I’ll never trade my religion for a Hollywood movie role, says Rahama Sadau

Actress Rahama Sadau has denied changing her religion in exchange for a role in a Hollywood movie and millions of dollars.

Sadau was in October expelled by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN), over her appearance in the music video of ClassiQ, a Hausa indigenous rapper.

Not long after her expulsion was she invited to the set of a Hollywood movie by Akon, a Senegalese-born African American artiste.

The actress, in a statement made available to PulseNG, rejected the accusation that she was compelled to change her faith.

Sadau noted that she has never had to change her religion in Hollywood nor would she ever consider doing so.

She wrote: “Shortly after my sudden expulsion from acting in films in Kannywood, vide a letter published in October 2016, an audio recording began making the rounds, especially on Whatsapp, on a supposed proposal that I had been tempted to change my religion in exchange for millions of Dollars and a role in a Hollywood movie. Words of harsh condemnation have accompanied this false statement.

“Sadly, without clarification, respected elders and clerics resorted to writing about it on social media; condemning me, some advising me not to be swayed by this so called temptation.

“I am deeply saddened by this accusation and the fact that it generated comments from society fathers and religious elders without verification. This has offended my family and friends, hence why I have been left with no choice, but to address this issue publicly. I hereby categorically state that the contents of the recording about me are baseless and untrue. It is merely a very poor attempt at defamation of character.

“My work anywhere in the world remains strictly professional and the issue of my faith has never and will never be a bargaining tool, nor is it a clause in any terms and conditions in my engagements. Sadly Akon, who is of Senegalese origin, a Muslim and philanthropist to his country has also been dragged into this and been tagged an “infidel” by the media reports of some Islamic leaders.

“Although the first audio is available, the engineer of this false statement did not state his name, attempts are still being made to identify the creator.

“In the interim, I urge those circulating the said malicious statement to please stop, and my well-wishers and relatives continue to offer their support and belief in my stand. Wherever my profession may lead me, I will be recognised and accepted first as an African, a Nigerian and I proudly respect my heritage, which is taking me places.”