Hidaya Nuru

““Being an actress is incredibly important to me. I take it seriously. I’m not chasing fame; what I long for is to showcase my talent and educate others through this vibrant light that God has blessed me with. This is my job, and I love it,” Hidaya Nuru Adam shared with us, her smile radiant as she spoke, embodying both pride and purpose.

Despite her passion and dedication, Hidaya acknowledges the challenges she’s faced in Tanzania, where acting is sometimes viewed as an unconventional career. “There are a few bad apples that give the industry a bad name, and people think acting isn’t a ‘real’ job. But for me, it’s everything. It’s therapy, my profession, and what makes me happiest,” she said with conviction. To her, acting is more than entertainment; it’s a powerful platform to educate and communicate important messages to the public.

“I love my job. Being on set fills me with joy, and I approach it with utmost seriousness,” she emphasized, flashing a warm smile to underscore her point. For Hidaya, her work is not just a passion—it’s a calling.

Hidaya’s unexpected journey into the world of acting began in 2011 when two prominent producers noticed her on social media and saw potential in her. “They saw my photo and wanted to work with me,” she recalled, excitement and nervousness still fresh in her voice.

Despite initial fears about her stutter, she took the plunge, debuting in *Siri Ya Mtungi*, a TV series produced by Media for Development International (MFDI) and funded by USAID. In the series, she played Nusura, a young woman who marries an older man after discovering her boyfriend’s repeated infidelity. This role not only launched her career but also put Tanzanian film on the map, showcasing a new level of professionalism and storytelling that caught the world’s attention.

In 2014, Hidaya took on another pivotal role in *Daddy’s Wedding*, acting alongside Jenerali Ulimwengu, one of Tanzania’s most celebrated actors. Filmed in the stunning Saadani National Park, the movie tells the story of Jane, a young woman who marries an older widower with five grown children. Reflecting on the experience, Hidaya said, “Playing Jane taught me how to peel back the layers of my character, like an onion, to find what works best for each role.”

Since then, Hidaya has continued to make her presence felt in the industry. In *Nuru*, she portrayed Naomi, a university student struggling to meet her father’s expectations, while in *Koneksheni*, she played Imelda, a woman navigating the emotional turmoil of her husband’s infidelity and subsequent divorce. Each role, she says, has helped her grow as an actress and as a person. But acting isn’t her only pursuit. Hidaya is a woman of many talents. Known also as Hidaya Maeda, she’s a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and former Tanzanian catwalk diva. At 5’8”, she has walked the runway for over 30 fashion shows, representing top designers like Ally Rhemtula, Mustafa Hassanali, and Ailinda Sawe. She also competed in and won Miss International Tanzania in 2009, through the Miss Universe pageant, which opened doors for her to become a model coach and judge.