Renowned actor and philanthropist Ali Nuhu, a celebrated figure in both Nollywood and Kannywood, has opened up about his personal experience with discrimination in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Speaking during a recent interview, Nuhu reflected on his early years in Nollywood, emphasizing the unity and camaraderie that once defined the industry. “In the early ’90s down to 2000, we all came together to make beautiful movies from stories that crossed every socio-political line,” he said.
However, he lamented the increasing divisions within Nollywood, which he described as being split into “three imaginary lines” driven by unhealthy competition among regional factions.
Nuhu recounted a painful incident during a visit to Asaba for a lead role, where he overheard a prominent actress make a derogatory remark. “I once went to Asaba for a crucial job, and I overheard a well-known colleague whisper and call me ‘Aboki’ to her friend,” he revealed.
While the term “Aboki” means “friend” in Hausa, Nuhu explained that it is often used derogatorily in some southern contexts to imply low intelligence.
Despite the insult, the actor maintained his composure, choosing to focus on building the Hausa-language film industry, known as Kannywood.
“I came home and gathered the Northern movie stakeholders to start the Kannywood project,” he said. “Alhamdulillah! We are gradually getting there, Insha Allah.”
Ali Nuhu’s revelations highlight the challenges of regional and cultural biases in Nollywood, while also showcasing his resilience and dedication to fostering inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
