How Kannywood welcomed me back – Hadiza Kabara

Hadiza Muhammed Sani, popularly known as Hadiza Kabara, is one of Kannywood’s pioneer actors. In this interview, she talks about her absence for over a decade in the industry, her role in ‘Gidan Badamasi’, and more. Excerpts:

Weekend Magazine: Kannywood is known for not welcoming those returning to the industry after a while. After over a decade’s absence, your case is different. Why do you think this is so?

Hadiza Kabara: There is no secret to it. Indeed, it has been that way with the Hausa film making industry, but it isn’t something that can’t be reversed. Yes, I left the industry after getting married and, when I returned, I was still found worthy. The industry didn’t only welcome me back, but gave me a greater platform than I had before.

The director of the TV series ‘Gidan Badamasi’, Falalu Dorayi, has been very accommodating and helpful in re-integrating many artists into the system. Since my return, I have gotten a lot of movie deals. I will continue to be grateful to Kannywood for finding me worthy again.

In Kannywood back then, I got married to another member of the industry and got divorced after some years. I have a daughter in that marriage. It was not long after my first failed marriage that I remarried again. I was in that marriage for some years and later it also failed. I have another daughter out of it.

Therefore, after over a decade away from acting, I decided to come back, and to God be the glory, here I am today more visible than when I left.

WM: You played the role of a hot-tempered woman in ‘Gidan Badamasi’. What was the experience like?

Kabara: I’m a total opposite of the character, Hauwa. The role made some people think I was that mean and hot-tempered, but it’s, of course, simply make-believe. Hadiza is an easy-going person with an open heart.

WM: Did you find it difficult to blend into the industry on your return?

Kabara: Not at all. Once an actress, always an actress. No doubt a lot has changed in the way films are being done compared with what obtained years ago. However, this did not pose a barrier for me as I easily blended with the new trend.

Also, other colleagues accepted me warmly and I must confess that they have been very supportive. We simply continued where we left off.

WM: What do you have up your sleeve now that you are back?

Kabara: My plan is to continue dishing out what I know how to do best, which is acting. I was into film production and hope to continue making productions that will have a positive impact on people’s lives.

WM: How do you intend to do that judging from the fact that the industry is now diminishing?

Kabara: It isn’t diminishing per say but rather is in dire need of intervention as well as reorientation to get it back to its feet. It is apparent that films are no longer produced as before due to unfavourable market phenomena. However, I know those in the industry are doing their best to see that they save it from total collapse. I believe it will soon regain its glory and things will normalize as expected.

WM: Will you consider remarrying again after being out of two marriages?

Kabara: Why not? I will surely get married again when the time comes, and I pray to have a good husband who would take good care of me and accord me all the necessary rights a wife requires from her husband. Once I get married, it means no more acting for me as usual.

WM: How did your journey in Kannywood begin many years back?

Kabara: My involvement in film was just the will of God. I was young and naïve and vividly recall that I had to repeat scenes several times to get it right. My first day was like being in the midst of millions of people. I was scared and jittery, but with the assistance I got from the directors, I was able to do what I was told.

My first movie never saw the light of day due to some issues attached to its production. My second movie, if I recall correctly, was titled ‘Hukunci’. I later did ‘Dabi’a’, then the film that shut me into limelight, ‘Nagari’. I featured in over 70 Hausa movies before I got married.