Hottest filmmaker in town Princess Zainab Jummai Ado Bayero is set to premiere a documentary on her late father, Alhaji Ado Bayero of Kano, who ruled from 1963 to 2014. In the film, entitled: My Father, The Emir, A Portrait of Ado Bayero, the vocal filmmaker chronicles the life and times of her father as the longest-reigning monarch in the history of Kano. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, she shares her film journey, on how women in the North are breaking boundaries.
Growing up for you that impacted the woman you became
I grew up loving books I’m an introvert I love fashion I was raised by a string woman who instilled in me the virtues of being independent, ambitious and been honest and brave. My father was also strict but he was kind and loving to me; and during Durbar, watching him ride on his horse was always exciting. He didn’t really like me watching movies. I have fond memories of him making me watch discovery channels or history channels growing up. I also read a lot. These two hobbies and my love of history sparked the storytelling in me. Since I was interested in creating, I figured movies would be perfect for me.
Before movie production
I’ve always loved writing but I never published I guess I was thinking it’s just a hobby I guess I was trying to find a path until last year I decided to try the world of movies.
My filmmaking journey
The film, entitled: My Father, The Emir, A Portrait of Ado Bayero, is a piece of Nigeria history from the eyes of an iconic leadfilm chronicles Bayero’s journey as a young prince of the Fulani caliphate in the ancient city of Kano, his childhood, his achievements and his record as the longest reigning monarch in the history of Kano and Africa. I had decided to make a documentary rather than writing historical books, because documentaries are really easy and cool to watch these days. And I decided on making a documentary on my late father on his life and times as a powerful, influential monarch is my first project. I wanted people to have a feel of the historic and cultural beauty of the north, and that of a great and enduring dynasty told in in documentary format. In addition to the fact that it is a daughter telling the story of her father makes it unique and different, it reveals another side of Nigeria, which is the royal culture aspect.
The idea was inspired by my mom who I discussed ideas of what my first movie project should be about. She advised that one on the life and times of my father would make a wonderful documentary. And after much thought, I decided on it and began researching the subject.
That was the beginning of my journey of becoming a filmmaker. And that was last year.
From pre-production, writing, researching, filming post production, it took a period of six to seven months. I began writing the script last November, and began shooting in January; then I wrapped it up in June. And now it’s ready for the screens. Apart from the screen, I am working on getting it on different streaming platforms for a global audience.
My father’s qualities that inspired the film
My father, the late Ado Bayero is a revered Muslim leader, who is regarded as the longest-serving Emir of Kano. He was renowned as a successful businessman and one of the strongest and powerful Emirs in Northern part of the country. He was a natural born leader and really charismatic. I am really inspired by the fact he was someone who believed in unity, peace and harmony. He was a detrabalised Nigerian with friends from all walks of life and from different religious backgrounds and tribes. He encouraged acceptance which was rare for a northern man. Even till date not much people from the north are so accepting. That’s why there’s so much division in Nigeria, we need more men like that. He loved to protect people and wanted the citizens to have comfortable stable lifestyles. I think he would have been really disappointed with the current economic crisis and the insecurities and would have encouraged the political leaders to work harder to create peace, safety and try to stabilise the economy.
Challenges encountered as first time filmmaker
As the writer, producer, narrator and director of my first movie, it was a challenging and yet rewarding experience for me. I hope people support this project, as one by a young woman in a male dominated industry
As a woman in a male dominated field, it’s never easy. And as a Muslim royal from Northern Nigeria, it’s ten times tougher. I’m from a conservative society and women in the Royal families are not usually in the spotlight. The belief is women should be seen not heard. But today, women are breaking boundaries. I’ve encountered so many obstacles in the making of this documentary and that has impact on my timeline for premiering it. I’ve even been sabotaged by members of my dad’s family but I’m still holding on. I’m fighting to be free of the shackles of a patriarchal system: and I’m promoting the North in a positive light. I think in future, they will appreciate what I’m doing for the northerners that they don’t see it now. I’m going against the ideals, so the odds are stacked against me. I am open to partnerships and sponsorships with people who appreciate history and culture.
Being a woman, particularly from the North
As a woman from the north, it’s tough and for me. Being different in a Conservative society was stifling. It was crazy because I was judged for been half southern. I was perceived as not part of the culture. I had a different mindset. I had dreams of being so much more than a typical religious girl. In the North, girls aren’t encouraged to be ambitious or strive to be more than marriage. Don’t get me wrong, being a wife and mom is a great duty as a woman, but there’s so much more. Muslim girls in the North need more outlets need to be exposed and have a different mindset to try and achieve more.
I’m shy and calm but I’m opinionated and not submissive. When I was younger I tried to conform to the proper Fulani girl. I knew I was fighting a part of me – the Edo part. I tried to kill it because the society I was raised in was against that nature; but as I grew older I had to embrace that fiery part of me today. I’m a modern woman ready to be on a grand stage. Islam doesn’t oppress women so it’s not wrong to be out there. There are not many opportunities for girls in North. I hope to help girls in the future.
Beauty to you
For me, beauty is to be comfortable in your own skin; embracing your flaws and been natural. I’m not a makeup person. I love being natural. I love my skin and I feel confident without makeup. When I do put on makeup, it’s for fun.
My fashion style
My style is classic and chic. I have an edgy feminine aesthetic. I love classic staples in neutral tones. I love been elegant and sexy but minimalistic also.
Fashion item I can’t do without
I love been comfortable and casual. So, I love denim jeans. It’s a classic fashion staple: you can dress it up in sexy blouses, in a simple tee for a casual outing or classic in a white buttoned down shirt. It’s such a versatile clothing item.
My escape place
I love to read and watch movies. I love to travel and experience new places.
What’s next
I hope to do a lot more. I would love to work on more documentaries as well as feature films both historical and contemporary issues. I hope to do partnerships.
