Ummassalama Sadiq Gezawa is perhaps one of the lucky new faces currently making waves in the Hausa filmmaking industry. Known in the entertainment sector as Salma Gezawa, the young artiste is perhaps one of the few females doing continuity. In this interview, the actress talks about her journey to stardom, amongst other issues
Who is Salma Gezawa?
My real name is Ummassalama Sadiq Gezawa, I was born in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State 20 years ago. I did my primary and secondary schools in Kano before venturing into the entertainment industry, particularly Kannywood.
I am currently an actress in Kannywood. I am also into other aspects related to film making.
Why acting?
Actually, the quest for having a career in the entertainment sector started after I finished my secondary school while waiting for my result, I decided to try and pursue my dream of being in the entertainment industry. It will interest you to note that film making has been my childhood dream which I kept a secret. I never discussed my passion for the screen business with any member of my family.
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So, while waiting, I thought to myself that this is the right time to make my dream come true by making a move towards realizing it. I consulted my parents on what I wanted to do, but they clearly showed me their stand and refused to agree on my choices. I was left with no option than to put aside my dream and wait for the appropriate time to make another push on it, I never gave up.
However, I did not relent, I kept praying to God to allow them see reasons behind my choice; I was praying day and night. Fortunately, the relief I was waiting for came through my grandmother. My grandmother’s confidence and trust in me made her see reasons in what I wanted to do and she singlehandedly convinced my parents to allow me choose a career in which I can excel.
That was how I got involved in the film making industry, but not without a strong warning on being mindful of what will dent the family’s image. They advised me to be of good conduct and be a good ambassador of the family wherever I may find myself. Therefore, I can vividly say I ventured into the industry with their blessings.
What was your first film?
I didn’t start with acting. When I came into the industry; I was introduced to a film producer Muhammad Gamzaki, who is also an actor. I was introduced to him by Yahanasu Sani. She has been my mentor ever since I ventured into the industry, I can say I owe every success I’ve attained in the industry to her.
I started as a continuity personnel before I played a lead role in the film ‘Baban Ladi’. I am proud to let you know that at present, I am the youngest lady doing continuity in Kannywood. I have worked on several hit films and TV series as continuity personnel.
However, when I was cast as the lead role in the film ‘Baban Ladi’, I was so overwhelmed; I never thought such a big opportunity would come my way within a short period, but I took up the challenge and did my best to see that the film becomes a success and from several testimonies I have been receiving, it is clear that I did a good job.
Can you tell us a little about the film ‘Baban Ladi’?
It is a story built around girl child education and other issues related to the girl child’s survival. It is no longer a story the way the northern part of this country is lagging behind in terms of girl child enrolment in schools and girl child school retention. There have been several interventions by various governments and donor agencies to address the issue.
Moreover, don’t forget that ‘Baban Ladi’ is my first film, and people were wondering how I was able to get that role despite being a new actress even though not new in the sector.
What would you say are some of the advantages of continuity?
One of the stand-alone advantages is that continuity made me popular within the entertainment sector within a short period because I am a lady and perhaps the only one in the sector. As I have said earlier, I was known in the circle before landing a lead role in a big film. I was later made to believe that it was possible because I have made my presence known as the youngest female continuity in the industry. I was lucky indeed, because many artists spend years before landing a role.
I became so popular in the film making circle and a lot of big names in the industry came to relate with me freely.
What’s your view on sex for role allegations?
Thank God you made reference to it as allegations, personally I have not encountered that therefore I cannot say anything about it. I have been in the industry as continuity and later as an actress and such an incident has never occurred to me or to any one that I know.
Have you ever been ridiculed for being in the entertainment industry?
Yes, there were times when people called me names for being in Kannywood, but I never deterred in pursuing my dream. Today, they have come to terms with reality, those who called me names are my fans today, because they have seen that acting is a legal profession worth protecting and promoting.
I succeeded in proving to them that people making a living out of acting are doing a lawful business, my action and my relationship with them made them understand that.
Are you into any serious relationships?
No, I am not.
Would you continue acting after marriage?
Absolutely no. However, I may be a producer if my husband allows me, but if he doesn’t, I will stick to my marriage.
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