MTN Kanywood Award 2015: What it means for the Hausa Movie and culture
By
Musa Abdullahi
On the 31st January 2015, Kanywood industry marked another event in collaboration with MTN titled “MTN Kanywood award” the second of its kind.
Movie actors, actresses and all key role players in the movie industry are trooped into the Nigerian capital Abuja to another blockbuster award night in the history of this fastest quality improving-growing movie industry.
Until recently, the industry faced with much hate from public and government despite majority of viewers that include women and children as well as teeming youth.
It is indisputable fact that the Role of Hausa movie industry is enormous notwithstanding the ignorant or intentional rejection of facts from some people in the general public and professional and known political servants.
The industry generates millions of jobs and more opportunities to many jobless youths and creative minds in northern Nigeria, Nigeria and even some African countries like Ghana, Niger etc.
Some of the youth in the industry both males and females are known with terrible history dated back before joining the industry. However as they joined they were renovated with focus to achieve certain level of personal development. Some of them not only join to acting but also end up into acting and singing. A creativity most of them not aware they possessed until they took part.
Although it might also be the other way round but the industry also contribute greatly in saving a number of marriages from separation and divorce. There are several stories that couple involved and getting tired of themselves and even thinking of separation but a certain movie depicted similar scenario that thought lesson to both and solution generated as they realized is not everyone fault among them. Such examples were sited at a number of times by beneficiaries.
Apart from entertainment enjoyed by Kanywood fans it also provides opportunities and improve relationship. It is expected, in a long-term the cheering moment created by comedy films in the industry can improve healthy life. More especially during this worrying time such movies are hitting many people screen. I must admit the fallen hero in this category will be missed and non-replaceable character (Alhaji Rabilu Musa-Dan Ibro) may his soul rest in perfect peace Ameen.
Looking at the country social profile, Kanywood movies are one of the strategies that do compete with the Nollywood (southern part movie makers or Nigerian filmmakers). Although, the Hausa Movie industry aged Kanywood as “Turmin Danya” from Kanywood was produced around 1990 while Nollywood around 1991 or 1992 produced the “living in Bondage”. Also, despite lack of support to the industry of Kanywood, the Nollywood enjoy comprehensive and strategic support from various sources that include, companies, government to mention but few.
Although various issues remain silent in the society and it continue eating up the social system negatively. The movie industry exposes the maltreatment between couples and cheating in order to understand and avoid such in the society. Due to globalization and modernization, the Hausa language can also be sustained through the movie; as it will contribute to support helping in restoring the language as well as attracting many non Hausa speaking people to have interest in the Hausa language.
Despite some of the highlights mentioned, the industry is facing some challenges that need to be fully reviewed to come up with the solutions for the betterment of the industry.
There is Lack or inadequate proper support from government, institution and related to the industry. Inadequate training and short course for most of the practitioners. Plagiarism and piracy is eating up the industry and Poor funding for the industry
The industry doesn’t not seems to be encouraging volunteering, speaking for the must vulnerable in the society. The society Lacks capacity on the art of watching film and the need to create awareness for films to enlighten public on film for adults, children, adults and children and the type that children needs guide from adults.
There is no comprehensive data available and accessible for the number of filmmakers and related practitioners for proper planning and understanding the strength of the industry.
The industry various rivalry issues at individual and group levels aided the lack of unified focus (despite some effort made) that separate followers including artists and crew. Some stories are good but rushing to write or produce affects the quality and message strongly. Marketing situation of the industry still at infant stage, that needs effective guide using practical and international experiences.
However, some of the recommendations that should be considered should be more support like that of Kano state government fort creating film institute. Improve more collaboration like recent Kanywood and India for training. Improvement on technical aspect of productions is necessary. There should be more consultation if for example want to depict village life then a better understanding on how they are, lived and how to act like real from script to shooting must be real. Experts should review the story and the script before filming and after filming.
Note that It doesn’t matter how long but effective and adequate planning for number of days should be a priority to avoid rushing up from filming to editing. Also, strategic policy with government support to punish offenders on piracy is very vital. Current artists and filmmakers must be encourage and prioritize into the enrollment to film institute initiated by Kano state government and other opportunities related. Furthermore, opportunities of collaboration between the country or state needs to engage with more committed persons in the industry.
Very importantly, some of the artists and filmmakers must display good character wherever they are. Remember, an artist is a role model and someone with a possibility to be defaming at any moment. It affects not only the person intentionally or unknowingly displayed it but the majority of the innocent are also generalized with it.
This award indicated unity on diversity for Nigeria. The number of non Hausa speaking and aside entertainment beautify the clourful set up of the awArd.
The best popular Actor mentioned was Ali Nuhu, best supporting actress Fati Washa, best supporting actor Mustapha Naburaska, best actor Sadiq sani and best actresses Hadiza Aliyu Gabon. Late Musa Dan Ibro bags 2 award.
Various government, traditional and officials at state and Federal government graced the occasion. Among them that include late emir of kano, emir of gumel, deputy Vice President, Nassarawa state governor, MTN, etc.
Today, Kanywood industry sprawl global and one of the last producing films per month with thousands of beneficiaries directly or indirectly. It is evidence that the industry needs the support of traditional, government, religious and traditional leaders as well as professionals.
It is the same industry that will now sell out and speak on the Hausa beautiful traditions and culture for sustainability and generated respect for the people. But this only comes when more hands are on desk.
Conclusively, the award showcased and acknowledge the efforts of this group of personality in the industry. Lastly, is my sympathy message to Ali Nuhu over the destiny of armed robbers that attacked him last night. May Allah continue to protect us and bring the double of what is lost.
