Marriage For Me Will Happen At The Right Time – Actress Asabe Madaki

Asabe Madaki is a woman of many parts, who is driven by passion and discipline to create change in her environment. A trained lawyer, actress, singer, entrepreneur and advocate.

You featured in ‘The Black Book’. Tell us your experience working with legends like RMD, Bimbo Manuel, Shaffy Bello, and Ireti Doyle?

“It was surreal. These are people I grew up admiring on screen, so stepping onto a set with them felt like a masterclass in professionalism, humility and dedication. Every moment was a learning opportunity and I’m grateful that ‘The Black Book’ gave me the chance to stand alongside such icons.”

.How did you feel the first time you handled a gun in the movie?

“At first, it was intimidating. I had to train my mind to see it as a prop and not a weapon. Once I embraced the role, it became empowering . I then realized that acting is all about transformation, and holding that gun symbolized stepping fully into the character.”

. You seem more comfortable featuring in English-related movies than Hausa movies. Does it mean you still cannot speak Hausa fluently?

“I speak Hausa, but English productions give me a wider audience. It’s not about comfort — it’s about the kind of stories being told. I’m proud of my roots, and I will always represent Hausa culture, but I also want my work to resonate across Nigeria and beyond.”

You are the first northerner to be nominated for AMVCA. Did that place a heavy responsibility on you?

“Yes, it did — but in a good way. I saw it as a responsibility to open doors for others from the North. That nomination wasn’t just for me, it was for every young girl who aspire to excel, to attain heights and achieve a sense of belonging in the industry. It means the world to me to know that I represent them.”

Let’s talk about your new song, Zaman Lafia. What’s the motivation behind it?

The song “Zaman Lafia” (which is Hausa for “Peaceful Co-existence”) was born out of my deep desire for peace in our society. Coming from Northern Nigeria and seeing how conflicts affect families, youths, creativity and even development, I felt compelled to use my voice to spread messages of unity and hope through my music. Zaman Lafia is my own little contribution to healing hearts and reminding people that peace is priceless.”

You are an ambassador of Action Aid. Tell us the story behind it. Did you reach out to them or they chose you?

They reached out because they recognized an alignment between what I was already doing and their own mission. For me, becoming their ambassador was a natural extension of the work I had already committed my life to.”

Tell us about Skylenz Productions and the journey so far with the youths.

“Skylenz Productions was born out of my desire to create opportunities for young talents. I didn’t just want to act; I wanted to provide a platform. So far, we’ve trained and worked with many young people in film, music, and creative storytelling. My dream is to see Skylenz become a home for nurturing the next generation of filmmakers in the media space.”

Your first degree in law is in oil and gas. Currently, you’re doing your PhD in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Why this specialization?

“Conflict has always fascinated me — not in the sense of fighting, but in how we resolve it. As someone who advocates peace, I wanted to deepen my knowledge in ADR because I believe dialogue is always better than war. My PhD is not just academic; it’s a reflection of my values.”

What will you do if you’re given a role in a blockbuster Hollywood movie that involves kissing?

“I have personal boundaries as an actor, and kissing is one of them. I believe storytelling is powerful enough without crossing lines I’m not comfortable with. There are so many ways to show love, emotion, and passion without physical intimacy, and I’ve built my career with that principle intact.”

What’s your greatest fear as a woman?
“My greatest fear is not fulfilling my purpose. Titles, fame, even money can fade, but purpose is eternal. As a woman, I want to live fully, give my best, and leave a legacy that outlives me.”

What has success denied you as a woman?
“Privacy. Success makes you visible, and visibility means people think they know every detail about you. Sometimes, I just want to be Asabe, the simple girl, not Asabe the actor or public figure. But I’ve also learned that this is the price you pay for influence.”

The society you come from sometimes frown at successful women who are still single. Are you under pressure to get married?

“I understand the cultural expectations, but I don’t live my life under pressure. Marriage is beautiful, but it must happen at the right time and for the right reasons. Right now, I’m focused on my purpose and my work. When the time is right, it will happen — but until then, I refuse to let society define my worth by my marital status.”