Rahama started her acting career eleven years ago in Kannywood, a Northern Film Industry.
Actress and filmmaker Rahama Sadau, who has starred in movies like Khuda Haafiz, Chief Daddy 2, Zero Hour, and Up North, has shared her experience transitioning from Kannywood to Nollywood.
Rahama was banned from Kannywood (a Northern Film Industry) by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria for featuring in a romantic musical video by Jos-born singer ClassiQ in 2016.
Shortly after expulsion, she debuted in Nollywood by starring in a 13-week drama series, Sons of the Caliphate. In the same year, she landed a role in The American King, directed by award-winning U.S.-based Nigerian filmmaker Jeta Amata alongside Nollywood stars Nse Ikpe Etim and Eyinna Nwigwe and Hollywood stars Vannessa Martini, Akon, and Miguel Nunez jnr.
Since the ban, the actress’s career has increased significantly as a Nollywood actress.
The actress said transitioning from Kannywood to Nollywood despite the fame was challenging.
She said: “Coming from where I came from was not an easy journey, especially trying to balance being in Nollywood and still doing the movie I do.
It was challenging and unique, and I loved it. We just talked about our system.”
Rahama stated that despite the challenges, she succeeded in the journey.
She said: “My biggest surprise upon entering Nollywood from Kannywood was the level of acceptance. The people here are hot and welcoming. I’m pleasantly surprised by everyone’s friendliness. If I don’t connect with the role, I would decline the script, especially if the story doesn’t resonate.
I prioritise the story over the role because the portrayal matters to the audience, not just my interpretation.”
When asked about the synergy between Kannywood and Hollywood, she said she preferred to be identified as an actress.
“I think it’s just an industry—because everywhere you go in the world, they have branches of industry. You go to Bollywood, and there is Bollywood. So it’s just an industry where different people tell their stories. And that’s the most important thing,” Rahama added.
Speaking about her style, she stressed that her fashion sense is crucial to her and prioritised comfort above all, believing there are diverse film industries in Nigeria.
