Jamila Isa Abubakar, as known as Jamila Jemcy, is a fast-rising singer and actress in Kannywood. In an exclusive interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, the diva disclosed how she started acting and how she has achieved so much in such a short time.
It’s really a surprise to find you in Kannywood; how did it happen?
Concerning acting, I have got a lot of people in the industry. They used to tell me that I could act. I always replied to them that I couldn’t because my creativity was in singing. They said no and assured me that I could do it. So, I gave it a trial, and I was amazed by the fact that the shooting crew applauded me after my first act. They commended me by saying I did great. So, I realised that I had the talent and could do it.
What was your first film?
I started appearing in films under Nollywood, not Kannywood, in 2022. It was a film titled Kinani. I was invited to Lagos to act in the film where I played a role of a Libyan Arab woman. The dialogue was pure Arabic. After that, I was featured in the popular Kwana Casa’in series where I played the role of Doctor, the wife of Malam Adamu, the governor of Alfawa. There is also the Siyasa series, in which I also got some roles. In the radio drama, there is a drama called Shugabanci in which I play the role of an Arabian woman who returns from Saudiyya and sells some Saudi goods.
How long did you stay in Saudi Arabia?
I stayed in Saudi Arabia for about 20 years and five years in Misra.
What are your achievements in these struggles?
Among my achievements, there is acquainting and interacting with good people who give me good advice. This is an achievement. I also acquired a lot of knowledge and experience in these industries. People who listen to my songs also call me from different parts of the world. If I attend an event, people are happy to see me. I also envisage a lot of achievements ahead.
What about the challenges?
I haven’t faced many challenges yet. It’s only on my parent’s part that I faced a little. Some people gossip to my parents about me. It’s like they want to sabotage my progress by lying to my parents, but they are not succeeding. Allah never allowed them to succeed. This is because I never veer away from the course my parents gave me. My parents gave me good moral training and I’m still on it.
There are also some jealous people that you can never impress. Whatever you do, they abuse you. But those are normal; you can never progress without them.
Among your films, which one is your best?
Kwana Casa’in is my favourite because they honour and respect people. When we go out to shoot, everybody concentrates on his job. Whoever you see there goes for a business, nothing else. That’s why I like the film.
What is your goal?
My goal is to benefit from this film business. I take it as a business, and I see many people who take it as a business progressing and achieving a lot. Allah has blessed their struggles. I also like to help others to achieve their goals.
