Halima Abubakar
Excerpt
What is your family background like and how has it affected your entire life?
I grew up in an environment filled with love. My parents were the type that did not believe in sparing the rod and spoiling the child. They are disciplinarians to the core, and they would do everything to get the best from their children.
I grew up with love and my parents showed it
So, how has such upbringing helped in shaping your career?
Definitely, it has helped me. It made me become aware of the responsibilities that I have. Whatever I do today, I must first and foremost, consider the feelings of my parents. I try as much as possible not to engage in activities that’ll soil my family name.
How did your journey into Nollywood start?
I got into Nollywood by chance although it was something that I reallywanted. But back then, I watched more of Indianmovies because I understand the language a bit. But there was a time when a senior colleague of mine, Francis Duru, came to Kano. I approached him and told him that I wanted to act. He later gave me some advice, and also directed me to visit a particular place anytime I was in Lagos.
So, during one of our long holidays, I came to Lagos and stayed at my aunt’s place. But I used to lie to her that I was going out to buy something, while in the real sense of it, I would go to trace the address. But for a long time, I didn’t get any audition until eight months later when I came back to Lagos, and that’s how it started. It’s not been an easy journey, it was by chance. But I thank God for where I am today.
Since you lived in the north, why didn’t you join Kannywood?
At that time, I wasn’t aware there was any movie industry called Kannywood. I just knew they had TV drama and that wasn’t the kind of job I wanted to do. I had copies of the work I did in the past. I wanted something bigger and that’s why my mind wasn’t really there. That’s what brought me to Lagos, where I tried my luck in Nollywood and it worked.
But in the past you were involved in controversies, especially in Kannywood. Have you been able to resolve your differences with your colleagues there?
Yes, a couple of Kannywood practitioners invited me to star in their movies. But like I said before, our interests cannot be the same. For me, I like challenges. If the producers invite me, I will gladly honour their invitation. But then, the kind of roles they would want me to play is the type where I would be required to dance round the tree and it’s not what I wanted to do.
Besides, I have some of their biggest stars like Amino Usani as my friends. So, I don’t have any problem with Kannywood.
I am from Kogi state ,and my not acting in Kannywood doesn’t change anything. The only good thing is that I grew up there which is a thing of pride. So, there is neither any expression of anger against me, nor misunderstanding between me and them. They’ve invited me many times but each time they do, I am always busy working.
Recently, your eatery and bakery were destroyed during the post-election violence in Kano. Did the Kano state government pay you any compensation for it?
A lot of people have advised me to take the matter up with them(Kano government) but God has been good and I don’t want to challenge Him. After the incident, I got something else which I believe is from God. So, I am not going to cause any problem. I’m sure the Kano State government is aware of it and if they want to do anything about it, it’s up to them.
So, how’s your mother taking it, or are you planning to set up another business for her?
Oh! definitely. But the first thing is that I’m going to relocate them from Kano because that place isn’t safe anymore for my family.
To where?
That’s private. But they’ll leave Kano and then, she’ll set up whatever business she likes. Because they’ve lived there in fear and whenever I visit there, I always watch my back. And I don’t want such thing for my family.
You talk as if you’re the breadwinner of your family. Are you the first child?
No I’m not the first child. I’m the second child. Besides, I’m not going to answer the question, whether I’m the one catering for my family or not.
It’s a nice house you have here(her house at Maryland, Lagos, where this interview was conducted). I heard you bought it for over N20million…
Well, I don’t want to talk about that now.
So, how do you feel being a house owner in Lagos?
There’s nothing so special in it. The feeling is good, I feel like every other landlord in Lagos.
It must have cost you a fortune. Did you make this money from acting alone?
(She raises her voice)I’m not going to answer such a question.
But the news is everywhere…
(flares up uncontrolably) I’m going to stop this interview now! (Her publicist intervenes at this point and begs until she calmed down)
So do you still have challenges?
A lot of them. I have a lot of work to do and I just pray that God gives me the strength to overcome them. I’m human so I will definitely go through challenges.
Challenges like?
I’ve had challenges in my life as well particlarly communicating with people. Most times, it has to do with people I call my friends, family members. I don’t usually have problems with men because right now, I have more men as friends than I have women friends. Because men have seen more in life. Being friendly with my fellow women is stressful. So it’s better for me to have few female friends and more male friends because that way, they’ll put me in check whenever I’m going astray. I’ve faced series of challenges like loss of money, rejection, betrayal by friends and family. But what keeps me going is the positive reactions I get from fans. So Iam humbled.
Aside acting, what else do you do for a living?
I’m into business. I do a bit of the interior decoration, I’ve been selling things right from day one. I have my own perfume business and very soon, I’ll be launching my brand of slippers. So, I have other things that I do aside acting, it’s just that I don’t make noise about them.
Any happiest moment in your career?
In the different work that I do, I meet with different actors and actresses. While some are nice, others are not. So, I react based on the kind of reception I get. I don’t know how to pretend because it means I’m not being sincere.
And for my career, I’m happy when I get honoured with an award.
What puts you off?
I hate snubs and people that give out negative energy wherever they go. Such people go around causing trouble and whenever I meet such people, I make sure I pay them back in their own coin.
How do you unwind?
The truth is that I like my peace. So, I sleep when I have the time. My hobby is reading. I’m not the kind of person you’ll meet in the club. I love to sing on the karaoke just to keep my voice sexy. I also like going to the beach once in a while. I like food a lot
How’s your boyfriend?
He’s fine.
Are you into a serious relationship?
You’ll know when the time comes for it. The important thing is that I have a boyfriend.
And how does he react to your being an actress?
He reacts like every other human being will react. Whenever he sees something that he doesn’t like; he calls me and we sort it out. He even complains that I give too much in acting but I feel that I’m not even giving enough. He’s happy with my growth.
Have you ever been approached by Nollywood lesbians?
I heard there are lesbians in Nollywood but none has approached me. I’ve been approached several times but not those in Nollywood. I’m not a lesbian, I also get text messages but I don’t reply them. I tell you such women are definately going to hell. onapproached me in Nollywood, I can’t really comment on that. But it’s an evil practice that those involved in it should stop. I think those involved in the practice are going straight to hell
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