Kannywood’S Next Big Thing: Top 5 Emerging Actors To Keep An Eye On In 2025
Kannywood, the thriving Hausa-language film industry in Northern Nigeria, continues to be a breeding ground for fresh talent. With each passing year, new actors emerge, captivating audiences with their compelling performances and unique storytelling abilities. As we step into 2025, a handful of rising stars are making waves in the industry, proving they have what it takes to become Kannywood’s next big superstars.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of the most promising young actors who are set to dominate the screen in the coming year.
1. Aliyu Sani – The Charming New Heartthrob
Aliyu Sani is one of Kannywood’s most exciting new faces, quickly gaining recognition for his talent and charisma. With his ability to portray a wide range of emotions, he has won the hearts of many viewers, especially in romantic and family-oriented films.
His breakout role in Gaskiya da Soyayya (2024) showcased his versatility, as he played a young man torn between love and societal expectations. Fans appreciated his ability to deliver raw emotions, making him a favorite among film lovers.
Looking ahead to 2025, Aliyu is set to star in Tunanin Zuciya, a film that tackles the issue of mental health in Northern Nigeria. His growing fan base, combined with his dedication to his craft, ensures that he will remain one of Kannywood’s most promising stars in the years to come.
2. Fatima Musa – The Actress with Unmatched Versatility
Fatima Musa is another rising star who has impressed both fans and critics with her ability to adapt to any role. Whether she’s playing the role of a determined young woman fighting against societal norms or a carefree romantic lead, Fatima always delivers a memorable performance.
In 2024, she gained widespread attention for her role in Juyin Halitta, where she played a strong-willed woman navigating the challenges of modern life in Northern Nigeria. Her performance was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
In 2025, Fatima will star in Mace Mai Karfi, a film that focuses on female empowerment and resilience. With her growing popularity and ability to bring characters to life, she is well on her way to becoming one of Kannywood’s biggest stars.
3. Bello Abubakar – The Future of Comedy in Kannywood
Kannywood has always been known for producing great comedic actors, and Bello Abubakar is quickly proving to be one of the best in his generation. His ability to make audiences laugh while delivering meaningful messages has made him a fan favorite.
His role in Dariya da Gaske (2024) was a major hit, as he combined humor with an important story about family values. His impeccable comedic timing and natural wit make him stand out from the crowd.
In 2025, Bello will be starring in Irin Mu Na Garin, a highly anticipated comedy series that explores life in urban Northern Nigeria in a humorous way. With his undeniable talent and ability to entertain audiences, Bello is set to become one of the most sought-after comedic actors in Kannywood.
4. Maryam Abdullahi – The Next Queen of Drama
Maryam Abdullahi is quickly rising to fame as one of the most talented dramatic actresses in Kannywood. She has a rare ability to immerse herself in emotionally complex roles, making audiences feel every bit of her character’s struggles and triumphs.
Her performance in Zuciyar Mutum (2024) was widely praised, as she portrayed a woman dealing with love, family pressure, and personal growth. This role cemented her status as one of the most promising young actresses in the industry.
In 2025, Maryam will take on one of her most challenging roles yet in Ranar Alkawari, a historical drama set in pre-colonial Nigeria. This film will showcase her acting skills on a grand scale and could be the project that propels her to superstardom.
5. Umar Farouk – The Actor with International Ambitions
Umar Farouk is not just another rising star—he is an actor with a vision. His journey in Kannywood started behind the scenes as a production assistant, but his passion for storytelling eventually led him to acting, where he has quickly made a name for himself.
His role in Tunanin Duniya (2024) earned him critical acclaim for portraying a determined young man overcoming societal barriers. Umar’s dedication to his craft and willingness to take on challenging roles have set him apart from his peers.
What makes Umar even more exciting is his ambition to bring Kannywood to a global audience. In 2025, he will collaborate with international filmmakers on Fadakarwa, a movie that aims to showcase Hausa culture on the world stage. With his drive and immense talent, Umar is well on his way to becoming one of the biggest stars in African cinema.
The Future of Kannywood Looks Bright
As Kannywood continues to grow and evolve, these five rising stars—Aliyu Sani, Fatima Musa, Bello Abubakar, Maryam Abdullahi, and Umar Farouk—are shaping the future of the industry. Each of them brings something unique to the table, whether it’s Aliyu’s romantic charm, Fatima’s versatility, Bello’s comedic brilliance, Maryam’s dramatic depth, or Umar’s international ambitions.
2025 is set to be an exciting year for Kannywood, and these emerging actors are at the forefront of this new era. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hausa films or just getting introduced to Kannywood, these are the stars you should be watching closely.
Who among these actors do you think will become Kannywood’s next biggest star? Let us know in the comments!
