I may retire if I finish my PhD – Kannywood actor

Neptune Prime: Abba El Mustapha, you are one stakeholder in Kannywood, tell us your story?

Abba: Well, I am from Kano State, I did my Primary and Secondary education in Kano, and now I have just rounded up my Master’s degree program from Bayero University, Kano. I may retire from acting if I finish my PhD, I already have business here and there. I am into politics and I am very passionate about Abba Gida Gida’s Project for the governorship in Kano. The Film Industry is undergoing a serious transition, even the market has dropped and there is a complete sense of confusion in the industry. I produced Hausa Films in English, with Hausa subtitles, where I assembled first-class actors from Nollywood and Kannywood. We have films like, “This is the way, There is a way, and the right choice, I produced them and it cost us millions of Naira. The intention is for people to know that we can produce good films in English from the North.

NP: How did you start acting?

Abba: Well, it was accidental. My first film was Ruda where I got my nickname Abba  Ruda. Actually, it was my mother that gave me money to invest in the industry so that we can make a profit but when we were about to start shooting the film and the lead was nowhere to be found, my mother asked me to take up the role. I did it so perfectly that I continued getting offers from other producers, and I also set up my own company and continued to produce films. Ruda was my film, Jarumai was my film and I continued until I disappeared from Kannywood for close to 6 years.

NP: Was it the time people alleged that you were under a spell?

Abba: Nothing like that my brother, I took time for my university education, and by then I was travelling to Lagos to buy clothes and come and sell in Kano, and I made lots of money. I was also through with my degree and my master’s programme, so I have no regrets. If my children come of age and they show interest in acting, I will allow them to take destiny into their hands after I give them proper training in Western and Islamic Education.

NP: Ganduje appointed the executive director for films and censorship board from one of you, has that assisted the industry?

Abba: Rather it has destroyed the industry, Ismail Na Abba Afakallah, was busy all over the place arresting our members. When Shekarau was Governor of Kano State, he used the board then under Abubakar Rabo to put some of our members in prison. This is what Afakallah is doing and we will not tolerate that.

NP: Why is it that most actresses in Kannywood now use the industry to market their bodies?

Abba: You see, since I lost my father, a man I loved so much, I now mind my business. These girls will come to us innocently and accept all conditions to join Kannywood, that when they become popular, you cannot control them.