Yakubu Mohammed: Fame, friendship, and films
Story from Saleh INUWA, Kano
Yakubu Mohammed, a prominent figure in Kannywood, has left an indelible mark on the industry. With a filmography of over 100 movies, numerous poems, short stories, and more than a hundred composed songs, his journey to stardom was far from straightforward.
Originally planning to study geography and mining, he eventually pursued a degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University Kano, after a series of twists and turns.
Yakubu, born Usman Shehu Abubakar El-Nafati, aged 50, has traversed the globe for film shoots, modeling gigs, pilgrimages, and even appeared in several Nollywood films.
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During a recent appearance on the popular “Gabon’s Room” program in Kano, Yakubu provided insights into his life:
Question: Can you tell us about yourself?
Answer: I hail from Bauchi State, a proud Hausa Fulani, but I was raised in Jos. My academic journey took me on an unconventional path. After being dismissed from ABU Zaria due to admission irregularities, I obtained an advanced diploma from the University of Jos before completing my Mass Communication degree at Bayero University. My birth year is 1973.
Question: You and Sani Danja are often seen as inseparable friends. Do you ever regret your friendship with him?
Answer: Regret? Well, I must admit, maintaining a peaceful friendship with Sani Danja can be challenging. He’s undoubtedly a good-hearted, diligent individual, but his unique way of life can sometimes make coexistence difficult.
Question: Could you share a particularly challenging moment in your career?
Answer: There have been numerous challenging moments. One that stands out was when a film we produced failed to make an impact in the market. Additionally, the film industry at times has painted an unfavorable image of Kannywood. I even dabbled in Nollywood for a while but realized my fans were unhappy seeing me in roles that seemed anti-Islam and anti-North. Hence, I’m cautious about script choices now. As an example, there was an incident with Hadiza Gabon unfollowing me on Instagram due to misunderstandings, but we eventually resolved it.
Question: Can you comment on your financial status?
Answer: I’ve been fortunate to be an ambassador for Globacom and Nescafé, among other opportunities in films and music. Alongside my close ties with influential individuals, I’m comfortable financially and can provide for my family.
In conclusion, Yakubu said: “My journey began quietly, observing from the background. However, realizing the importance of gaining recognition, I ventured into acting. Surprisingly, I became highly sought after, with producers actively seeking me out. When comparing Sani Danja and Ali Nuhu, I find that Ali is a pleasant individual, always calm and trouble-free. Sani and I share a deep connection, akin to being like sesame twins. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years. Furthermore, I’m married to Maryam Muhammad Booth, and we have children together.”
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