Many thought her ban from the northern film industry will be the end of her career but popular Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau, has moved beyond the ban. She is quickly charting a course for herself, not only as a versatile actress but also as an intelligent woman who can contribute to the development of the nation. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports that her recent appointment to serve on the technical committee of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise (iDICE) programme, is a clear message that the ban has not affected her career in any way.
When Rahama Sadau was banned from the northern film industry by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria in 2016 for featuring in a romantic musical video by a Jos-born singer ClassiQ, the general expectation was that her career would naturally come to an end. But her situation has defied this expectation as she has continued to grow professionally in spite of the ban.
Indeed, it can be said that the ban has nothing on her at all as she never allowed it to hold her down. Rather, she raised her head and moved on to make her time count. And not long after the ban was proclaimed, she hit it bid and debuted in Nollywood when she starred in a 13-week drama series called ‘Sons of the Caliphate.’
That same year, she got 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 as well as Hollywood stars; Vannessa Martini, Akon, and Miguel Nunez jnr.
Rather than break her, the ban seems to have acted as a propelling force she needed to move on to bigger things. It launched her acting career with speed into the mainstream movie world that has eluded many of her colleagues in Kannywood.
And recently, she finally trampled completely on the shadow of the ban with her appointment to serve on the technical committee of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise, iDICE, programme by the Federal Government. This is a testament to her growing fame in the country’s entertainment space.
The committee was inaugurated during the week by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House in Abuja. For her, this is a height that gave her joy.
Rahama expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying it was a validation of her efforts by the President and Vice President.
In a post on Instagram, she wrote: “I am pleased, honoured and humbled to accept my appointment to serve on the technical committee of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprise programme, iDICE. This is indeed a humbling experience to witness. My warmest appreciation to my principal, Senator Kashim Shettima for the recognition and inclusion.
“My warmest appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, for considering me worthy of the position. I appreciate the very generous expressions of support and confidence in me. This is my sign to keep going, thank you for this wonderful affirmation. It always feels good to receive an official validation from you. I owe you all a debt of immense gratitude.
“I would like to specially recognise and acknowledge some of the legion of great and sound minds who positively impacted my professional life with the ideals of scholarship, diligence, determination, courage, focus, service and integrity. Thank you all.”
Congratulating the actress on his social media handles, the Director General of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu, expressed joy that another entertainer has been recognised by the Federal Government.
He wrote, “Congratulations to one of our own again @rahamasadau. This committee holds the second highest significance within the iDICE initiative and is tasked with offering strategic, technical, and operational assistance to the Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) and the Fund Advisory Board.”
The Technical Committee on the iDICE programme is chaired by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters (Office of The Vice President), Tope Kolade Fasua. The iDICE programme was launched early last month by the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, to promote innovation, generate job opportunities and boost the country’s creative economy.
Rahama, a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and singer was born and raised in Kaduna, Kaduna State. She performed in dancing competitions as a child and during her school years. She rose to fame in late 2013 after joining the Kannywood movie industry with her first movie Gani ga Wane.
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