Aisha Umar, also known as Zainab, at the SO NE Film series which is airing at Arewa 24, in this interview with IBRAHIM HAMISU in Kano, shares how she has already featured in at least in 20 films in less than one year in Kannywood, and many more
Background, the beginning
My name is Aisha Umar. I am best known for the film So Ne alongside Zainab.
I was born in Akko local government area of Gombe state, in a town called Akko Amada. I completed my primary and secondary education in Akko, and then I got married in a town called Abuja Bula, in Gombe. After that, I started acting in films.
When did you join the Kannywood industry?
Honestly, I have not been in the Kannywood film industry for long; I entered Kannywood in June 2024.
How did you enter Kannywood?
Well, there is someone I know in the Kannywood industry, named Kawu G. Boy. One day, during the Ramadan month last year, I called G. Boy and told him I wanted to join Kannywood. He replied that it was not a problem, but what about my parents? Have they agreed? I then connected him with my parents, and after they talked, they agreed. He said to come after the prayers, and when I did, he registered me. Actually, G. Boy took care of everything for me.
When I arrived in Kano, I also met with the producer, Oga Sultan, that is Sultan Abdurrazak, who welcomed me with open arms and included me in his films.
How did you become interested in joining Kannywood?
During last year’s Ramadan, around the 15th, I felt a desire to join Kannywood. I went to talk to my mother and explained my aspirations. She expressed her concerns about what people might say. I told her that people will always talk, and entering the film industry comes with its own challenges. She said, “Alright then.”
I also mentioned it to my brother, and he said it was okay. He suggested that during the last ten days of Ramadan, we should pray for God’s blessings; if it is good, may Allah confirm it, and if not, may He grant me a better alternative.
In short, through the blessings of my parents’ prayers, I have entered and have started achieving success.
So far, how many films have you made?
To be honest, I have done at least 20 films so far.
Which film did you start with?
I started with a film called KANWATA by Dan Malam which is currently being showcased. There’s also MATAR DOLE, which has also been released, and SO NE by Oga Sultan, among others.
Among your films, which one resonates with you the most?
All of them resonate with me, but the film SO NE holds a special place in my heart because of the director, Sultan. Anytime I make a mistake, he calls me to correct it. Even right now as I’m talking to you, if I make an error, he will tell me to correct it since I am new. Therefore, honestly, I really love the film SO NE.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is G.Boy, the brother of Rashida Adam. Oga Sultan is also my boss since he cast me in his film.
Since you started, what achievements can you say you have made in Kannywood?
Even though I haven’t been in Kannywood for long, the success I’ve recorded lies in how I have been embraced and taken care of in the industry. There are many people who are still trying to get into films, but have not succeeded; so this is a great opportunity.