Industry professionals react to Hauwa Maina’s death

Following the death of famous Kannywood actress Hauwa Maina, which occurred last Wednesday, Nigeria’s movie industry reacts to her death. 

Jacqueline Adebija

Presenter, 38, Barnawa, Kaduna

Aunty Hauwie, as I fondly called her, was a good person. She worked in Liberty Television for some time, that was how I knew her. Before then, I had watched some of her movies. She was an open person, especially when she got used to you. She was that type of person who did not support hypocrisy. She was a very diplomatic person who knew how to get her point out without being aggressive.

For someone who was popular she was very humble, she did not have unnecessary people around her and she was a detribalized Nigerian. She had many projects she wanted to do. She wanted to bring out the links between the Kanuri and the Gwari people in terms of their language, food and traditions. She had a dream to find the link and if we are able to trace the links, the issue of ethno-religious crisis would be a thing of the past.

She was also passionate about children who did not have parents, like the almajiris, and she wanted to put together a programme called ‘Hold my Hand.” Unfortunately she is no more. I will remember her legacy and the hope that we still have enough detribalized Nigerians to make a difference.

Falalu A. Dorayi 

Hausa movie director and  producer

The death of Hauwa Maina has created a vacuum that cannot be filled easily just like the death of Hussaina Tsigai, Amina Dumba, Hauwa Ali Dodo and that of Hauwa Dan Kano.  She was like a mother to us all, very humble and kind to a fault. As a director I worked with her closely and have come to respect and regard her highly. I was shocked when I received the news of her death, I never knew she was sick let alone hospitalised. No doubt the history of Kannywood will never be complete without stating the positive contribution given to it by late Hauwa Maina. May her gentle soul rest in peace and may paradise be her final abode.

Fidelis Duker, 

Nollywood producer and director

Hauwa Maina was one of the few Kannywood filmmakers who supported and were regulars at the inception of the annual Abuja International Film Festival 15 years ago. She was truly a friend and I remember I saw her somewhere around Abuja where we discussed the 15th anniversary of the Festival and she offered some valuable advice. Sadly, she won’t be there but we will always remember her. Our condolences to her family, Kannywood and the entire Nollywood. May Hauwa’s soul rest in peace.

Fatima Zahra Ali Garga 

23, makeup Artist, Malali, Kaduna

Hauwa Maina was truly a role model to northern women. She stood against all odds to be different. She was an icon, a hero and the north has lost an incredible personality. She will forever be remembered. May Almighty forgive her shortcomings and may her soul rest in peace.

Malam Kabiru Jammaje 

Kannywood English movie producer

Hauwa Maina’s death is indeed a loss not only to her family and the movie industry but also to all who wish the country well. Hauwa was a symbol of unity. She was one of the only three women who could play the role of mother in Kannywood English movies. She was indeed friendly and very accommodating on set and in every aspect of her undertaking. I have worked with her in my movies and she had never for one day given me cause to worry. To say I was shocked when I received the news of her death is an understatement. It is hard but what can we humans do?

Right now, I am on my way to pay a condolence visit to her family in Kaduna and we will continue to pray for her. May Allah forgive all her wrong doings.

Fatima Disa Isa (Asirka), Actress

Late Hauwa Maina was a mother to us all. Her exit has created a huge gap that will live with us for the rest of our lives. I cried when I received the news of her death. We were not so close but I respected her a lot. Her sense of maturity in handling matters made her an icon among all movie practitioners. She was respected at home and abroad; no doubt her exit will be felt by many. We will continue to pray for her soul to rest in perfect peace.

Ibrahim Mandawari 

Producer and actor

I met late Hauwa Maina about 15 years ago in Zaria where we both acted in a movie. Right there I was convinced about her professionalism. We travelled together to India and I also featured her in my radio programme. Our last meeting was when I featured her on another show. It was after her death that what she said that day hit me.  She said, “Why is it that we always keep thinking about this world and forget about the here-after.” We pray for her soul to rest in peace and may paradise be her final abode.