The name Sani Ibrahim Tsiga may not ring a bell to Kannywood fans, but definitely the name ‘Sani Dan Gwari’ will elicit reactions whenever it is mentioned. Known for his ability to mimic the Hausa version of Gbagi, Dan Gwari has been instrumental to the development of Kannywood. In this interview, Dan Gwari talks about his journey to stardom, among other issues.
Tell us a bit about your background
I am Sani Ibrahim, from Tsiga village in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State. I was born in Sabon Gari Tudun Wada in Kaduna on May 5, 1975. I did had primary and secondary education there, though I didn’t complete my secondary school there because I lost my parents along the line.
In trying to make ends meet, I got enrolled as an apprentice at a welding workshop. It was while serving as an apprentice that I joined a stage drama group. I was a member of several stage drama groups through the years. I was also a prominent face in the famous ‘Gidan Kashe Ahu’ and some other radio dramas, and later joined Kannywood in Kano State. Currently, I am an actor as well as a producer with several Hausa films to my credit.
How did you venture into Kannywood?
I ventured into Kannywood through the late Rabilu Musa Ibro, and it happened while being actively involved in stage drama. We invited him to perform with us in Kaduna and it was during that period that he extended an invitation to join his group in Kano. I accepted the invitation and relocated to Wudil Local Government of Kano State where late Ibro had his base. I became popular with my blockbuster film ‘Ibro Dan Ruwa’ and also a regular face in his comedy films known as ‘Chamama’. I stayed with late Ibro till his death.
He was a mentor to many of us in Kannywood; we can never pay back what he did for us as artistes and entertainers.
You are famous for mimicking the Gbagi form of Hausa. How did you master that?
I did my primary school in a Gbagi community in Kaduna State and I was also involved with people from that tribe, I also spent a lot of time with them in Abuja, Niger and Kaduna states. I started mimicking the Hausa version of Gbagi without actually thinking that it would be a part of my life. I strived to understand them very well in terms of their culture, costume, norms and values.
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Having been in the industry for over two decades, how would you describe the current status of the industry?
The industry has indeed grown, but there are a lot of things that have changed compared to its initial status, there has been great achievement in terms of its operational methodologies and applications. The only thing we are currently getting wrong is the notion that individual artistes matter more than the storyline and that has been one of the issues drawing the industry backward. Nevertheless, I strongly believe that the industry has a bright future and the sky is our limit.
How would you rate your performance in the industry over the years?
Very satisfying, I own every level I have attained in life to this industry. I have a car, a house and a family.
Let me tell you something, the filmmaking industry has availed me the opportunity to go round the country and also to many African countries. I have met with different people of different social classes all because of acting. Therefore, I wouldn’t have been who I am today without the industry and as such, I remain indebted to Kannywood.
It will interest you to know that due to my performance, I was given a car, a house and most especially, a wife (someone gave me his daughter to marry). So, you can see how far we have gone in entertaining people and gaining their respect.
If not acting, what else would you have been doing?
I would be practicing welding. Remember I told you I was trained as a welder and I have been practicing ever since. Presently, I operate a welding workshop in Kaduna and if I am not on set, I am in my workshop doing what I know how to do best to keep body and soul together.
You have been featuring in Dan Angas’ video skits, have you relocated to Jos?
No, I have not. Dan Angas happens to be a fan and as a content creator and comedian, he finds it interesting to feature me in his clips. I must thank Dan Angas for finding me fit to be part of his works and indeed, we have done some remarkable jobs together.
To be honest, being involved with Dan Angas really kept me going as an artiste.
How would you describe life without your mentor late Ibro?
After Ibro’s demise, my career seemed as if it had come to an end. I personally thought that I would never act again, but for being known in the industry, I kept going with roles here and there. I also tried producing films just to stay afloat in the industry. Fortunately for many of us, after several years of epileptic appearances came ‘Gidan Badamasi’. That TV series extended a lifeline to many Kannywood artistes.
What is your greatest wish as an artiste?
My wish is to see how I can revive late Ibro’s crew again. My aim is to resurrect his concept of filmmaking. I want to see a Hausa film that portrays a core Hausa culture and Hausa setting just like what late Ibro did. Though many of the crew members are dead now, my greatest wish is to resuscitate that crew with the surviving members.
Is Dan Gwari married?
Yes, I am married with two wives, though I lost one recently. I have 11 children now.
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