• 01 Jan, 2013
• Ibrahim Umar Bello
• No comment

AHMAD S NUHU: THE JEWEL THAT LEFT US

Author: Ibrahim Umar Bello
Twitter: @aaramz

Because of the joy, excitement and pleasant memories they bring, Sallah days are always special. We are always looking forward to it. Especially Eid-El Kabir where rams and cows are slaughtered. But as we grow older, some of these memories fade away as we celebrate Sallah each year.

However, for Kannywood artistes, fans and followers, one of those Sallah days we will never forget is that of  January 1st 2007. That’s because that day brought darkness to the people of the industry as a result of the sudden death of one of the most successful and shining super-star, a Hausa movie actor Ahmad S Nuhu, who died in a ghastly car accident on his way to Maiduguri to stage a Gala for Sallah.

Today is exactly six years since Ahmad S Nuhu departed. His Legacy both on and off the industry will always be remembered. His path to stardom is an inspiration to young actors. The Plateau born actor started developing interest in Hausa films at an early age and at a time when it was not particularly popular. His father, being ill, could hardly support his studies (in Secondary School) and his relatives, who were not happy with young Ahmad’s foray in to the film industry often refused to assist him. In desperation, he turned into a motorcycle taxi driver (achaba) to earn enough money to sustain his schooling. After his secondary school, he joined a relative of his who is a long distant truck transporter to Onisha from Jos. Eventually Ahmad became a truck driver himself.

Ahmad ventured into the Hausa film industry through Ali Nuhu, whom he met when Ali was studying Geography in the University of Jos. Ali stayed in a house owned by Ahmad S Nuhu’s grandfather at Tudun Miraye. The relationship was developed from there.

Ali Nuhu introduced Ahmad to top directors like Tijjani Ibrahim, Ishaq
Sidi Ishaq and Hafizu Bello, and Ahmad came to the fore-front after some brilliant performances in Linzami da Wuta, Huznee, Mujadala and Akasi.

Along with Ali Nuhu, Ahmad contributed a lot in making FKD Poduction arguably the most famous and biggest banner in Kannywood industry today. Untill his death, he is the sole producer in FKD. His talent and the brilliant way in which he acted in movies made FKD Production’s movies one of the best in the industry. His marriage to Hafsat Shehu was one of the most celebrated among Kannywood followers.

Ahmad’s Legacy can never be overstated. He will always be remembered for his humility, obidience and total respect for anyone he came in to contact with. One of the finest actors of his generation, and to some of his peers the best, Ahmad possessed few facets of his game many would envy. Whether acting as a deranged estranged lover in Huznee or highly fashioned romantic lover in Zabari or a comic lying guy in Mazaje, he was always elegant. His versatility and ability to play any role is head and shoulders above anyone. His reputation and stature outside the industry is amazing. In 2003, MTN revealed that, Ahmad was the 7th person in Nigeria to receive the highest number of calls during the year.

Without doubt, Kannywood lost a colossus when Ahmad passed away. His name will always remain synonymous with humility, versatility and benevolence. Allah ya gafarta masa, ya jikan sa da rahma. Ameeeen!