue, I believe they should be concerned with the backlash from social media and other practitioners and the global media attention it is getting. I wish I was one of the leaders because I would have approached this issue differently. You don’t just expel people without giving them a warning and a right to defend themselves. Regarding the backlash, if I were one of the leaders of MOPPAN, I certainly would be very concerned about it and strategise differently.

Ali Nuhu (Actor/Director/Producer)
I think that the ban is logical. She belongs to Kannywood, started her career in Kannywood and has violated the ethics and code of conduct of Kannywood by holding hands and falling on the guy’s back. But I don’t think she should be banned. Maybe a suspension. There are situations where people create big things out of small ones. That is why before deciding to do something, one needs to think. I would advise that in future when things like this happen, they deliberate amongst themselves and maybe call in a few others in the industry before making it public. People do things in an organization and are suspended or given queries. But these organizations won’t go to the media to announce it. It was blown out of proportion. About photographs of me in scenes with females, those are from Nollywood movies, many years old, and this code came into light recently, so people shouldn’t think MOPPAN is being selective. 

Bimbo Akintola (Actress)
To be realistic, in the North there are expectations where it comes to dressing and behaviour. But she broke the rules of the code, so I suppose she deserves to get expelled. The truth is that if there are laws set in place and you go against those laws, you are asking for judgment. If the entire Kannywood industry has accepted these laws then we shouldn’t go against them. Perhaps you can also say the judgment was harsh since they could have chosen to suspend her for a period of time. But some action had to be taken. If you are involved in something and you are not okay with the rules, then why not go for something else?

Hassana Musa Abdullahi (Actress)
This should serve as a lesson to all Kannywood members, to understand that there is a limit to everything they do as artists. What has happened has happened, and it is a clear indication that every artist in Kannywood has an obligation.

Fati Asirka (Actress)
There is need for the leadership and the actress in question to dialogue and come up with a balance that will address the situation and resolve it amicably. It is unfortunate that this is happening at a point when the Hausa movie industry is getting global recognition.

Saeed Mohammed (Actor/Comedian)
If I can remember, there was a time I even called her personally when she posted a picture without a scarf on Valentine’s Day and I told her she is a public figure, and that she should remove the picture and apologize, which she refused to do. Ever since, I knew she was going to start having problems. Firstly, we have to look at where we come from. A lot of actresses are doing worse things, but they cover up. But she’s coming out to show that these people are hypocrites. She is supposed to act as a role model. There are many roles that I have declined because of their nature, because of my culture and religion. She should understand that as a celebrity, her life is no longer hers. That said, she’s actually one of the best Kannywood actresses.

Ishaq S. Ishaq (Actor/Director/Producer)
I have spoken to a couple of MOPPAN members and they said that this isn’t the first time Rahama Sadau was expelled. What she did, considering the recent situation which Kannywood is in, like the Film Village issue, cultural and religious concerns, we could say what she did was not right. MOPPAN has said the door is open for her to apologise, and that they can also look into the problem. I think they are right, but the decision is harsh.