Prominent Nigerian filmmaker Prince Daniel Aboki has refuted allegations that he experienced rejection in Kannywood due to his religion and in Nollywood because of his northern heritage. In a public statement, the director of “Mai Martaba” clarified that he never expressed such sentiments in any interview, attributing the confusion to remarks made during a Nollywood in Hollywood event in Los Angeles.
Aboki explained that his comments were intended to shed light on the fragmentation within Nigeria’s film industry and the difficulties of navigating between Kannywood and Nollywood. He noted that while his film is sometimes viewed as Nollywood by Kannywood and vice versa, this perception did not result from religious or ethnic bias.
“For clarity, Kannywood has never rejected me based on ethnicity or religion. It has been my strongest support as a filmmaker,” he emphasized. He acknowledged the unwavering backing from Kannywood’s industry professionals and audience during the cinema run of Mai Martaba.”
The filmmaker reaffirmed his dedication to promoting Kannywood by collaborating with industry veterans and showcasing northern narratives on a global scale. He also highlighted his goal of creating job opportunities for youth and combating negative stereotypes about Northern Nigeria. “I remain committed to working with my colleagues and the founding figures of Kannywood to enhance the standards of our industry—telling our stories to the world and generating employment for our youth,” he stated.
