She is one of the most admired actresses in the movie industry. She has spent over 15 years in the industry and still counting. She has spent 8 years as a Producer and has produced 10 movies, and still counting.
In this Instagram Live Chat with City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE, Halima revealed her many achievements during the lockdown, her businesses, plus what stands her out amongst others. She reveals how she has been feeding 13 family members through hard work determination and dedication to her crafts.
What have you been up to since the lockdown?
Wow a lot has happened, funny enough this lockdown period remain one of the most successful period that I have had most profitable and successful, I had so much to do, I learnt a lot. 5 months is a long time, so I had to come up with lots.
Can you take us through some of your achievements during the lockdown?
I launched my perfume during the lockdown, we sold 3 batches, and I have new batches that just came out, my luxury items too, lots of business opportunities came for me.
Talking about movies, what should we expect before the end of the year?
I will be working on two projects, I have been talking about the scripts and I am happy to be back, though I didn’t go anywhere, I only took a break to attend to some very important things and personal things, though lots of people have been asking, where did I go, I didn’t go anywhere, I am back to my crafts, and I am a producer now. Movies are there forever but our times are not, so I need to concentrate on other things too, I am an indoor person, so I need to utilise my time and use it wisely.
What has changed about Halima?
I am more mature, more ambitious I have a baby that is my everything normal Halima won’t turn up for an interview like this, so you can see for yourself, it is a whole new me I am cherishing everything I have.
So, what has not changed?
My character, my heart, my work, ethnics, I work harder now, the last 2, 3 years has been really stressful.
Let’s talk about your fashion and style. You have always remain stylish?
Yes, I have even gone global with it, I am now into the luxurious business where I deal with all kind of luxurious items glasses, jewelleries, gold, perfume, I am presently in my office and all these are my products, that is why I said I achieved a lot during the lockdown, I have Oudhabib perfume, and Halima luxury items, and the perfume comes in different sizes, I have my sunglasses as well.
How do you see the industry today?
It has grown tremendously, there are lots of opportunities, you don’t need to wait for any marketer to release your movies again, which to me is the beauty of life, I am glad about all the development, it’s been 8 years as a producer and I have produced 10 movies. I lost one project that was supposed to be in the cinema in the U.K., it’s been a win and loss, but I am grateful to God Almighty for everything.
Are you happy with the stage you are now in your career?
Yes, I am, how many people have done the things I have done, I am sure they are very few, I don’t show off, I am not arrogant, I am not an internet person that shows off everything on the media, I just do my thing, if you look at my page it is all about the advert, business promotions branding, thank God, he has blessed us an avenue to showcase other people’s business as well, so I am very grateful to God that I am one of those people that has been branding other products all through some years. It is a platform that God has indeed blessed with and I am grateful.
Is it possible for any actor to survive without doing business in today’s Nigeria?
No, it is not possible, that was why I said different means of income is very important even if you have a store, you can put lots of stuffs into that store, make it a business where many can come and shop, not just a particular product, you don’t need the government to do that for you, develop your life yourself, no matter how small you have, just start up with something, if anybody tells you oh it is all about movie alone, I don’t know, if someone says oh, I made 10 million from that movie, fine it is okay but you can’t make such profits from every movie you produce. The pandemic has affected a lot of things so we need to be wise in everything especially now that we are vulnerable and limited to somethings, I personally won’t risk my life, because I know I can always be in a movie when it is right, there are many people who desire to collaborate and work with me but everything I do, I do at my own time, if I break down, nobody will come and take care of me, so I need to be wise with every decision, so having a different source of income is very necessary.
How long have you been acting now?
I have been acting for 15 years.
Looking back, how has the last 15 years been?
I was young, I went through the very narrow way down here, but I am glad I did because I did to learn things myself, I need to find a way of putting food on my table without being promiscuous or sleeping with the different producer to take roles, even if many claim, they have not seen it, there is sexual harassment in Nollywood, I don’t have to strength to argue that was why I created my own path, I took interest in the business that is why I am here and I am here to stay.
What movie shot you to limelight?
I shot quite lots of them such as Fake doctors Sabotage and hosts of others but I think White hunter produced in 2007 did it for me.
What is your advice to young ladies who wants to be successful as Halima?
It’s not easy to be here for that long so that’s a success on its own. I don’t count success by monetary wealth but by experience growth so I hope they understand that. Besides all these acting and businesses I also have a farm which I guess most people don’t know about its in Lokoja and it’s been 9 years that is why I say when you make money its important to invest even if you are not married you have a family to take care. I take care of 13 people in my family so when I earn a salary trust me 13 people will eat from it.
Your parents gave birth to you and its important you take Care of them when they go old and you need to take care of your siblings as well I give God the glory I don’t have any regret am a family person that enjoys staying home spending wonderful time with my family instead of going out clubbing or partying.
How come Halima is still single?
Laughs!!!!! Single I never said I was single fine I know I don’t talk about men or any relationship that’s a personal decision and I always say it in all my interview if my boyfriend or husband wish to come out to say he is dating me its okay but it won’t be from me I enjoy and respect my privacy a lot all my concentration is on my baby now.
What is your message to your fans all over the world?
Thank you so much for all the love and support God bless you and if you want to come into Nollywood be prepared for the worst, its hard and if you are coming as a professional go through your friends to put you through register with AGN talk with Monalisa Chinda our secretary she will be of great help.
Don’t go to people looking for jobs then later start shouting sexual harassment I have experienced it and its there they keep saying there’s no sexual harassment in Nollywood but its there don’t let anyone use you all in the name of making you a star go through the right channel.
How can we stop sexual harassment in Nollywood?
It can be stopped its a norm in everywhere in the world they believe it’s you that enjoy the success when it comes but don’t understand the success comes with lots of tears and pains a lot of jealousy from colleagues you think are your friends they can kill you out of jealousy there’s no togetherness in the industry and that one needs to be careful people coming to the industry should know this.
