How Rahama Sadau went from Kannywood outcast to government appointee

Rahama Sadau

Actress Rahama Sadau has been appointed as a technical committee member overseeing the Investment In Digital and Creative Enterprise (iDICE) programme.

The iDICE programme is a collaboration between the government and international agencies to promote investment in digital and creative industries.

Rahama and other appointees were inaugurated into the committee on Thursday by Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The Kannywood star expressed her gratitude for the appointment in a recent post on Instagram, adding that she appreciates the “support and confidence in me”.

She wrote: “I am pleased, honored and humbled to accept my appointment to serve on the technical committee of the IDICE (Investment In Digital and Creative Enterprise) program.

“This is indeed a humbling experience to witness. My warmest appreciation to my principal His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima for the recognition and inclusion.

“My warmest appreciation to His excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice president, Senator Kashim Shettima, for seeing 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 recognize 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.”

Rahama recently talked about her transitioning into Nollywood after she was banned from Kannywood industry which she described as “challenging”.

“It was challenging and unique, and I loved it. We just talked about our system.”

“So my biggest fear when switching to Nollywood was that it wasn’t switching; it was trying to play by the book in the industry. Trying to be who I am, and as a Northern actress, I am trying to find a space to fit in here,” she told PREMIUM TIMES.

The actress was banned by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria for featuring in a romantic musical video by Jos-born singer ClassiQ in 2016.

She was, however, relentless in pursuing a career for herself despite the challenges faced as a result of the ban and other controversies.

Shortly after expulsion, she debuted in Nollywood by starring in a 13-week drama series, Sons of the Caliphate. In the same year, she landed a role in The Amercian King, directed by award-winning US-based Nigerian filmmaker Jeta Amata alongside Nollywood stars Nse Ikpe-Etim and Eyinna Nwigwe and Hollywood stars Vanessa Martini, Akon, and Miguel Nunez jnr.

Since the ban, Rahama’s career has increased significantly, as a Kannywood outcast who earned her place in Nollywood as an actress and producer with occasional collaborations with the Bollywood film industry.

The ban was lifted by the then Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, through the Kano State Censorship Board in 2018.

She recently launched a reality show on Showmax titled Sadau Sisters.