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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians From Zamfara State
Zamfara State, located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, is rich in cultural history and Islamic heritage. While the state is mostly known for its agricultural resources and Islamic traditions, it also has a thriving music scene. Music in Zamfara State, like in much of northern Nigeria, is deeply influenced by traditional Hausa music, Islamic music, and contemporary sounds such as Hausa pop and Afrobeat. Many musicians from Zamfara have made significant contributions to the northern Nigerian music industry and beyond.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 musicians from Zamfara State, celebrating their impact on the local and national music scenes, as well as their contributions to the preservation of traditional Hausa culture through music.
1. Nura M. Inuwa
Genre: Hausa Pop, Kannywood
Popular Songs: "Mijin Biza," "Soyayya Na Dadi," "Gimbiya"
Nura M. Inuwa is one of the most popular Hausa musicians from Zamfara State. He has gained recognition across northern Nigeria for his contributions to Hausa pop music and his involvement in the Kannywood film industry. Nura’s songs often focus on love, family, and societal values, and his melodious voice has endeared him to fans both in his home state and beyond.
His hit song "Mijin Biza" is a favorite at weddings and social gatherings, and his other tracks, such as "Soyayya Na Dadi" and "Gimbiya," have become staples in northern Nigerian music. Nura’s ability to blend traditional Hausa sounds with contemporary rhythms has made him a leading figure in the Hausa music scene.
2. Naziru Sarkin Waka
Genre: Traditional Hausa, Praise Music
Popular Songs: "Sai Hakuri," "Sarautar Kauna," "Jamilu"
Naziru Sarkin Waka is one of the most respected traditional Hausa musicians in northern Nigeria, and he hails from Zamfara State. Known for his deep and soulful voice, Naziru’s music often centers around praise for political and traditional leaders in the north. His songs are imbued with respect for Hausa traditions, and he has become a household name through his contributions to traditional praise music.
Naziru’s ability to tell stories through his songs, while maintaining a strong connection to Hausa culture and values, has made him one of the most important musicians from Zamfara State. His music often plays a central role in state functions, weddings, and royal celebrations across northern Nigeria.
3. Umar M. Shareef
Genre: Hausa Pop, Kannywood
Popular Songs: "Ruwan Dare," "Soyayya," "Nisan Kwana"
Umar M. Shareef is a household name in the Kannywood industry and has strong roots in Zamfara State. As both an actor and a musician, Umar is celebrated for his love-themed songs that have struck a chord with listeners across northern Nigeria. His smooth voice and heartfelt lyrics have made him a popular choice for wedding songs and romantic soundtracks in Hausa films.
Songs like "Ruwan Dare" and "Soyayya" have earned him national recognition, and his involvement in both music and film has made him a multifaceted entertainer. His contributions to Hausa pop music, along with his acting, have earned him a loyal fan base across Zamfara and beyond.
4. Ado Gwanja
Genre: Hausa Pop, Kannywood
Popular Songs: "Asha Rawa," "Hanyar Kano," "Wani Gari"
Ado Gwanja, originally from Zamfara State, is a vibrant and energetic musician in the Hausa pop scene. Known for his high-energy dance songs, Gwanja’s music has become incredibly popular at social events, particularly weddings. His hit song "Asha Rawa" is a dance anthem that has made him a favorite in the northern Nigerian music scene.
Ado Gwanja’s music often combines modern beats with traditional Hausa sounds, making his songs appealing to younger audiences. His involvement in Kannywood has also boosted his fame, as he continues to contribute to both music and film in the Hausa entertainment industry.
5. Maryam Fantimoti
Genre: Traditional Hausa, Kannywood Soundtrack
Popular Songs: "Wakar Aure," "Matar Bahaushe," "Soyayya Ta Gaskiya"
Maryam Fantimoti is one of the leading female voices in Hausa traditional music, and she hails from Zamfara State. Her music focuses on themes that are central to Hausa culture, such as love, marriage, and the role of women in society. Maryam’s songs are often featured in Kannywood films, where they serve as soundtracks for romantic and dramatic scenes.
Her voice and music have made her a respected figure in the northern Nigerian music industry, especially among female listeners. Her ability to convey emotions through traditional melodies has earned her a dedicated fan base in Zamfara and beyond.
6. Sadiq Zazzabi
Genre: Hausa Traditional, Folk Music
Popular Songs: "Kai Na Dawo," "Muna Raye," "Wakar Aure"
Sadiq Zazzabi is another talented musician from Zamfara State, known for his contributions to Hausa folk music. His songs are often characterized by their storytelling nature and traditional instrumentation, which celebrates the cultural heritage of the Hausa people.
Sadiq’s song "Kai Na Dawo" is a reflection of his love for Hausa culture and its preservation through music. His work has gained him recognition across the north, where his songs are played at weddings, cultural events, and other social gatherings. Zazzabi’s music continues to promote traditional values while maintaining relevance in modern-day Nigeria.
7. Fati Niger
Genre: Traditional Hausa, Folk Music
Popular Songs: "Maichan Yabo," "Aure Na Dadi," "Soyayya"
Fati Niger, who has roots in Zamfara State, is one of the most well-known female Hausa musicians. Her songs are celebrated for their deep connection to Hausa traditions, particularly in the context of marriage and relationships. Fati’s music often focuses on themes of love, respect, and the role of women in Hausa society.
Her ability to create music that resonates with women across northern Nigeria has made her a beloved figure in the Hausa music industry. Songs like "Maichan Yabo" and "Aure Na Dadi" are staples at weddings and family gatherings, where Fati’s music helps celebrate the beauty of Hausa traditions.
8. Hamisu Breaker
Genre: Hausa Pop, Contemporary Hausa Music
Popular Songs: "Jaruma," "Sakalci," "Karshen Kauna"
Hamisu Breaker, though widely associated with Kano, has strong ties to Zamfara State. He is one of the rising stars in the Hausa pop genre, known for his romantic songs and his ability to appeal to younger audiences. His breakout hit "Jaruma" has earned him national attention, with millions of views on streaming platforms.
Hamisu’s ability to combine modern beats with Hausa language lyrics has made him a standout in the contemporary Hausa music scene. His songs often focus on love, heartbreak, and personal growth, themes that resonate deeply with his fans.
9. Aliyu Sharba
Genre: Islamic Religious Music
Popular Songs: "Tarihin Annabi," "Kauna Ta Gaskiya," "Sallah Zamu Yi"
Aliyu Sharba is a renowned Islamic musician from Zamfara State. His songs are deeply rooted in Islamic teachings and are often played during religious events and festivals. Aliyu’s music promotes peace, love, and devotion to God, making him a beloved figure among the Muslim community in northern Nigeria.
His soothing voice and spiritual lyrics have made him a key figure in Islamic religious music, particularly during Ramadan and Eid celebrations. His contributions to religious music have earned him a loyal following across Zamfara State and beyond.
10. Nazifi Asnanic
Genre: Hausa Hip-Hop, Pop
Popular Songs: "Aure," "Mata," "Wakar Mutuwa"
Nazifi Asnanic, who hails from Zamfara State, is one of the most successful Hausa hip-hop artists in northern Nigeria. His music blends traditional Hausa rhythms with modern hip-hop beats, creating a unique sound that appeals to younger audiences. Nazifi’s songs often focus on social issues, love, and personal reflection, making his music both entertaining and thought-provoking.
His ability to rap in Hausa and still maintain a modern sound has earned him a place in the Hausa music industry, where he continues to inspire younger generations of musicians from Zamfara and beyond.
Conclusion
Zamfara State may not be as widely known for its music industry as some other states in Nigeria, but it has produced a wealth of talent that has made significant contributions to the Hausa music scene. From traditional Hausa folk music to modern pop and hip-hop, these musicians have not only put Zamfara on the map but have also preserved and promoted the rich cultural heritage of the state through their art.
These top 10 musicians represent the diversity and depth of Zamfara’s music scene. Whether through love songs, praise music, or religious devotion, they continue to shape the cultural landscape of northern Nigeria and inspire future generations of musicians. As they grow in their careers, their contributions to the music industry will continue to be celebrated both in Zamfara and beyond.
