Northern Cinema Space Has Immense Potential – Madaki

Asabe Madaki is an actor and producer in the Kannywood movie industry who has made an impact and is bold to seek greater frontiers. The Kaduna native speaks to SAMUEL ABULUDE about her movie projects, passion, and issues in the industry

What have you been up to lately, and what productions have you been a part of in the last two years?

Rogers Ofime and I served as Executive Producers on Akwati, a gripping thriller centred on Ahmad Balami, an investigative journalist who exposes high-level corruption in an arms deal. Directed by Prince Daniel, the director of Mai Martaba, Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars. Akwati is coming soon to cinemas. Stay tuned for its release.

Another upcoming project I am particularly excited about is Dambe, directed by the legendary Ramsey Nouah. In a departure from my previous work, I took on the role of a priestess, a character that challenged me to explore a completely different creative dimension. I look forward to the film’s release, as it offers audiences the chance to see me in an entirely new light.

I also starred as the lead in the Kannywood series Tawakkaltu, helmed by director Haruna Talle. The project, which showcases my work in the Northern Nigerian film industry, can be viewed on YouTube via Al Hayat International TV.

Production is underway for my latest Kannywood series. We are still in the middle of filming, and while I have to keep the details under wraps for now, it is certainly a project worth waiting for. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

How has Skylenz Productions been doing since you opened it?

Skylenz Productions has seen a remarkable transformation since its opening. We have successfully bridged the gap between raw creativity and corporate professionalism. A diverse track record in high-tier videography, photography, and strategic content creation fuels our growth. We’ve positioned ourselves as a one-stop media hub that understands the nuances of brand storytelling for the private sector, while maintaining the rigorous delivery standards required by public institutions. We are now leaner, faster, and more creative than ever.

As a northern cinema practitioner, do you feel you can do more as a creative?

Yes, definitely. Being a creative from Northern Nigeria has been both a privilege and a responsibility for me. My journey from studying law to pursuing my passion in acting, storytelling, and media production has taught me that northern voices and perspectives are essential to the broader Nigerian and African film landscape.

There is so much more that can be done, especially in telling authentic stories that reflect our values, our challenges, and our triumphs. Through Skylenz Productions, I’ve worked to create spaces and opportunities for young talents in the region, and I remain committed to mentoring, supporting, and collaborating with emerging creatives.

The northern cinema space has immense potential not just in acting, but also in writing, directing, producing, music, and content development, and I intend to keep pushing boundaries and elevating the quality and reach of our stories.

What are the challenges being faced as a practitioner from the northern region?

One of the biggest challenges is limited access to funding, training opportunities, and production infrastructure compared to other parts of the country. Many talented creatives from the North have the passion and potential, but they do not always have the equipment, mentorship or platforms they need to grow.

There is also the challenge of visibility. Sometimes Northern practitioners are not given the same level of recognition or exposure in the broader Nigerian film industry, despite the quality of their work. This can make it harder for actors, producers, and filmmakers from the region to access bigger opportunities. Another challenge is changing certain perceptions about the industry, especially for women. There are still cultural and societal barriers that can make it more difficult for female practitioners to fully express themselves or pursue certain roles. However, I believe things are improving, and with more collaboration, investment, and support, the Northern creative industry can continue to grow and thrive.