Lawal Idiya Usman, a businessman and politician, is a cousin of famous Kannywood star, Adam A. Zango. In this interview, he described the type of man Zango is, their childhood together, and more. Excerpts:
Daily Trust: How would you describe Adam Zango?
Lawal Idiya Usman: Adam is an easy-going person. He is simple, and a perfect gentleman. He doesn’t like trouble and always walks away from heated arguments.
DT: Can you share a fond childhood memory?
Usman: Some of the memories that I have is when we made toy cars using empty milk tins and played ‘James Bond’ with them. We derived so much pleasure from playing with them. At night, when the moon was at its brightest, we played hide-and-seek. There were also places we visited in the outskirts of town, where we made sandcastles.
DT: What easily upsets him?
Usman: He’s easily upset if he finds out he was double-crossed. He hates being cheated or being made to look like a fool. If he finds out, he spits fire.
DT: What makes him happy?
Usman: Jokes instantly make him happy. He likes comedy.
DT: What is his favourite food?
Usman: Adam’s favourite food is Semovita with Miyar Kuka. He likes traditional food. If you want to see a special smile on his face, just tell him you are bringing him his favourite dish.
DT: What would you say is his inner strength?
Usman: He’s private and keeps things to himself. He doesn’t like going around nagging or complaining about what somebody did to him.
DT: What attributes of his have rubbed off on you?
Usman: I have learnt a lot from Adam. A typical example is being patient with people. He taught me how to do things gradually, patiently, and meticulously. Also, to extend help to the needy, no matter how little I may have to offer.
He always advises those close to him to always try to be independent. He encourages us to be hard-working, self-reliant and be team players.
DT: How do people react when they get to know you are Zango’s cousin?
Usman: I keep being myself and try to remind myself that Zango is just an ordinary human being.
DT: What profession do you think he would have excelled in if he wasn’t an actor?
Usman: He’s a professional who is proficient in his job. He’s born to be an actor, dancer, or singer. That is what he was born for and only sees himself as that.
DT: What is his favourite sport?
Usman: He is a gymnast, footballer, and a runner.
