Why I’m not going into Nollywood now – Nafisa Abdullahi

Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us a little about your background? Nafisa Abdullahi: My name is Nafisat Abdullahi, I was born and brough up in Jos, the capital of Plateau state.   I came from a family of four though we lost our Father who hails from Kano but was settled in Jos. I started my […]

Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us a little about your background?

Nafisa Abdullahi: My name is Nafisat Abdullahi, I was born and brough up in Jos, the capital of Plateau state.   I came from a family of four though we lost our Father who hails from Kano but was settled in Jos. I started my primary education in Jos then I proceeded to attend Government Girls Secondary School Dutse in Abuja and graduated in 2007. From there I went into acting in Kannywood. Though,  in between my acting career I still found time to continue my education as presently I’m in my third year at the University of Jos studying Theater Arts.

WM: What motivated you into acting after secondary school?

Nafisa: Actually, acting has been my dream ever since I was a child. I was not really prepared to be in Kannywood but took keen interest in Nollywood , because I love Nigerian movies very much and I use to imagine myself being watched by people on screen just the way I sit at home watching others. Sometimes one does not really get what she wants. There is also one thing about our people in the north, especially our parents, when they see a northerner or a Muslim girl in such movies appearing in some sought of scenes, they will tag you to be a wayward person. So, that was what really discouraged me in the first place and I found myself in Kannywood.

WM: How has the crisis in Plateau State since 2001 till present has affected you and your family?

Nafisa: It has affected us in such a way that everything in the town is no longer the same. When we were growing up, we use to have Christians as close friends as we visit each other often. It was so interesting and fun until these crises came up. It is so unfortunate because we now we live divided in the same town. The Muslims cannot go anywhere close to the Christian  territory and the other way round. In the course of this whole mayhem, I have lost friends and even people who we all came from the same neighborhood and you see them as family. So I pray the solution to this problem in the state would, one day, disappear so that life will go back to being the same because we are all living with fears.

WM: What would you be doing if you were not into acting?

Nafisa: I would have become a journalist because I did love to be a newscaster or reporter. I love anything that has to do with arts in my life, but for me here I am studying another course. I know one day, somehow I would still study Mass Communication maybe at Masters Level, but presently I’m going to wait after I have finished schooling then the future can decide for me. Maybe I might even end up with business too because I love fashion designs too.

WM: How do you spend your leisure time?

Nafisa: Well I don’t think I really have any time for leisure. I combine schooling and acting presently and joggling both is not an easy task for me. I thank God, because I still cope despite the stress. The little time I have for myself which does not really come all the time, I spend my time with my family at home , or sometimes my fiancé who means a lot to me.

WM: Talking of your fiancé, when are you going to settle as a couple?

Nafisa: We have plans but not so soon. Right now, I don’t really see myself getting married. I want to first of all, complete my education, do my youth service before I start thinking of marriage which will be like in three years’ time.

WM: How has stardom affected your life?

Nafisa: Well in the beginning I was like, ‘is this how being a star is all about?’ People would be staring at you whenever you step out of your home. Even on campus, people will keep watching your every move to know every step you take. You cannot just be seen in odd places, becasuse students would spread both false and true stories about what you did and did not do. So it has has somehow affected me if I must say. I no longer live the simple live I used to.

WM: Describe your typical life on campus?

Nafisa: Well, it is a bit complicated, but I do not really spend much time on campus. I leave immediately my lectures are over. In most cases, I usually go to school from my movie locations. So, I don’t have the time to hang around with friends on campus and even know the latest news or events going on. It is a breeze-in and breeze-out kind of thing.

WM: So what is the latest movie we hope to see you feature in?

Nafisa: The name of the movie is Madubin Dubawa. It’s all about a family where two sisters are in love with the same guy.  Though the guy fell in love with one of sisters even to the point of marriage but she disappeared and betrayed their love. So he married the other sister but after some months, the runaway sister appeared from nowhere, bringing confusion and misunderstanding to the newly wedded couple and the story goes on from there.

WM: What are the major challenges you face in the movie industry?

Nafisa: Actually, the challenges I face is within my personal life. Like most of our people really take me to be a snub of sort. I try not to get myself involved in any activities going on within the movie industry neither do I make friends easily. The truth about the matter is that am a very quiet person and I prefer to be on my own, that’s just me, so I think people around me should learn to live with me that way, because it is when one get so close to me that he or she will know my character, but am not a snub.

WM: Do you intend to go into Nollywood soon?

Nafisa: Yes, I really intend to, but like I said earlier, you know how our northern mentality is and how they would react to things like this. The fact is that I’m not living my life for people to judge me. I believe everybody has his opinion to himself, so one day definitely, if Allah keeps us alive, I will surely fulfill my dreams of starring in a Nollywood movie.

I believe if I go into Nollywood, my appearance in any movie will really make sales especially in the north just the way Ali Nuhu’s face is selling now.

WM: Talking of Ali Nuhu, you are mostly paired with him in movies. Is there any particular reason for that?

Nafisa: No there is nothing behind it honestly. He is happily married and I do not think I would want to ruin that….

WM: No one is talking of you ruining his marriage. Is it that you find him among other actors comfortable to work with?

Nafisa: It is just the pairing that fits. Maybe that is why most directors bring us together. Nevertheless, I have also done movies with Adam A. Zango  and the pairing also matches so there is really nothing to it. It is all about the best coming out from the actors and actresses in the movie.

WM: How can you describe your style of fashion?

Nafisa: Well I really love it simple and nice. I love to mix colors that really fit my complexion and what will bring out the beauty in me. I love blue generally.

WM: What plans do you have for yourself in the nearest future?

Nafisa: I want to see myself going places in this world that I have never been. I love to do business with the international community. And also a day where I would be loving my kids and husband in my house and no more acting.(Laughing).