Top 10 Musicians From Borno State

Borno State, situated in the northeastern part of Nigeria, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, resilience, and deep-rooted traditions. Despite the challenges the region has faced over the years, it has produced remarkable talents, particularly in the field of music. The state’s musicians blend traditional sounds with modern genres, creating a unique musical landscape that speaks to both local and international audiences. In this post, we will explore the top 10 musicians from Borno State, showcasing their achievements, unique styles, and contributions to the Nigerian music scene.

1. Fati Niger

Fati Niger, born Fati Abubakar, is one of the most prominent musicians from Borno State. She is widely known for her traditional Hausa music, which is popular not only in Nigeria but also in Niger Republic and other Hausa-speaking regions. Fati Niger's music is deeply rooted in her cultural background, often addressing social issues, women’s empowerment, and the importance of preserving Hausa traditions.

Her soothing voice and the melodic fusion of traditional Hausa instruments have earned her a massive following in northern Nigeria. She has released numerous albums that resonate with the northern audience and beyond.

2. Ado Gwanja

Though originally from Kano State, Ado Gwanja has strong roots in Borno State through his musical influence and collaborations with artists from the region. Gwanja is known for his work in Kannywood, the Hausa-language film industry based in Northern Nigeria. His songs are typically played in Hausa movies and are enjoyed by fans of Hausa music across Nigeria.

Ado Gwanja’s vibrant performances and hit songs like “Chass” and “Mamar Mamar” have made him a household name in northern Nigeria, including Borno. He is celebrated for his unique ability to blend contemporary beats with traditional Hausa music.

3. Ahmed Ahmadu (DJ AB)

DJ AB, born Haruna Abdullahi, is a versatile musician from northern Nigeria who has garnered a strong fan base across the region, including Borno State. As one of the most famous Hausa rappers and singers, DJ AB fuses hip-hop with traditional sounds, appealing to the younger generation. His music often addresses societal issues, youth empowerment, and love, using a combination of Hausa and English.

DJ AB’s hit tracks like “Su Baba Ne” and “Babarsa” have enjoyed massive airplay across northern Nigeria, and he continues to collaborate with artists from Borno and other states to promote the rich musical culture of the North.

4. Umar M Shareef

Umar M Shareef is one of the leading voices in northern Nigeria’s music scene, particularly in Borno State. He is well-known for his work in the Kannywood industry, providing soundtracks for many popular Hausa films. His deep, soulful voice and his ability to sing in both Hausa and English have made him a beloved figure across the northern part of the country.

With songs like “Masoyiya” and “Na Yarda Dake,” Umar M Shareef has captured the hearts of his fans. His musical style, a blend of Hausa folk music and contemporary sounds, has ensured his place as one of Borno's favorite musicians.

5. Sani Danja

Sani Danja is a multi-talented artist from northern Nigeria, widely recognized for his work as an actor, singer, and producer. Though he hails from Kano, his music and films are immensely popular in Borno State, particularly among Hausa-speaking audiences. He began his career in the 1990s and has since become one of the most influential figures in Kannywood and the northern music scene.

Sani Danja’s songs such as “Rabin Raina” and “Mairo” are celebrated across northern Nigeria, including Borno, for their emotional depth and melodic richness. His versatility in both music and film has made him a cultural icon in the region.

6. Nura M Inuwa

Nura M Inuwa is another popular musician who has a significant fan base in Borno State. Known for his contributions to Hausa music and Kannywood soundtracks, Nura’s voice is instantly recognizable. His songs, which often touch on themes of love, culture, and social issues, have made him a favorite in the region.

With hits like “Aisha Humaira” and “Soyayya Ruman Zuma,” Nura M Inuwa has solidified his place as one of the top northern Nigerian artists whose music resonates with audiences in Borno and beyond.

7. B.O.C Madaki

B.O.C Madaki, also known as Luka Bulus Madaki, is a well-respected rapper from Bauchi State who has developed a strong following in Borno State and across the northern region. His music is a blend of Hausa, English, and Pidgin, making him one of the most versatile rappers in northern Nigeria. His deep lyrics often focus on social issues, life in the northern part of Nigeria, and personal experiences.

B.O.C Madaki’s hit songs like “Zafi” and “Sani” have earned him widespread recognition, particularly among Hausa-speaking audiences, including those in Borno.

8. Zee Baby

Zee Baby, also known as Zainab Abdullahi, is one of the few female artists making waves in the northern Nigerian music scene, including Borno State. She is celebrated for her melodious voice and her ability to infuse modern beats with traditional Hausa music. Zee Baby’s songs often address themes of love, relationships, and women’s experiences in northern Nigeria.

Her hit tracks like “Zee Baby” and “Sai Dake” have earned her a loyal following, especially among young women in Borno and across the northern region.

9. Lilin Baba

Lilin Baba is another musician whose work resonates deeply in Borno State. He is a Kannywood actor and singer who has gained fame for his musical contributions to Hausa films. His unique blend of Afrobeat and traditional Hausa sounds has made him a favorite in the northern music scene.

With songs like “A Zuciya” and “Rigar So,” Lilin Baba has established himself as a talented artist who can navigate both the film and music industries. His ability to appeal to both older and younger generations makes him one of the top musicians from the North.

10. Hamisu Breaker

Hamisu Breaker, born Hamisu Sa’id Yusuf, is one of the most prominent Hausa singers in northern Nigeria, with a significant following in Borno State. Known for his emotional love songs, Hamisu Breaker has gained popularity for his ability to capture the sentiments of young lovers in his music.

His songs, such as “Jaruma” and “Karshen Kauna,” have amassed millions of views on YouTube and other streaming platforms, making him one of the most sought-after artists in northern Nigeria. His rise to fame has been rapid, and his influence continues to grow, particularly in Borno State, where his music resonates with fans of all ages.

Conclusion

Borno State, like much of northern Nigeria, boasts a rich musical tradition that is deeply intertwined with the culture of the Hausa people. The musicians mentioned in this post represent the diverse range of sounds that emerge from the region, from traditional Hausa folk music to contemporary Afrobeat and hip-hop. Their contributions have not only shaped the musical landscape of Borno but have also made significant impacts on the wider Nigerian music industry. These top 10 musicians continue to inspire, entertain, and connect with their audiences, showcasing the resilience and creativity that Borno State has to offer.