Halima Ibrahim Yusuf is one of Kannywood’s upcoming actresses. The Kano-born actress has a degree in Political Science at Federal University of Technology, Yola and has starred in more than 20 films so far. In this interview with Weekend Magazine she reveals what attracted her to acting, the lessons she has learnt, and more. Excerpts:
WM: What attracted you to showbiz?
Halima Ibrahim Yusuf: For a long time I have always wanted to join the Hausa film industry. But I didn’t disclose it to anybody till after my university graduation. This decision was influenced by some of the Hausa movies i watched. There were films like ‘Dan Marayan Zaki’ that featured Sadiq Sani Sadiq and Nafisa Abdullahi and ‘Jinin Jikina’, which starred Abdul M Shareef and Rahama Sadau. These films moved me and were food for thought.
WM: What did it take to join Kannywood?
Halima: My mother’s sister, Asma’u Musa, was an actress before she got married. When I met my parents to inform them about my decision she played a vital role in convincing them. She enlightened them about the benefits of working in the industry. She linked me with Kannywood director, Hafizu Bello and an actor, producer and director Hamisu Lamido Iyantama, among others. They welcomed me and gave me all the necessary assistance I needed in my acting career. Their advice and support make me excel and have a smooth sailing.
WM: Out of the films you have starred in so far, which is your favourite and why?
Halima: It’s ‘Uwar Bari’, produced by veteran Kannywood actor and director Hamisu Lamido Iyantama and directed by one of the founding fathers of Kannywood, Hafizu Bello. In the film I was the lead character and played the role of wife of Sadiq Sani Sadiq. I went through hell in that marriage and despite the fact that it was a film, I felt the pain and it was hard. The role I played was exceptional and unique and the film, aside serving as a good lesson to wicked husbands, would send a good message to the society.
WM: How will you describe your relationship with your colleagues?
Halima: It’s a healthy relationship. I respect my colleagues and I am a peace loving person. When I am through with my lines, I go back to my hotel room, if the location is outside Kano, chat or play games on my phone. I don’t like to disturb anybody, likewise I don’t want to be disturbed. A lot of my colleagues say they like my lifestyle, therefore their testimonies prove to me my relationship with them has been safe and healthy.
WM: What challenges have you faced as an actress?
Halima: To be frank, I don’t face any challenge. I am in the midst of successful Kannywood actors like Sadiq Sani Sadiq and directors like Hafizu Bello. They always guide me and before I do anything I consult them. They are like my roadmap in my acting career. So far I am prospering and growing my fan-base.
WM: What would you say are your greatest achievements?
Halima: I have achieved a lot because my films have passed messages that help in reconciling couples and educating the society. I like the role I played in the film ‘Uwar Bari’. I am proud of what I did and I am looking forward to doing more.
WM: What has changed for you, before and now that you are making an impact in your acting career?
Halima: Before I started acting, I did everything with ease without people noticing, but now it’s difficult to go unnoticed in public. Before I do anything now in the market or any public place, it takes me more time because people I would meet want to get my attention. Some want to snap pictures with me and others simply want to chat with me about the role I played in a particular film.
WM: What are those lessons you have learned so far that you would like to share?
Halima: The lessons are many. People in Kannywood are difficult to manage so I learn to be patient, and have a listening ear. While onset, some would shout at you. I don’t like that, but my love for acting makes me swallow everything. It has become a part of me. Even my mother was surprised when a sibling of mine offended me and I ignored her. My mother told me that Kannywood has changed me to a better person.
