Nigerian filmmaker Prince Daniel, popularly known as Aboki, has debunked reports suggesting that he was rejected by Kannywood due to his religion and Nollywood because of his regional background.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Aboki is the director of Mai Martaba, a film that has gained significant attention within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The epic Hausa film was among contenders at the just-concluded 97th Oscars Awards after it was meritoriously selected by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aboki clarified that he never granted any interview making such claims. The reports, he said, appeared to have stemmed from a misinterpretation of his remarks during a recent event in Los Angeles, California.
READ ALSO: Oscar Nominated Movie ‘Mai Martaba’ Secures Paris Fashion Endorsement, Show Opportunity
“My attention has been drawn to some publications with headlines suggesting that Kannywood rejected me because of my religion and Nollywood because of my region. First of all, I did not grant any interview to any newspaper or publication in relation to this matter,” he stated.
Aboki explained that during a question-and-answer session at Nollywood in Hollywood earlier this month, he discussed the challenges faced while producing his film Mai Martaba and the journey to the Oscars.
Among the difficulties he mentioned were security concerns while filming in the Northwest and financial constraints, particularly as a new director working with emerging actors.
The Mai Martaba Director noted that during this discussion, he mentioned how the industry seemed divided in its perception of him and his work.
READ ALSO: Nigerian First Ladies Endorse Mai Martaba’s Oscars Campaign
“At some point, the Kannywood segment of the industry seemed to view us as Nollywood, while Nollywood also saw us as Kannywood, simply because I am from the North,” he explained.
However, he stressed that his statement was misinterpreted and reaffirmed his deep connection with Kannywood. “For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me on the basis of ethnicity or religion. In fact, it has been my greatest pillar of support as a filmmaker,” Aboki said.
He further pointed out the overwhelming support he received from audiences during his film’s cinema exposure and from industry practitioners, both veterans and newcomers alike.
READ ALSO: Mai Martaba Secures Distribution Deal With UK Company, Announces Date For Soundtrack Release
“I say with every sense of responsibility that I am a Nigerian filmmaker, though of northern extraction. I reside in Kano, where I practice my craft, springboarding from Kannywood. I have enjoyed immense support here, with no prejudice whatsoever,” he affirmed.
Aboki also reiterated his commitment to the growth of the industry and to changing narratives about the North.
“I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding fathers of Kannywood to elevate the standard of our industry—telling our stories to the world and creating employment opportunities for our youth, far from the stereotypical narrative of the North as being synonymous with conflict and banditry.”