Three years back, sultry Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, broke into the make-believe world and since then, there has been no stopping her.
She plays the role of Binta, in EbonyLife TV’s sitcom, Sons of the Caliphate, which she says resonates with her personality.
In this interview, the 23-year old thespian, who hails from Kaduna State, speaks about her decision to set up an all-girl production house, challenges she has surmounted, her latest project and other issues.
How does it feel taking part in the Sons of the Caliphate?
It feels great. It’s like my dream is coming true. I’ve actually worked so hard for this and I’m so proud. I’m super excited today.
So what does it mean to you, especially as you are being introduced to mainstream Nollywood?
I have worked in several film productions in Nollywood but Sons of the Caliphate is a bit challenging because it was about 11 weeks of shoot, and I really enjoyed it. All the cast and crew were awesome. It is not something that is different from what we are doing. It’s just the change of language. Every other thing is the same; the production and everything.
What were your most challenging moments during the shoot?
Having me read my lines. It is not something that I do all the time. I’m more of the Hausa girl. So reading my lines was a bit challenging.
Life of an actress up north, what is it like?
It’s hard. It’s difficult but one just has to look in the way of positive things.
How do you pull through?
I put in a lot of focus, dedication and determination. And you just be yourself and avoid other things that will create problems or scandals for you, because you know, how the northern part is not the same like other places.
What keeps you going in the light of all this?
The fact that I come out to work every day and just do what I want to do is what keeps me going. And the love I’m receiving from fans, from friends and family is really motivating.
Does the role you played in Sons of the Caliphate reflect in your life?
Yes, a lot. The character, Binta, speaks more about me. It’s the centre of the story. You don’t get to see it earlier. But it speaks much about Rahama.
Are you considering crossing over to mainstream Nollywood?
I’ve already featured in several Nollywood productions, so it’s not like crossing over. It’s more about creating a balance between both industries because an actor is an actor, whether he acts in Bollywood, Russia or any other place.
How would you compare Nollywood with the industry up north?
Like I said, they are the same industries. The only challenges we have is that we have our own culture, norms and traditions that we can’t just go against. But everything is the same; the production, the set, and every other thing, including the story. You can actually turn Sons of the Caliphate from a northern story to an English one. You can tell from that.
Do you see yourself as the kind of person who will want to change the northern culture?
Well, we are born in this northern zone. You can’t say you will change culture. You just have to be careful with what you’re doing. And my own perception is that an actor is just an actor. It’s just like trying to portray an art for people to see. It has nothing to do with religion or anything of the sort. I’m just an actor.
Why did you decide to go into acting?
Let me just say I was born to be an actor. I’ve been dying to be an actor since when I was in secondary school. I participated in drama and clubs like that.
When you decided to take it professional, did you meet any resistance from family?
No. I came across a little difficulty because you know how the north is. Even to act in the northern zone is a problem because our people see it as something that isn’t normal. But today, I’m so proud. I’m like a role model to others and it’s fine. I’m okay with that.
What did you study in school?
I studied Business Administration at Kaduna State Polytechnic.
Why aren’t you practicing your course of study?
It was very difficult for me to balance school and acting because I actually joined the industry when I was in my second year. So it was difficult but I just had to do it.
As a good looking woman, how do you handle the opposite sex?
I’m just so dedicated and a hardworking that I don’t get to give attention to what you are talking about (laughs)
Can you marry a fellow actor?
Oh yes, so that he understands the job and he can allow me practice because if I marry someone who is not an actor, I would most likely have to stop acting. So I would like to marry an actor.
Would you advise a typical northern girl to follow your footstep as a successful actress?
Yes. I just recently launched my new production company and all of the crew members are female. It is deliberate because northern girls think they are women that are just kept aside. That can’t just make a move. We have talents; we have potentials in the North. But they are not given the opportunity to explode. And it’s not something bad. Just like I said, you can have restrictions. Being an actor doesn’t mean I would have to go nude to portray a character. That’s why I launched an all-girl production company. It is called Sadau Pictures.
Are you married?
No I’m not.
Are you seeing someone?
Oh my God. I’m just 23 (laughs). You can ask me these questions when I blow. For now, I’m just trying to act.
When you decided to take acting as a career, how did your parents accept the decision?
At first they were against it. But today, my mum is so proud. When she saw me on Super Story, she was like, that is my girl. So I have the support of my family and that is all I need.
What would you say is one of the highpoints of your career?
Working on set.
Is there a particular production that is dearest to your heart?
Sons of the Caliphate of course, because that’s the longest production I’ve been on in my career with 11 weeks of shoot. It was so challenging, amazing, and super fun. We just became family all of a sudden because we were stuck in one place. I love the story as well.
If you were not an actress, what would you have been?
I probably would have been a model.
What is your major put off?
That would be when I lack support.
Who is your best friend?
My mum, because she always calls me, telling me that she just finished cooking, asking me to come back home to eat, whether I’m abroad, or in Lagos. She doesn’t care. She’s always my comedy friend.
How do you think a typical Hausa girl who wants to pursue her dreams can rise up against certain stereotypes?
Well, you can tell when you watch Sons of the Caliphate because the story was trying to portray a Hausa girl who doesn’t want to go against the norms and traditions of the northerners. You can tell from that. She doesn’t do nasty things. She doesn’t do anything that is beyond what the people would say or against what the people would complain about.
Talking about stereotypes, is it as bad as it is being painted about the girl child?
No, it’s not actually. These days, people watch movies mostly on YouTube and we don’t have that internet popularity yet. We are still more on DVD. So what you’re watching are films of the 90s. People hardly get to see us the way we are now. We grew up and we moved on. We live the same lives as you do.
Don’t you think your industry should begin to explore ways so they can measure up?
Yes, I think we should but that would be up to the filmmakers and the producers. – The Nation.
