‘Your Religion & Faith Is Between You & God’ – Rahama Sadau On Her Kannywood Ban

Rahama Sadau is on the cover of this week’s Guardian Life magazine. In the interview, the actress who prominently rose to fame after she was banned by the Northern Muslim movie industry talks about her transition from Kannywood to Nollywood, challenges faced and experience being a muslim in the industry.

On her experience so far

“I started acting in the year 2013.So far it has been great and it was my starting point. I am really grateful for it, I am thankful for what it has made me but me become today. I have lived in Kaduna all my life. Whenever I travel to other states it’s for work.”

On her being banned from Kannywood

“Well, it’s a stepping stone, I am grateful because it has opened a lot of doors because a lot of people didn’t know me until the ban happened. It’s not something good but I think it was just meant to be.”

On knowing why she got banned

“No, I can’t just touch someone and then they say I did something wrong. I think your religion and faith is between you and God. I grew up as a northern lady, I know my limitations and I know what I can do as a northerner and a Muslim. What I did should be at the liberty of the artist who shouldn’t be banned.”

On turning down scripts

“Yes I have my limitations like I said, there are certain things I wouldn’t do because of where I come from and the religion I stand for. If I show that I am ignorant of things, I have family and I know what the people in the north are capable of, that’s why I am being careful.”

On her transition to Nollywood

“Before the ban I had featured in many Nollywood films like The Light Will Come, and Sons of the Caliphate. There hasn’t been much difference working in Nollywood. Perhaps the people are different, and the environment, similar stories and cultures.”

On challenges faced being a muslim in the industry

“I haven’t faced any challenges yet. There are other Muslims in the Nollywood industry, it’s just that we have different cultures and different ways we live our lives, but I haven’t faced any problems yet.”