Why I can’t act in Nollywood, Hollywood films – Hajara Jalingo

Weekend Magazine: You relocated from Jalingo to Kaduna. Was it to pursue your acting career? Hajara Isah Jalingo: No, It wasn’t for that reason. I relocated to Kaduna to further my studies. I have had passion for acting since when I was a teenager and after I relocated to Kaduna I met a lot of […]

Weekend Magazine: You relocated from Jalingo to Kaduna. Was it to pursue your acting career?

Hajara Isah Jalingo: No, It wasn’t for that reason. I relocated to Kaduna to further my studies. I have had passion for acting since when I was a teenager and after I relocated to Kaduna I met a lot of people in the business. I discussed with them extensively and they told me if I give it a shot, I would be an excellent actress. I informed my parents about my decision to join the industry and they gave me permission.

WM: What did it take to get into Kannywood?

Hajara: I have a good friend who knows many movers and shakers in the Hausa film industry. He took me to a famous director, Sanusi Oscar 442, who welcomed me. He instantly introduced me to Kannywood filmmakers and what gladdened my heart was the way they embraced me. I find them accommodating and friendly, and they have become like a family.

WM: How many films have you starred in so far?

Hajara: I have starred in many films, including ‘Rariya’, the film that won Best Film 2017 City People Entertainment Awards; I also played a major role in ‘Gwaska’, another Kannywood block buster. I was also the lead actress in all Kannywood English movies, including ‘There’s a Way’, ‘Light and Darkness’ and ‘This is the Way’. Both films were produced by Jammaje Productions. I did a lot of films, but my favourites are these, because they are big and popular films.

WM: So you found yourself acting in English movies while your intention was to become a Hausa film actress?

Hajara:  To me, even the Kannywood English films are also Hausa films, because the films  feature Kannywood actors such as Rabi’u Rikadawa, Salisu Mu’azu, Nuhu Abdullahi, Zainab Booth and Abba El-Mustapha, among others. The difference is simple, instead of using Hausa language, we used English in dialogue.

WM: How did you feel when you were chosen to be lead actress in the English films and how did it happen?

Hajara: I was delighted because I never believed I would be lead actress in such films, reason being that I was new and there were a lot of Kannywood actresses that could fit into those roles more than me. Also, they could speak more fluent English and had more experience in acting compared to me.

I remember when a popular Kannywood actor, Sadi Sawaba, called me on phone and said that Rabi’u Musa Gwammaja wanted to talk with me. After he gave him (Gwammaja) the phone, he asked me to come and meet him. We met and discussed about the films and he was convinced that I was the perfect fit for lead actress. They told me they were glad I can speak both Hausa and English fluently.

WM: What was it like on set Kannywood’s English films?

Hajara: I didn’t find it difficult because I can speak English more fluently than I communicate in Hausa. The directors, co-actors and the production crew were all amazed by my performance. I did it exceptionally. I also got the backing of the director, Falalu Dorayi, and big actors like Salisu Mu’azu, Zainab Booth and Abba El-Mustapha. These actors eased my work and made things perfect. I am grateful to them. 

WM: How will you compare Kannywood English films and the Hausa ones?

Hajara: There isn’t much difference because even the Kannywood English films showcase Hausa culture and traditions. The only difference is that the English films pass messages to non-Hausa viewers too. The executive producer of the films, Kabiru Musa Jammaje, has redeemed us in the eyes of people that were looking at Hausa filmmakers as illiterates. They now know we are educationally sound, that we can speak the big grammar and also have what it takes to produce world class movies.

WM: What would you describe as your favourite role in the films you have featured in?

Hajara: I like the role I played in the film titled ‘There’s A Way’, where I was the daughter of a rich man. There, my dad was wicked and hated common men. I came across a poor man who was my course mate while we were in the University and I fell in love with him. My father was against our relationship. 

WM: On a scale of one to 10, how would you assess Kannywood’s English films?

Hajara: Initially I never believed these films would be hits because they were the first Kannywood English films. But they were popular not only in the North but also across the world. I had a call from an American man who told me he watched them and liked my acting. The films have received commendations and accolades, and any time people see me they always commend me. On a scale of one to 10, I would rate these films seven or eight.  

WM: What scene would you say has been the hardest for you so far?

Hajara: It was a role where I was supposed to drive a car. Prior to the scene I had never driven a car in my life. So when the director told me that I will drive a car in that particular scene, I was nervous and jittery. However, with focus and determination I was able to do the scene well.

WM: How would you respond to offers to act in Nollywood and Hollywood films?

Hajara: For now, I can’t act in Nollywood and Hollywood films, because they won’t give me a big role. I want to be a world class actress. And even if they give me a big role, their costumes and storylines clash with my religion, culture and tradition. I have resolved to act only in Kannywood English films, with these I can also become a world class actress.

WM: What is your biggest dream in Kannywood?

Hajara:  I want my films to impact people positively, and I want to be a world class Kannywood actress that people would one day look at and say, she is a legend.