Halima Atete, also known as the Queen of Kannywood, has carved a niche for herself in the movie industry as an actress and producer.
In this interview with IBRAHIM RAMALAN, she talks about her career, challenges and efforts at giving back to the society.
You are one of the prominent actresses in Kannywood and also a producer, how did you do it and what challenges did you face? When I joined the industry newly, I was always very jittery before the camera, or when I was asked to play alongside top actors or actresses.
But I quickly overcame it.
My colleagues in the industry have been very cooperative; they assisted me to grow.
Talking about roles, I had acted as a truck driver in Kallabi, where I was even attacked by armed robbers.
I also featured as an army commander and as Matamaza, hermaphrodite, in another film.
So, the journey has been nice, slow but steady.
Nollywood has loan schemes for producers films, do have such scheme in Kannywood? No there isn’t, but sometime back some of our I just want us to be patient with one another.
Whenever there is a fight, it should be just within the house.
For us to be insulting and exposing each other on social media is not proper.
We should also endeavour to respect our elders.
Halima Atete, also known as the Queen of Kannywood, has carved a niche for herself in the movie industry as an actress and producer.
In this interview with IBRAHIM RAMALAN, she talks about her career, challenges and efforts at giving back to the society.
producers were given such facility.
But it happened just once.
Is there anything you would like to change in the industry? Whenever we have misunderstandings in the industry, it is everywhere on social media.
I really don’t like it.
It is supposed to be a family affair, just within the house.
It is the only thing that disturbs me in the industry.
I don’t mind any other thing as long as it has nothing to do with me.
What is your dream for the industry? I want this industry to be better than it is now because we women have limited time in the industry.
So, I want us to be one big family.
That is the only key to our success.
I also want our marketing to be better and redefined.
There is no female name on the list, why? I have female friends, the likes of Aisha Tsamiya and co.
We talk and play around whenever we meet.
I told you earlier that I do not fight with anybody.
You are troublesome in all the films you appear in.
Is this your real life trait? It is all acting.
I am not like that in reality, unless if you look for my trouble.
Don’t you think that the emergence if India-Hausa movies is affecting Kannywood market? Well, some people say it has already affected us, but some still believe that it is in no way interfering with our work.
I am yet to understand it.
I believe it is normal for our market to rise and drop because it is just the way of life.
Are there people you look up to in the industry? Well, there is Jamilu Yakasai, German Dan Arewa Film makers, the likes of Sheikh Isa Alolo, Usman Mu’azu, Nazifi Asnanic and my boss, Abubakar A.
S.
Maikwai.
He was the first person that starred me in his movie.
You are successful by all standards, how do you give back to the society? Well, I am currently on a project.
I have some children in Maiduguri, Borno state, who I want to sponsor their education.
They are about 3,000.
Since there are a lot of people that donate food items to them, I think I should give them education.
We have had meeting with the SEMA Chairman, Engr Satomi Ahmad, in this regard.
It is our state, so we just have to help.
I have the pictures of their uniforms, papers, school materials and stuff.
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Do you have plans of encouraging others in the industry to follow suit? Some people in the industry are already into such acts.
So, for us that are doing it, I pray that God will help us and I pray for those that want to start too, may God help them.
Are you in a relationship? Well, I’m afraid that is confidential and it should just remain that way.
You know people like talking too much these days.
Can you describe your future husband? Well, I don’t like a person with two faces, dubious.
I am also the jealous type, but even if he is married, I can certainly be with him, if I really fall for him.
Do you have a message to your colleagues? It’s nothing much.
I just want us to be patient with one another.
Whenever there is a fight, it should be just within the house.
For us to be insulting and exposing each other on social media is not proper.
We should also endeavour to respect our elders.
