MUSTAPHA MUSTY CRIES OUT: GOVERNMENT SCUTTLED MY MARRIAGE PLANS

MUSTAPHA MUSTY is undoubtedly one of the humblest A-list actor and most popular figure in the history of the Hausa movie industry. He is one of the lucky few to make a breakthrough with his first effort titled Hawainiya in 2005. Musty has also been branded the most handsome face in the industry, a title he still  holds till date since he was first ‘crowned’ in 2007. He told SALISU SAYYADI that the Kano state government scuttled his attempt to get married years back. Find out how? He also

Mustapha Musty

unveiled his other experiences in the industry in this no-holds barred, but tantalizing interview. Excerpt.

May we meet you, how did it all start?

My real name is Mustapha Mustapha, but popularly known as Mustapha Musty. I was born in Kano in Taurani local government, and precisely in Gyadi-Gyadi quarters of Kano state. I am from a family of ten and the first at that. I attended Gyadi Gyadi Primary School, and Government Junior Secondary School in Sabuwar Kofar along BUK Road, opposite Rumfa College gate. I then proceeded to Government Technical College, Taurani. After this, there was a lull in my educational pursuit. However, some years later, I got enrolled to study for a diploma programme to read Public Administration at Bayero University, Kano. After this, I worked in my late grandfather’s company, Ila Enterprises Limited, a cotton ginnery outfit. But because the work at the company is seasonal, I got interested in the movie industry through my friends who were already players in Kannywood as directors, producers, actors and what have you.

What was your first call or movie in the make-belief   industry?

My first movie is titled, Hawainiya produced by late Hamza Danzaiki; the founder of Home Alone Production at that location, I was given three scripts; all from different producers, because everyone were impressed with my capability. I surprised them as a first timer which most of them did not believe. People asked my how I managed to do the stuff so perfectly, even more than the so-called stars I told them before, I actually veered into the industry, I use to visit locations and watched how they did it. If we are to base this on experience, I would have scooped four years in all, because for th four years, I frequented different locations to keep my friends company, but actually learnt what they were doing through observation. Hence, I didn’t find it difficult when I was called upon to do the real thing.

Mustapha and a prolific Kannywood director Hassan Giggs

But, what inspired you in the real sense apart from having friends in the industry?

One day, I saw my self sitting at Gidan Maitangaran where actors, producers, directors and pother players in the industry use to converge, that was around 2005. At that time, the industry was in dire need of a new face which it lacked for a long time. So, Hamza Danzaiki, Auwalu Muhammad Sabo, at that time asked me if I was interested to join the professional association to become an actor. I actually told them to give me sometime to consult with my mother, because I already lost my father at that time. Auwalu Sabo tutored me on how to approach my mum, in a way that she would be convinced, which is what I did.

Name some of the popular movies you have featured?

Maryam Booth

They are Fati, Jani, Runduna, Wasiyar Uwa, Al-Muru  and Abba Siyama, In the English sector, I have acted in Broken Wall and Ghost Lover among others.

How does she feel now that you are a super star?

She is very, very happy and contented with my exploits in the movie industry. You can’t imagine sometimes she say it is unbelievable that her son is now known all over the world. Secondly, she is also excited that her son of yesterday is earning a legitimate income, especially from an industry which a lot of people do not have regards for. So, it like I am an Ambassador in the family and the entire people of Kano because what I do in the industry is portraying it in good light. There was a time, she called me to tell me how she got a star treatment when someone identified her at an even that she is my mother, she a lot of people gathered to see her and almost became a distraction at the occasion. She said, she was subjected to a lot of inquiries about me because people who mere saw me on the screen wanted to know more about me from my mother.

What is your impression about the industry as it is today, because there is still a lot of misgivings and misconceptions about it particularly from the Northern part of the country?

This industry is unlike what people think it is. A lot of people always feel it is an avenue to influence their audience in a negative way. Even, there was a time the government clamped down on the industry as if all practitioners in the sector are evil. What some of us have succeeded in doing is to ensure we stand straight in spite of all odds to ensure we portray the industry in good light. It is so sad that for instance, nobody talks about Rukayya Dawwaya, who used to be a top actress in the industry when she built a mosque. Is that not a good deed to talk about and blow to the roof top, but no people would rather talk about the little wrong that we commit like every other normal human being and blown out of proportion. This includes the media, which should have made it an issue. But if, this same Dawayya does anything you can bet that the media and the Ulamas for instance would be everywhere castigating her even using the social media. There was also a time, Adam A. Zango went to a location in one remote village and prayed in a decrepit mosque. The following day, when he visited the same mosque, he came with bags of cements and other accessories like carpet, generator and did renovated the mosque and brought it to standard. You imagine a small village which now is not rebuilt, but carpeted and prayers are now observed with loud speakers, nobody talked about this, not even the Ulamas and the media. These are only two examples, because many more abound. So, we should be encouraged to contribute our quota to society.

One issue about the movie industry or entertainment is sex, even globally, so what does this mean to you and would you agree it exist in Kannywood?

For me, I feel that this is something one cannot say specifically that it exists or that it does not exist, it depends on where you belong. Everyone in the industry chose his or her own way of operation in the movie sector. So, if I come out now to say this thing, sex does not exist in Kannywood, people are bound to believe or not to believe. I would rather want to remain aloof. But to be more realistic, I have not heard that any player in the industry have been caught in sexual activities. So, I rather like to leave it at that.

Let’s get very personal. You have been branded the most handsome guy or face in the industry at one time or the other, how does this make you feel, and when do you expect to tie the knot?

Musy and Booth

There was a time, my marriage plan was almost completed, but it hit the rock. We had already begun the countdown to the wedding day, when the government of Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau had issues with Kannywood branding us as misfits. That was during the era of Maryam Hiyana. The government through the Kano State Censorship Board headed then by Abubakar Rabo  Abdulkarim declared war on us, it not only clamped down on the industry by banning our operations which lasted about six  months, the government through its officials and Ulamas declared us as drug addicts, fornicators and all the bad attributes you can think of. It even went the extra miles to warn parents not to allow their children and wards have anything to do with us. This advice was what my prospective in-laws heeded and stopped their daughter from honouring our marriage plans and that was how the relationship crashed.

That around 2006, so between then and now, what is up as per relationship and marriage?

Since then, anytime I see a lady; I always do know how to confront their parents, due to the stigma the previous government have attached with the industry. So, I am still searching for a wife and praying for me to have the wisdom to approach the prospective in-law. By and large, God’s willing; I would probably hook up with a lady and marry before the end of this year.

One thing that has been current with reaction from top players in the entertainment sector is the gay marriage law accent by President Goodluck Jonathan recently, what is your take on this?

I welcome the law, because gay marriage is totally wrong by any standard. None of the religion that I know which exist supports gay relationship, talkless of living with it as partners in marriage. So, it is evil and I salute Mr. President for having the political will to sign the bill into law inspite of global resentment.

You have started featuring in Nollywwod movies, what is the experience like?

It is the new collaboration we want to encourage in the industry, to bring both Nollywood and Kannywood acting together in movies. The first time I was invited to play a role in an English movie, I thought I couldn’t, but upon honouring the invitation and hitting the location, I discovered it was not different from Kannywood, except for the fact that English Language was the medium of communication. So, I fitted in so perfectly and it was a good experience for me. I wish for more locations in Nollywood because they are very interesting colleagues.

Where do you see the industry in the next ten years?

I foresee Nollywood/Kannywood relationship reaching great height. The next ten years would witness a lot of changes in the industry, because we have not reached the limit, as there are a lot more to explore. However, we expected a lot more participation by the various governments, especially at the federal level as well as corporate sponsorship for us to reach the next level. Already, the President Goodluck Jonathan have allocated  about N3 billion to improve the industry, and very soon some of our finest practitioners in Kannywood would proceed to India to improve their skill and build their capacity courtesy of what have come to be known  as projectactnollywood.  Some Nollywood acts would also attend the training in the United States and I see this as a way forward for the growth of the industry. But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more and I believe this would serve as a challenge to the corporate sector to contribute their quota because this industry, as in the general entertainment is one of the biggest employer of labour and must be encouraged.