interview
By Maryam Ahmadu-Suka and Nathaniel Bivan
Abuja — Born Usman Baba Pategi, a rich acting career would see him become famous as Samanja, one of the most iconic characters in the history of Nigerian TV, and he would go on to produce the programme for decades. Daily Trust cornered the 73-year-old gentleman for a rare chat, in which he opened up on life after retirement, Nigerian entertainment, his stint in the army, and much more. Excerpts:
Samanja is the TV series for which you’re most known. Why do you think it endured for so many years as a hit?
I think it’s because of freshness of ideas. Then there’s God, without whose guidance, you cannot be successful. Sometimes, in my dreams, I get ideas and when I wake up there is paper and pen by my side, always. All I do is write it down, as when day breaks, I might forget. Even when I am working, ideas come to me unexpectedly, and I write them down. All this is as a result of God’s blessings, so I thank Him. When I was broadcasting, I never repeated a programme.
Every week, there was always a fresh one to present. Even presently, I am running a programme at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and there has never been a repeat. It’s called ‘Duniya Budurwan Wawa’ which in Hausa means roughly ‘The World is a Fool’s Damsel’. There is a new edition every Tuesday at 9:30pm, with repeat broadcasts on Saturday at 4:00pm.
Not much of a retirement, then…
(Cuts in) It keeps me busy and my eye condition is not a factor, since I am conversant with it, being what I have been doing for decades.
Do you have any regrets becoming an actor?
If I say I regret anything, then I have committed a very grave offence. How did I become popular, that I am so well-known today, if not for my career choice? Who cares who Usman Baba Pategi is, if not for my role as Samanja?
Even though I am from a royal family, what I am trying to do is live a life worth emulating. This is so when you are no more, others can learn and benefit from it, and also be inspired.
Can you share a lesson you learnt long time ago when you were just starting to become famous?
Let me cite an example. My producer then was the late famous actor/producer Joe Ajiboye. Then Samanja was aired on Saturdays, and I wrote a script in which I had collected my salary and I met a whom I promised money. So my character collected his whole salary and gave it to the girlfriend in Tudun Wada, after removing only N20. So before I got home, I bought a new razor blade and tore my trouser pocket. On reaching home, I told my wife that I was attacked by armed robbers and my whole salary was taken from me except the N20 they left for me. She laughed and said no genuine thief would do such a thing. The script was a hit.
What I am trying to say is that such things are common with men in reality these days. They would leave their wives and children to suffer without providing for them and go outside to enjoy themselves.
All I am saying is, make yourself a better example worth emulating by providing for your family and training your kids in schools to better their future.
Your Samanja role saw you play a Sergeant-Major for decades. Any reason why you chose to create a military character?
It happened when the Civil War started. There were not enough people from Northern Nigeria in the army, so late Captain Buba went round seeking volunteers to serve in the army. By then I was in the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). I went to meet my Controller then, late Alhaji Abubakar Indafadi, and said to him: ‘Sir, Captain Buba was here and he is looking for people to join the army for the Civil War and I want to go’.
I explained that before reaching the warfront, however, I would have to go the Depot in Zaria, have my military training, before they deploy us. So I went.
After the training, they selected 13 of us and sent us to the Army Training School at Oshodi. When we went there, there was a German who gave us an examination, which only two of us passed it. In a way, it all started from there, the creation of the character of Samanja.
Since you were in the army, did that make acting the role of soldier easier?
Yes. Many people have asked how I know so much about the army. That is because I was an active soldier. The army authorities then gave me 100 per cent support. Once, I went to Bonny Camp in Lagos with others to perform and the support I got from people over there was amazing.
After the performance, they even gave me official permission that I should go to the Ordinance Depot and get whatever kit I want. It was only my cast and I who were allowed that special privilege, because they know that we will not abuse the opportunity.
As a seasoned actor, how do you view Nollywood and Kannywood today?
Both industries are trying their best. The problem is that they are very unfortunate. The government is not giving them the financial support they need. Nobody cares about you being an actor or actress in this country because there isn’t much respect for the profession.
If only the government can give the needed support to Nollywood and Kannywood, we can compete with Hollywood. Look at Indian movies for example. We don’t speak their language but their movies have penetrated us.
What do you think can be done to fix that?
We should try to harness and value what God has given us. If those in government are not involved in the serious business which showbiz is, then all will remain stagnant. President Buhari is a very nice man, one I cannot criticise. He is the one who made my programme, Samanja, to go international when he was the Chairman of PTF. He saved the programme.
Speaking of that, are there plans for a new incarnation of your iconic Samanja role in the works?
There always are. The only snag is sponsorship, as any upcoming adventure needs a sponsor. Once they become available, Samanja can come to life again.
What would you like to be remembered for?
That I’m a man who always forgives. I will also like people to forgive me, and pray for me when I am no more.
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