Rahama Sadau: Touching is inevitable in my line of work

Rahama Sadau, the actress who was expelled from Kannywood for “hugging and cuddling” in a music video, says it’s impossible to avoid physical contact while acting.

The Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) had on Monday banned the actress from Kannywood films for supposedly being too close for comfort with ClassiQ, a Nigerian musician.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sadau apologised for any “anxiety” she may have caused by appearing in the video and also appreciated those who have shown her support in her trying time.

“Following the events of the last few days and MOPPAN’s unilateral decision to exclude me from the Hausa indigenous film industry, known as Kannywood, I would like to use this medium to address my fans, friends, those who have been affected and all who have shown concern.

“To those who I have offended in any way, shape or form and who I have caused any anxiety by featuring in the said music video, I sincerely apologise.

“It was a job and I was carrying out my role in my profession, as I would in any other production, be it a Hausa language film or a Nollywood production. However, innocuous touching with other people in my line of work is inevitable.

“I have lines that I would never cross and indeed I live and stand by the tenets, “actions are judged according to intentions.

“The outcome of the events that have taken place has come as a surprise to us all. I may have fallen short of some people’s expectations, but it was never my intention. I make no excuses for my actions and I take full responsibility.

“Thank you to all those who have reached out at this time and to everyone in general for your unwavering support. Your passion and loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed and I am privileged to have your support. This, I do not take for granted and I want nothing more than to continue making you all proud.

“I implore us all to be more tolerant and forgiving towards one another and to cease all the senseless abuse, name-calling and backbiting. This achieves nothing other than to cause a huge divide amongst us.”