Halima Abubakar is one of the few Nollywood actresses whose entrepreneurial zeal is commendable. The Kogi State born CEO of Modehouz Entertainment and Modehouz Films who is also a United Nations Youth Ambassador opened up to YES INTERNATIONAL.
Enjoy …
How was life growing up?
Life growing up was mixed, in the sense that I was born into money, but we lost all we had to Savanah Bank, of which my dad was a boss at different branches. Savanah Bank closed, so was his money. I don’t want to lie to you, you are hearing from me, not a copied interview and I will try to be honest.
How did your career as a movie star begin?
It was by chance, because I was thinking of music and football, but God had different plans for me. I met an actor when I was 12 years old. My aunty took us all for pictures with uncle Jide Kosoko and aunty Ngozi Nwosu in Kano. I was happy seeing them and uncle Francis gave us the Lagos’ audition address. He only gave the address and I took the rest up from there, because I believe it had been predestined by God. My first role was as a nurse in 2000. Then, I shot Trapped, Gangstar Paradise, But Why and many others.
What movie would you say was your breakthrough in Nollywood?
The movie that gave me the breakthrough, funny enough, was White Hunters. It was after Area Mama and Fake Doctor and many others that I was given my role in White Hunters, which I won five awards with. I shot it in 2011 and since then, I have been having a great time. God brings great roles my way. Even if it’s just a scene, I will do it, because what counts is how I act just that scene. I am fearless and I don’t get intimidated by stars who are already made. Something always tells me I can do it, Halima! And with advice from my senior colleagues, my never-say-die spirit and zeal, I’m still here. So, it has been a great journey.
People see you as a very controversial person. Is that who you really are or is it just a make-believe thing?
I’m not controversial. Why? People talk and the press write. Guess my name gives them (gossips) orgasm. I’m a simple home couch-loving lady. I love my bed, my comfort; whether there is spring or mat, I’m great at home. I don’t party. I feel like I don’t have fun and still not having fun, because I’m too serious and have been working since I was 13 years. But, it’s okay. I’m here making my own rules and making sure I follow them. I love meriting stuff, so I don’t cut corners. Hard work is better. You can sleep your way through, but it never lasts. I knew that from day one. When people reject me, I don’t worry because they are the ones missing and losing, not knowing how amazing I am. People love judging and as long as people love hearing hear says, then they add lies to sweeten the gist. So, how am I controversial? I’m always misunderstood by lots of people. Just because I don’t talk too much does not mean I’m unfriendly or arrogant. I’m just a calm-natured person. Not giving to stress. People have made me calm because of their constant gossips. I’m now like “Django”. I laugh and move on. I know that people still fight for me behind. So, God bless you all for the love.
As a successful actress, what would you say has kept you going and helped you maintain your popularity all these years?
Am I successful? No! I am not carried away by name, position or wealth. I am not moved. It’s very great being who you are and all, but I’m just like, you know, I’m just weird about it all. I’m grounded and don’t fight to do things. I’m a contented person. It’s really strange, but I need to change. I am not proud, I’m warm and accommodating. So, I have my family who grounds me. My dad asked me weeks ago if I club (Laughs). It was strange hearing that; guess I’m too serious. Need to dance then. I never forget to laugh regardless of what or how I see things; that’s after crying o! Silly me. So, I’m hard working, consistent, love the job and being good made me and I push. My outlook about life has changed. My soul is peaceful. I have a soul and that’s very hard to see these days.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being an actress?
The challenges about being famous are lack of privacy and people who are trying so hard to bring you down while pretending to love you. I might be young, but I choose peace over anything. If people love you, they love you. Those who don’t will learn to love you with time.
What do you love most about being a role interpreter?
What I love most about being an actress is that you get to live people’s lives, you act like you know those going through same. Acting is mind control.
Aside acting, what else do you do?
Aside acting, I’m a farmer, a UN youth ambassador. I have massive followership and I am an executive of Modehouz Entertainment and Modehouz Films. I’m now a record label CEO and my first artist is Yung Issy. He has his single, Fine Girl, enjoying massive support. My movie and this lovely song by Yung have been received by all my fans. Aside all that, I’m a young humanitarian. I’m a writer, I’m a closet comedian, I find everything funny. Once I was ugly. Now, I laugh about everything. I’m super strong.
What is the most controversial thing you have heard about yourself?
The most controversial story I have heard about myself is that I was a recent mummy! My Instagram life is now a source of daily news for blogs. Daily, I post and daily they give headlines to it. If I post a chicken now, in minutes, you will read Halima about eating this fowl, or Halima about to poopoo (Chuckles). But it’s well. I respect my pen pushers, but they can go on. So far, nothing damaging. I’m honoured to be talked about. I’m still that humble Halima, a young woman who knows her boundaries.
What are you working on currently?
I’m doing a lot.
What would you say is your success secret in Nollywood?
The secret of my success? I don’t think I can define it, but humility goes a long way. A good heart on that little shoulder.
You have featured in several movies, which Nollywood actor or actress would you say you would still like to work with?
Who I would love to act with in Nollywood would be Aunty Joke Silva, Onyeka Onwenu, Barbara Soky. I will have to write the scripts, hopefully. I love working with every one really; can’t pick any more.
What is your definition of love?
Even love can’t define itself.
Are you in any relationship now?
Yes. You all have been guessing about that, but una get strength, why una wan know my guy? Do you know if I have? I laugh when I hear stuff like this. I just laugh at the assumptions. I have always loved being with just one guy. I don’t do runs. Because I bought a car, gullible people are saying I do runs. So, because I want to buy a car, I will have to sleep around before I can get it? That’s silly. Everyone has become a judge and the main judges don’t have work to do again. Please, I’m too young to be in a hurry to get rich. God can bless you anytime with just one breakthrough, if you are okay, cool and contented.
How soon do you intend to marry this your man?
That’s private. If and when I’m walking down the aisle, I will let you know. But, I love the guessing game you all are doing.
Why do you think celebrity marriages don’t last again?
Marriages don’t last in general because people are not as in love as they should be. Yes, I’m the wrong candidate to talk about marriage because I’m not married. But really, one person is always not truthful. Only few people stay in love. Those few people are rare. Sometimes you get taken for granted and want out or you stay and honour the reason you fell for each other in the first place. It is every one’s problem, not just Nollywood.
If you were given a fortune, what would you spend it on?
I love this question. It reminds me of school. When we sit and day dream. Funny life. But, I would share to as many as I can share it with and I would live a quiet life. If it’s possible, then I want it.
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I am from Kogi State. I was born and raised in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, all in the northern parts of Nigeria. My parents were raised there too. So, let’s say it was an okay childhood.
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