‘Why Kannywood story is incomplete without me’
Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us how you got into the Hausa movie industry? Maimuna Muhammed: It is a long story. I come from Maiduguri in Borno State where I had all my early education, but after I relocated to Kano State I got enrolled for a diploma programme in Computer Science. Upon completion, I […]
Weekend Magazine: Can you tell us how you got into the Hausa movie industry?
Maimuna Muhammed: It is a long story. I come from Maiduguri in Borno State where I had all my early education, but after I relocated to Kano State I got enrolled for a diploma programme in Computer Science. Upon completion, I joined the Hausa movie industry; I started at a firm called HRB Movie Production Company.
My story is quite different from others. When I decided to join the Hausa movie industry, I was not thinking of the money to be made. I joined because I have interest in it, but all the same, there is money to be made because it is a very rewarding business. And I am happy being in it.
What about the movies you have starred in?
They are quite many; some of them include ‘Wata Yarinya’, ‘Faqat’, ‘Matar Aurena’ (1 &2), ‘Riba Biyu’ (1 &2), ‘Aure Ibada’, among others. Right now I am working on another called ‘Ina Muka Dosa?’ I have also produced movie of my own even though I am yet to own a company.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the industry for more than a decade now; I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly sides of what the industry has gone through.
Indeed if the inheritance of the industry is to be shared today, I must be included among the heirs because I have contributed a lot to make it what it is today. Without being immodest, I believe the story of Hausa movie industry will not be complete without the name of Maimuna Wata Yarinya.
I am glad that I am alive today to say it. As I have said earlier, Hausa movie is a business and through it I am able to earn a living. However, this is my personal perception. I am not speaking on any body’s behalf. I am only saying my mind and the way I see things.
How did your family and friends react to your decision to join the Hausa movie industry?
Initially my father was against my decision to join the industry though my mother had given me the go ahead. The reason for my father’s initial resistance was associated with the assumption that girls in the movie world are usually wayward. I tried to make him understand that in every setting, there are bad and good people and for him to assume that all girls in the industry are the same is unjustifiable. Gradually and patiently, I convinced my father and he finally gave me his consent. And believe me, whenever I thought of that incident I thanked God that it happened. I am always careful not to bring shame to my family or do anything that will make my parents regret giving me the go ahead to act.
Where have you been all this while?
I have been absent for almost a year now, but that does not mean I have left the industry completely. What actually happened is that my mother remarried in the Republic of Cameroon and we have not been in contact for a while. So when I got a break from the industry I went to visit her. However, what I thought will only be a moment took me up to six months in Cameroon.
How did you find the industry on your return?
To be honest with you, when I returned I got a lot of offers from different producers. And sometimes on locations, I find it a bit difficult to adapt to the new techniques introduced. I am really impressed with the development so far achieved in the industry within a short time. I see it as a challenge, and thank God with the help I am getting from colleagues I am catching up real fast.
Are you into a relationship?
Mhm! sort of, I am still praying for the best from God. Every woman will want to marry someone responsible, but sadly such men are hard to come by these days; one has to commit oneself to prayers that one day such a responsible man will come their way.
How would you like to be remembered in the industry?
I will like to be remembered as someone who dedicated her life to educating and entertaining people. I would want to be remembered as that lady whose role has changed lives from good to better, I would like to be remembered as that lady who sacrificed her time in telling the world that there are talents in the Hausa movie industry.
Any regrets joining the movie industry?
Actually I have none. The movie industry is just like any other venture that has its ups and downs. But as the saying goes “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going,” that is why we are still in the movie industry today.