In this exclusive interview, the Kannywood A-list actor and singer, Adam Zango, speaks of his return to acting, his new foundation and the embattled Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, amongst other issues.
You recently announced that your exit from Kannywood…
I actually meant that I was stepping aside and simply taking a break for some time.
Why?
You know I am also a singer so I wanted to concentrate on my singing career for some time. That was my reason.
Some people say you are having some kind of squabbles with some of the ‘big boys’ in the industry
Not at all; I am also a big boy and everybody has his own way of doing things. The only thing I will say is that it is actually difficult dealing with people sometimes especially in entertainment industry.
Are you back to acting?
Yes I am since I decided to go on break in the first place. I have also decided to continue acting but with I will exercise some decorum in my work henceforth.
Rahama Sadau calls you her best friend. What are your thoughts on her recent expulsion from the Kannywood by MOPPAN?
I will say it was indeed a very harsh decision by MOPPAN. I still insist that she should have been suspended as a form of punishment for violating the rules of the game. However on the other hand, Ms. Sadau did not do show any form of remorse or even apologise for her mistakes before moving on. These are the things I feel she should have done instead. But in the long run, I will insist that we all correct our wrongs and follow the rules. Even our creator has asked us to obey laid down rules provided it does not contradict his teachings. He also asked us to always forgive each other. I pray things will change soon.
You always harp on the fact that you do not possess a degree in your songs and even to some of your friends…
(Cuts in) yes, I keep telling people that I am not a graduate of any university or polytechnic and that I do not have a degree. But I think education goes beyond just having a degree or whatever. If an individual can make and contribute positive things to himself and the people he lives with; learn from them and give back that knowledge he has in whatever capacity, I think that is real education. I have so much experience in life and I am well educated in my own capacity. It doesn’t have to be a degree or Masters or whatever. I think at some point in life one has to get educated. It only depends on how you use your education to benefit the people.
One of America’s most celebrated gymnast, Simone Biles, had all her education through home coaching. I am comfortable with what I have and who I am and I thank Allah for the skills he gave me. I have excelled in acting, I have excelled in singing, and I direct and produce films. So, tell me what else do I want again other than to keep praising Allah for all this and try to do more and more for myself and my fans.
You recently launched a foundation called Zango Intervention Initiative. What is it all about?
Zango Intervention Initiative is borne out of my desire to give back to the people who made me. What I mean here is everybody out there who is my fan is a part of my life. Those who are not my fans, I also regard as a part of me. I think I have attained lofty height in the industry to the extent that I can no longer move freely in many northern cities without sending people into frenzy. I was only able to achieve that by the grace of Allah and the support I get from the people. Now, I have decided to reciprocate all the love I have received and that is the reason I set up the foundation. It is my little way of giving back to the people for all their support since I began his career in the entertainment industry fifteen years ago.
Kindly shed more light about the foundation and how do you intend to fund it?
It will cater to the less privileged, the sick, internally displaced people, orphans, widows and the poor. I am going to raise the funds for this projects through concerts and shows which I will be organising in every state of Nigeria beginning from January next year. In every state, I shall dedicate the entire revenue I generate through gate fees and endorsements to the people of that state. That is the less privileged just like I mentioned. If I perform in Adamawa for instance, whatever proceeds I get will be given back to the needy in the state. And move to the next show in another state.
If you are not going to use the funds generated, how do you intend to sustain foundation, yourself and your team?
Yes that is why it is called giving back. If you are doing things for the people, you must also make some sacrifices. That is what I intend to do with my money.
On the final note, what is top on your wish list at the moment?
I keep praying to Allah never to make me belittle anyone who I feel has not attained as much as I have in life. I also keep thanking Allah for good health and I also pray that he grants my mother who is my hero, good health.
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