Opinion
Kannywood Trajectories 2: The Magazines
Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu
It is a sign of the high value of literature among the Hausa that magazines to cover the new entertainment medium became rapidly established. Even Nollywood, with more Western educated actors and producers, did not produce the volume the magazines the Hausa did with regards to the film industry.
Thus, in the wake of Sangaya’s spectacular success in 1999, Hausa language magazines sprung up to provide news, information and gossip about the Hausa video film industry soon after the industry started to crystallize. However, the first Hausa video film magazine, Taskira was established in 1996 in Kano, but ceased publication after few issues. Its place was taken by a more successful Tauraruwa (“Star” and inspired by the Hindi film magazine, Stardust, which was extremely popular in urban Hausa northern Nigeria) established by a writer and filmmaker, Sunusi Shehu Burhan which was introduced in 1998 to capture the burgeoning Hausa video film scene. Sunusi, an avid Hollywood and Hindi film enthusiast, coined the term Kanywood for the Hausa video film industry in August 1999 — creating an indigenous label for the industry two years before The New York Times created Nollywood for the Nigerian film industry in 2001. In that period, well over 80% of the production studios as they existed, were located in Sabon Titi, Kano, a wide street that bisected Kano city. Tauraruwa magazine pitched its single office in the area which rapidly became known as “Kanywood Boulevard”.
In March 1999 Fim magazine debuted. Published in Kaduna, it remained the single most consistent source of information about the industry since its first issue. Professionally produced, with an almost academic flair for balance and less sensationalism, it rapidly became the leading and authoritative Hausa video film magazine in Nigeria and beyond, complete with an independent web site (and prefers to use Kaliwud initially instead of Kanywood for the industry, although the industry, in solidarity with Sunusi Shehu who coined the term, prefers Kanywood).
Later, the longevity and tenacity of Fim magazine standardized the coinage to Kannywood from 2002, propelling it into Oxford English Dictionary in 2019 which defines it as “The Nigerian Hausa-language film industry, based in Kano; Kano regarded as the centre of this industry”.
Other magazines that joined in the fray included Annashuwa, Bidiyo, Duniyar Fim, Garkuwa, Gidauniya, Indiyana, Majigi, Marubuciya, Mudubi, Mujallar Sharhi, Mujallar Sho, Mumtaz, Nishaɗi, Sharhin Fim, Shirin Fim, and Tauraruwa. Like the Hausa video film industry itself, competition to establish the magazines, with the exception of the sole survivor, Fim, was motivated by a do-it-yourself journalism ethos and desire to make money, rather than to document the process. This explains why out of about 16 titles established between 1998 to 2005, only one, Fim, survived.
A study of their lifespan indicated varying longevity from just one issue (Mujallar Sharhi), to two (Annur, Sharhin Fim, Indiyana) or four to six (Annashuwa, Majigi, Marubuciya). The rest survived few issues beyond number 10 up to 2004 before folding up.
Indiyana became somewhat unique in that it provided news and information in Hausa about Hindi, rather than Hausa, film industry—which it culled from Hindi film magazines like Fanfare and Stardust, as well as Internet web sites. However, after only two issues, it folded up.
Marubuciya started as a literary magazine, but started to focus on the burgeoning Hausa video film industry after three issues to get a share of the market. Increasing availability of printing presses created more varieties of covering the entertainment industry. Thus, Nishaɗin Mako became the first (18th to 25th September, 2003) initially fortnightly newspaper to cover the industry. It ceased production after that one issue.
The magazines are almost exclusively devoted to video films, trying to keep pace with their rapid expansion, highlighting the appeal of particular films and expanding the number of stars and superstars in the process. And perhaps not surprisingly, regular contact and coverage of the industry provided the magazine publishers with video ideas; for they too entered the video film production business. Thus, Fim magazine produced Gagarabadau, Daren Farko and Artabu, while Majigi (through Shalamar Video film studio in Abuja) produced Honarabul, Illar Gaba and Nafisa–Ta.
Beside the magazine as vehicles of a media process, new linguistic terms rapidly appeared which became the lexicon of the industry, essentially introduced by the younger spectrum of the business, and reflected their globalized adaptation of English words to Enghausa. Thus, some of the popular terms that emerged included shutin (shooting), lokashin (location), artisaye (set rehearsals), industiri (industry), kastin (casting) sina-sinai (scenes), selinface (selling face), rol (role), camama (low budget, i.e., cheaply, produced videos, popularized by Ɗan Ibro franchise), Kan-ta-waye (rookie, greenhorn, fresh Executive Producer, especially a woman with more money than sense, to produce a film). They reflect the new lexicon of Hausa urban film folk and sophisticates.
Indeed, as shown by Yusuf Adamu, a whole new videospeak language, bulungudu was created principally by a seasoned actor, Hussaini Ƙoƙi in 1994. This new created language was first used in Qarni, a film by Hafizu Bello in collaboration with Abba Lawan in 2003. Bulungudu echoes the Klingon language, known as Klingonese or tlhIngan Hol, which was first introduced in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979.
By 2005 the Hausa video film had established itself as a perfect example of globalization of popular culture in a traditional society. The darkness fell in the noon of 2007 with a private phone video clip.
Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu
Is a Professor of media and cultural studies in Bayero University, Kano.
This was first published on his Facebook account.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Bismillah Rahmanir Raheem
On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the good people of Kano State, particularly education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students. May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and countless blessings to us all.
As we celebrate the completion of Ramadan, a month of sacrifice, reflection, and self-discipline, let us carry forward its invaluable lessons into our collective commitment to education. Just as Ramadan teaches us patience, perseverance, and generosity, we must apply these virtues in ensuring that every child, especially the most vulnerable, has access to quality education.
Education is the key to sustainable development, and our duty as a society is to nurture a system that is inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our children. The spirit of Ramadan encourages us to be more compassionate and proactive in addressing societal challenges. Let this spirit guide our continuous advocacy for improved educational policies, increased access to learning opportunities, and enhanced support for teachers and students.
As we mark this blessed day, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and development partners to renew their commitment to strengthening education in Kano State. Together, let us translate the lessons of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity into actionable steps toward building a future where every child has a fair chance to learn and thrive.
Eid Mubarak! May Allah (SWT) bless our efforts and grant us success in our quest for an enlightened and educated society.
Dr. Auwalu Halilu, is a Co-Chair (CSOs), Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE).
By Yushau Hamza
Politics, as a practice, should be driven by ideology, principles and commitment to a cause that aligns with the people’s needs and aspirations. The question of whether Nyesom Wike the minister of the FCT and former governor of rivers state is truly a politician or merely an opportunist manipulating political structures for personal gains has sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. While he claims to be a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his recent political maneuvers suggest otherwise. Wike has for almost two years been seen actively working with the All Progressives Congress (APC), benefiting from its leadership while simultaneously being part of major internal turmoil within his own party, the people’s Democratic Party.
An ideological politician is someone who upholds a clear political philosophy and remains committed to their beliefs and party principles as such, regardless of personal interests or shifting political tides. Such a politician is guided by a vision for governance, policy-making, and national development, rather than self-serving ambitions.
Ideological politicians are often loyal to their party’s core values and are willing to defend them at all costs, even when faced with challenges.
Being a politician goes beyond holding a title or occupying a position in government. A true politician believes in and upholds a set of ideological principles and remains unshaken and even by his perceived self-interest, he chooses to Remains loyal to his party and its policies to Work for the collective goods rather than for his self-interest. Or better still he cross carpets
A true politician, Respects the democratic process and promotes political stability rather than discord. He engages in political participation that strengthens institutions rather than undermines them.
The Wike Dilemma of being a Politician or a Political Opportunist, raises serious concerns about his ideological stance. While he claims to be a PDP member, his actions align more with the interests of the APC. His role in engineering crises within the PDP, including an allegedly mastermind in the suspension of a democratically elected governor of rivers state, his overall grip on party leadership matters reveal a politician who is more interested in power dynamics than in ideological governance.
His involvement in another party’s administration without official defection, portrays him as a political opportunist rather than an ideological politician. He enjoys the benefits of APC leadership while refusing to fully commit to the party, leaving PDP in turmoil without a clear direction.
Wike has turned out to be a politician who straddles between two parties without clear allegiance, this action can be best described as a political mercenary ship, or an opportunistic power broker. Such individuals prioritize their personal ambitions over political consistency, switching alliances to secure their interests at the expense of democratic integrity.
Nyesom Wake’s political trajectory, challenges the notion of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics. His actions suggest that he is more of a strategic power player than a principled politician. If politics is to serve the people and democracy is to thrive, Nigeria needs leaders who embody ideological commitment rather than self-serving maneuvering. Wikes stances leaves all with a terrific question. Can politicians nowadays be trusted if their loyalty fluctuates between personal gains and party allegiance? Only time and the political practices in the Nigeria democratic terrain can live to tell.
Yushau Hamza writes from Kafinchiri town, Garko Local Government Area, Kano State.
By Abdulaziz Abdulaziz
As I readied myself to anchor a special Iftar dinner in honour of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu holding this evening thoughts about the man race in my mind: What is unique about the President? What do I admire about him? What are the memorable moments with him?
The story of the rise of Bola Tinubu from humble beginnings to the pinnacle is largely well known. There is no point regurgitating it. However, observing and working with man up close with bring to the fore many attributes that contribute in shaping his worldwide, his character, his leadership acumen and aided his rise to the top.
First, President Tinubu is very human and humane. He is human in the sense that he is humble, authentic and true to himself. No airs, no pride, no cosmetics. He relates well with his old friends, associates and staff in a convivial atmosphere devoid of haughtiness associated with people in power. He shares jokes less than he scorns. He could be stern and soft making sure that work atmosphere is not bereft of humanity or too jovial to be mistaken as laissez faire. He is generous with laughter when it is evoked but could be too sober in addressing serious issues that you’d wonder if he would breakdown. That’s the human part.
President Tinubu is also very humane. As a person, he is generous and compassionate to those he could reach with his hands. He never forgot friends or families of dead associates and colleagues. He kept to that even with his current tedious job. His good heart makes him the last person to hurt. Instead, he ignores. The President certainly bears no evil intentions against anyone or a collective. The story of his large-heartedness is well told that it warrants no repeating here. He accepts prodigal sons back with forgiving smile.
An important lesson from his life is steadfastness and perseverance. They brought him to where he is. President Tinubu, like the proverbial person who has been there for long, has surely seen a lot. He had seen changing times: real and fake smiles, shifting alliances, broken loyalties, back-stabbing, gang-ups, yet he remained focused and patien. Like the Rock of Gibraltar he remains unshaken and unperturbed. But God works in mysterious ways. For example, some of the arrowheads of Tinubu’s estrangement from a government he helped form in 2015 are today out in the cold. But while he took the unfortunate happenings of that period with steely resolve and perseverance, they are took weak to persevere being out of the table. While he was mature and statemanly, they crying hoarse like a kid deprived of precious doll.
As a leader, the President amazes me with his resolve to take bold even if costly decisions. He embodies the principle that leadership is not about taking popular decisions but about taking right decisions even if painful and inconveniencing. Like a physician on duty, President Tinubu’s administration of some painful reforms were not contemptuos of the feeling of the people, as some analysts alluded. They were, rather, out of courage to take necessary actions to stop the hemorrhage of our country. The hemorrhage may favour those of us now but if not stopped it would certainly prove fatal for our future.
The President was conscious that those actions were not popular. In fact, he was not unconscious that they could be costly politically like it was seen happen in many countries. But the statesman that he is he chose the country over himself. AlhamdulilLah! Mr the President is being proved right with the emerging light from the economic tunnel.
On the occasion of Mr President’s birthday I pray pervently for better health and greater wisdom as he steers the ship of the nation to the shore of progress, stability and development.
Happy birthday, Sir.
Abdulaziz is a Senior Special Assistant to the President and member of the Presidential Communication Team.
Edo, Kano Governors Visit Torankawa Community, Assure Justice for Uromi Victims
Edo Killings: Gov Okpebholo visits Kano, pledges compensation for travelers
K-SAFE felicitates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr
Is Nyesom Wike a Politician or an Ideological Opportunist?
Kano develops 2025 AOP for education sector
Book Review: Quintessential Elegance in Islamic Scholarship, Sheikh Ibrahim Khaleel
Emir Sanusi II Calls for Justice Over Killing of Kano Indigenes in Edo
Kwankwaso condemns killing of Northern travelers in Edo
Emir Sanusi II Warns Against Internal Betrayal and External Meddling in Kano
