Muhammad Rabi’u popularly known as Abu Hidaya is one of the veterans of Kannywood; he is a director, screenwriter and actor. In this exclusive interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, he shares his history and many more.
Background
My name is Muhammad Rabiu, popularly known as Abu Hidaya. I am currently the director-general of Muryar Afrika Media Link Limited and also the president of the Hausa Literature Academy of Nigeria. Additionally, I serve as the youth leader of the Northern Elders Forum, popularly known as the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF Action Group), Kano state chapter.
I was born in Saudi Arabia many years ago. Like every Muslim, I started my education with Islamic studies and continued with western education. Alhamdulillah, I now have a family and we are living happily.
You are known in the field of literature and book writing; what brought you into Kannywood films?
You know, the world is always in motion and never stays in one place. As the Hausa proverb says, “Staying in one place is a mistake,” according to the fish. So, I felt it was right to transition into filmmaking to make my own contribution. Even though writing is the foundation of film, many prose writers have a strong presence in screenwriting. That’s what inspired me to start writing film stories. Eventually, I also moved into directing, and sometimes, if an actor we need isn’t available, I even step in to act.
Which film did you start with?
As I mentioned, I’m a screenwriter, director, and producer. I’ve made several films, especially comedies, where I directed movies such as: Wautar Buzu Mai Gadi;
Tsiyar Delegate; Matar Aurena; Adashen Dan Fulani
In terms of acting, I only featured in one film, Dadin Kowa.
How many film scripts have you written so far?
I’ve written quite a number of film scripts, especially the ones I direct myself; I usually write my own scripts. All the titles I previously mentioned were written by me. Right now, I have around twenty film stories that are yet to be produced. Among them, my favourite is Miskilin Dare.
People were surprised to see you appear in the Dadin Kowa series on Arewa24 as a politician. Can you tell us more about that?
Since I work in the film industry, I interact with all sectors of the industry, including TV stations and YouTube channels. I have a good relationship with the producer of Dadin Kowa, Sara White Aloysius, popularly known as Stephanie. I usually send her actors whenever needed. One day, while I was at home and I got a message from her asking me to play the role of a politician in Dadin Kowa. Honestly, at first, I didn’t want to do it because Dadin Kowa is a major show watched all over the world, and I was a bit afraid.
But later, after discussing with her, she explained that my role was very minor and I wouldn’t appear much on screen. When I received the script and read it, I saw there was nothing controversial in it, so I agreed. And that’s how I ended up appearing in Dadin Kowa.