Fatima Muhammad Gwammnaja, popularly known as Amina the wife of Sambo in the popular Hausa TV series programme, Kwana Casa’in or Fati Gwammaja, tells IBRAHIM HAMISU in this interview that although she has been in the Hausa film industry for close to a decade, she became more popular as a result of the role she plays in the Kwana 90 series. Fatima also speaks on her biography and how she joined Kannywood.
Your background please
My name is Fatima Muhammad Gwammnaja. In was born in Gwammaja Quarters, Dala local government area of Kano state. I did my primary, secondary and NCE all in Kano state.
When and how did you join Kannywood?
I’d started appearing in Hausa films before I completed my secondary school. It is almost nine years now. I later got married and left the industry for six years. After my divorce, I returned to the industry. That has been three years now.
What was your first film?
I can’t actually remember my first film, but the earlier ones were Sarki Daƙayanusa, Yarmanuniya, and Amaryar Ɓagwai among others.
What role do you mostly play in Kannywood films?
Actually, I mostly play a female lead role, but sometimes I play a cameo.
How did you get a role in the Kwana Casa’in Series?
I got the chance to play a role in Kwana Casa’in through their film audition. I’d never participated in any auditions before Kwana Casa’in’s audition. Also, since it is like other industries where you must have some godfathers, it was my godfathers that invited me to participate in the audition programme and I competed with over 200 females and by the grace of God, I was called and informed that I was successful.
You rose to stardom after the Kwana Casa’in Series. What is the secret behind that success?
Before Kwana Casa’in I did many films like Gidan Gambiza which Africa Magic channel shows, and a film called Hudubar Uba. Those times, when people saw me they used to call me Hudubar Uwa, but when we started Kwana Casa’in I became more popular; my star began to glitter more. Wherever I go people will be saying behold Amina Matar Sambo. So, I thank Allah because my star is now shining and I’m witnessing a lot of progress in my career.
How many films have you featured in so far?
As I mentioned earlier, I was in the industry for almost a decade. I did some films before my marriage and after the six years of my marriage I returned to the industry. So, I have so far done many films. I can say that they could be up to 255 in number, among which are comedies, series and normal movies. Some of them are Kwana Casa’in, Mijin ƴata, Sharrin zuciya, Hudubar Uwa.
What have been your achievements so far in your film career?
Sincerely, I’ve nothing to say about the Kanywood industry save for thanks. This is because I’ve achieved a lot of things for which I can only say Alhamdulillah. I got a shelter, resources and many other materials of life in this industry. What I’m also very proud of is that I have become famous.
Who is your main godfather in Kannywood?
I’ve like three or more godfathers in Kannywood. They include Ali Rabiu Ali, Usman Adam, who is the founder of Hali dubu Fim Production; Sani Ahmad Kankarofi and my best and number one godfather, Ado Ahmad Gidandabino (MON). They were the ones in Kannywood that stood for me till I became what I am today.
Among your films, which one remains evergreen in your heart?
The film that lingers much in my heart is Sharrin Zuciya; this is because I played a very negative and naughty role in the movie. I got pregnant without a husband in the film and I was stoned to death as a punishment. The next ones are Mijin Yayata and Kwana 90 Season 5.
Is there any part or verse in Kwana Casa’in that makes you laugh whenever you remember it?
The one that I often remember and laugh about is in Season 2 where my father, Bashir Nayaya, was calling me Amina mai kan Danko. The next one is in Sharrin Zuciya film where I spoke with disrespect.
What is your goal in Kannywood?
My goal is to get comfort and contentment with God’s favours and blessings. Also, to get a God-chosen man and get married, so that even if I’ll continue with the films, my husband’s home will be the production company.
You did say that you once got married. Please tell us more about it?
Of course, I’ve been married once. You know that it can’t be possible for a daughter of Kano state and Hausa/Fulani by tribe to stay without receiving pressures from her parents to get married. I spent two years in a marital home before we got divorced. I also did not beget a child there.
When do you want to marry again?
Man has no choice save what Allah chooses for him. I’m, therefore, waiting for a God- chosen husband. I’ve no choice except what God chooses for me.
Will you eventually quit the film industry when you re-marry?
You know, these films’ appearances appeal to the heart. One just feels he loves it. So, I can’t directly say I’ll stop. Even if I get married, I’ll love to give more contributions to the sector. It’s a career I’m proud of; and through which I became known.
What is your message to your fans, loved ones and the Kannywood industry?
Firstly, I thank Kannywood for its efforts in providing us with all the necessary support and assistance we need. I also thank Arewa 24 channel for putting me in Kwana Casa’in film series, where I became more popular and trained.
I thank our people and societies, and beseech them to always give us some excuses, being humans. Many times while you are busy doing some work or something else which is important, some people will be calling you and if you ignore the call they will not excuse you for that. They will keep on complaining even though what you did wasn’t intentional. I’m very sorry for that as I really like and respect them all.
I pray for my colleagues in the industry that are single to get good suitors and get married. Those that are married, may Allah bless their unions. I wish my loved ones well in their lives and endeavours.
