Fatima Jibrilla, popularly known as Teema Yobe, is one of the upcoming actresses and a singer in Nollywood. The 22-year-old talks about her journey in the entertainment world, among other issues.
Give us a little of your biography?
I was born and raised in Yobe State and I did my primary and secondary schools in Yobe. Along the line, we relocated to Kano State where I continued with my studies at the Federal College of Agriculture. I am an undergraduate pursuing a diploma certificate.
However, while growing up, I was obsessed with acting and when the opportunity came my way, I didn’t hesitate in taking it and currently, I am an actress with several films to my credit.
Why acting in Kannywood?
As I said earlier, acting has been my childhood dream, I grew up with the passion of becoming an actress and when we relocated to Kano, I saw a golden opportunity to pursue my childhood passion and that was how I ventured into acting.
I was introduced to the filmmaking sector by a producer and along the line, I became interested in all aspects of entertainment, so I ventured into music though my attention is more on acting. I have featured in several musical videos and I also have many songs to my credit.
However, in my three years as an actress, it is clear that my place in the entertainment industry is in both and I am trying my best to see that I remain relevant in both.
What would you say are the challenges you faced as an actress?
The first challenge was my parents, especially my mother, because she refused to give her consent when I approached her with the request of joining Kannywood. It took me time to convince her and also, my father did his best in convincing my mother. Fortunately, she gave her blessing when I thought she wouldn’t and that day was one of my happiest moments as an individual.
The second challenge was and still is my accent. As you know, I am from Yobe State and when I speak Hausa, one can tell from my accent. However, I’ve been able to improve tremendously and people do commend me on that. People used to encourage me with examples of those who are not even from the north, but with time they mastered the language and are currently successful actresses in Kannywood.
Another challenge is that of producers giving more attention to well-known faces as against encouraging the upcoming ones. To be honest with you, one wouldn’t be able to withstand the competition if you are impatient. This is one of the major issues that has been discouraging upcoming artists in the industry. I feel there is a strong need for producers to concentrate in building the capacity of upcoming artists for the industry to be sustained.
How many films have you done so far?
I have done a lot of films in my three years in the industry and the good news is that most of these films are currently doing very well in the market. They include ‘Sirrin Boye’, ‘Macen Sirri’, ‘Matan Alhaji’, ‘Baban Ladi’, among many others.
I am also working on other projects that I wouldn’t want to disclose here. Don’t forget, I have musical videos as well and they are many. Some are for other artists while some are mine. I always feel elated and lucky compared to others because Kannywood has provided a lot of people with a lawful means of survival.
What would you do if you were not an actress?
I would have been a philanthropist; I love helping people a lot and I wouldn’t hesitate to assist anyone should I have the chance to do so. I also would have been a music producer, because I love to produce what will make people happy and from people’s testimonies, I think I have the talent to do that, but I am yet to explore that for now. Acting and singing are what I am currently doing.
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
With the way things are going, I am very hopeful that my future in Kannywood is promising. Even though I still see myself as an upcoming actress, even though many people believe or refer to me as a star. Personally, I see myself as an upcoming actress, who is determined to make it to the peak of her acting career and I see myself as a celebrated celebrity in the near future.
I also see myself as a philanthropist in the near future because putting smiles on people’s faces is what I love doing the most.
Who is your role model in the industry?
I have a lot of role models; to me whoever excels in the industry through assisting others is my role model. That is why I said I have many role models; it is apparent that role models usually influence one’s behaviour. I wouldn’t want to call names now.
Do you have any regrets being an actress?
Actually, I have none, and why should I regret doing what I love to do? Remember, I wasn’t forced into it.
Do you believe in celebrities marrying celebrities?
Are celebrities not humans? I see no wrong in celebrities marrying their colleagues. At least, we have seen a lot of them who are a shining example of successful marriages. In a nutshell, I am hundred percent in support of that.
Are you into a relationship?
Yes, I am. Don’t forget I am 22.
What do you have to say to your fans?
I want them to know that without them there wouldn’t have been us, therefore they should expect more interesting films from us.
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